F1 2025 Recap: Breaking Down the Season Before Imola

Before it even began, the Formula 1 (F1) 2025 season was set to be a knockout — and so far, it’s delivered in spades. In less than two months, the season has offered all the excitement you’ve come to expect from F1, from heart-stopping crashes to high-speed passes, riveting rivalries to shocking team shake-ups. With so much of the season left to look forward to, now’s the perfect time to take a look back on everything that’s happened so far. In this guide, we’ll provide a Formula 1 2025 recap before Imola is off and running.

Race by Race: A Recap of Every F1 Race So Far

Whether you missed some of the action or simply want to relive it, here’s a complete guide to this year’s season so far, including F1 team news and Grand Prix results.

2025 Australian Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 16 March 2025

Winner: Lando Norris (McLaren)

With mixed weather conditions and multiple crashes, the season started with a bang in Melbourne, Australia. All eyes were on the three men in front, particularly Lando Norris, who started in pole position. However, with teammate Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and rival Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) on his tail, spectators knew they were in for a fierce battle.

However, heartbreak hit when Piastri slid off the track at the penultimate corner of his home race. Though it initially looked like the Australian would be forced to retire, he reversed off the grass and climbed his way back up through the ranks, ultimately finishing ninth and securing two points. In the end, Norris held on to his first-place position, with Verstappen finishing second and George Russell (Mercedes) claiming third place.

2025 Chinese Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 23 March 2025

Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Following the disappointment of his home race, Piastri knew he had to come back with a vengeance — and he did. After securing pole position, Piastri claimed the victory in China, followed by teammate Norris for a 1-2 McLaren finish.

Although Russell — who finished third again — couldn’t quite overtake Norris, he did fend off Verstappen, who claimed fourth place.

While the race itself was relatively calm, the hours that followed were anything but. In a shocking twist of fate, Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) were all disqualified for car specifications (including weight and plank thickness).

2025 Japanese Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 6 April 2025

Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

This year’s Japanese Grand Prix was a big day for Verstappen, who secured his first win of the 2025 F1 season and his fourth consecutive win in Japan. Although both McLaren drivers — who finished second and third — were giving Verstappen a run for his money, the Dutchman held onto his lead as he crossed the finish line.

There was also some competition between the two McLarens, with Piastri trying desperately to close in on Norris in the final 10 laps. Ultimately, Norris secured second place and Piastri had to settle for bronze on his 24th birthday.

This Grand Prix was also Yuki Tsunoda’s debut for Red Bull Racing, with him replacing rookie driver Liam Lawson. Finishing P12, Tsunoda didn’t manage to score points at his home race but did earn the accolade of Driver of the Day.

2025 Bahrain Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 13 April 2025

Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Another brilliant race for McLaren, the Bahrain Grand Prix saw Piastri finish first and Norris finish third, with Russell sandwiched between them in second.

Not only was the victory Piastri’s fourth in his F1 career, but it marked a turning point for the Australian driver. The first-place finish saw him rise to 74 points in the World Drivers’ Championship — just three points behind his teammate and leader, Norris. It was in Bahrain that people stopped seeing Piastri as a phenomenal second driver and instead as a serious champion contender.

2025 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 20 April 2025

Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Riding the wave of success, Piastri stormed into Saudi Arabia and claimed yet another Grand Prix victory. The win pushed him up to the top of the World Drivers’ Championship, a feat no Australian driver has seen in the last 15 years.

Although Verstappen had pole position, he cut the apex into the first corner. This costly mistake earned him a five-second penalty and opened the door for Piastri to take the lead. Despite the penalty, Verstappen still secured second place.

In third was Leclerc, which marked his first podium finish of the season.

Although he couldn’t catch up to Leclerc, Norris had a remarkable comeback in the other McLaren car. After a crash in the qualifying session, Norris found himself in P10 at the start of the race. However, he fought valiantly and secured 12 points with his fourth-place finish.

2025 Miami Grand Prix Results & Recap

Date: 5 May 2025

Winner: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

A chaotic start had spectators on the edge of their seats at the Miami Grand Prix. Verstappen (in pole position) and Norris (in P2) came in with their elbows swinging, going side by side in an aggressive standoff. Ultimately, Verstappen defended his position and edged Norris off the track, forcing him all the way back to P6. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ rookie Kimi Antonelli and Piastri took second and third place, respectively. That is, until Piastri darted past Antonelli during the fourth lap, setting his sights on Verstappen next. When Verstappen suffered a front lock during lap 14, Piastri pounced, taking the lead and scoring his third consecutive victory.

Soon enough, it was Norris’ turn to battle with Verstappen. After some ferocious back-and-forth, the Englishman overtook Verstappen and secured the 1-2 finish for McLaren.

Unfortunately for Red Bull, Verstappen couldn’t land a podium finish, losing his third-place finish to Mercedes’ Russell.

As it Stands: F1 Standings 2025

At the time of publication, Piastri has secured a healthy lead in the 2025 World Drivers’ Championship. However, with so much of the season remaining, contenders like Norris, Verstappen, and Russell could turn things around in the coming months.

Ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, these are the driver F1 standings for 2025: