McLaren widens the gap, Ferrari sees red: the evolution of the constructors’standings after the Chinese Grand Prix

Another happy Sunday for McLaren. Oscar Piastri claimed victory with a masterful performance after 57 laps of perfect management. Lando Norris followed closely, although the British driver suffered brake problems at the very end of the Grand Prix, which could have cost him dearly. Behind them, Mercedes once again proved solid against its competitors. Ferrari, on the other hand, crumbled after a double disqualification of its drivers. Alpine remains the only team without points at the start of this year. This weekend in China shook up the standings.

McLaren on a cloud

The Woking team, facing more competition in Shanghai, responded on track. Oscar Piastri, starting from pole position, clinched his third career victory, perhaps the most important one. Lando Norris followed with a bit more difficulty (traffic, brake issues). McLaren leaves this weekend in China with a one-two finish, allowing them to further extend their lead in the world championship. They have accumulated 78 points and are in first place.

Ferrari on the ground

35 points at the finish line, only 17 a few hours later. The 18 points earned by Ferrari at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix disappeared. Two painful disqualifications for the Maranello team, struggling at the start of this season.

It was Charles Leclerc who first saw his car being disqualified. The reason was a single-seater one kilo below the required minimum weight of 800 kg. For Lewis Hamilton, the reason for disqualification was different: excessive wear (5mm too much) of the skid block at the rear of the single-seater.

Details but a lot of loss upon arrival.

Mercedes in the Battle

This is the team of excellent moves. Another podium for George Russell in China, after the one in Melbourne last weekend. The German team managed events perfectly with their British driver. For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who started 8th on the grid, it’s a 6th place finish. He benefits from the double disqualification of the Ferraris. That’s 23 additional points for Mercedes. A rather successful start to the season. They are 2nd in the constructor standings with 57 points.

Haas hits the jackpot

After a challenging performance in Australia, they were not expected at all. Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman had no pace in their Haas. In China, the situation was completely different. We saw two drivers on the attack in the middle of the pack. And most importantly, two drivers capable of grabbing points. An unexpected performance after a failed first Grand Prix.

With the disqualification of the two Ferraris, Haas collects 14 points. Ocon inherits 5th place and Bearman 8th. Well assisted, this weekend nonetheless rewards Haas’s good approach beforehand and the work done by the engineers and drivers. The team is now 6th in the standings with a total of 14 points. A big return to form.

The other developments

Williams is once again rewarded for their good Grand Prix. With the disqualifications, Alex Albon inherits 7th place and Carlos Sainz picks up the single point for 10th place. The team continues their momentum: they are 4th in the constructors’ standings with 17 points. An exceptional start to the year for the Grove team.

On the Alpine side, still no points. It is the only team that has not yet opened its score. Pierre Gasly, 11th at the finish line, could have benefited from the disqualification of the Ferraris. But the French driver was also disqualified for a car below the minimum regulatory weight. Not the start of the season the French brand hoped for.

The constructor standings after the Chinese Grand Prix