Piastri outshining erring Norris and frustration for Ferrari – F1 talking points

The Formula One season is firmly up and running with five races in six weeks providing an early picture of the 2025 campaign.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the big talking points to emerge after an intense triple-header.

Norris’ costly mistakes

Norris crashed out during the final part of qualifying (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) (AP)

Lando Norris has admitted not feeling comfortable with his McLaren car and has been highly self-critical. He branded himself “clueless” over how to get the best out of it in Bahrain qualifying and a “f*****g idiot” after crashing in Q3 in Saudi Arabia. These errors are hampering his title charge and have left him trailing despite having a car capable of building a lead. The British driver will return to Miami, the scene of his maiden F1 win last season, hoping to banish his recent woes.

Piastri emerges as title favourite

🏆🏆🏆#McLaren pic.twitter.com/J9hosmYLy8

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 21, 2025

McLaren, by their own admission, boast the best car in the sport and Norris – having finished runner-up to Max Verstappen last season – was expected to be their leading title hopeful. But it is the unflappable Australian Oscar Piastri who has stepped forward. Unlucky to miss out on a podium in Melbourne, he has won three of the four races since to lead the standings by 10 points from Norris. Piastri currently has the look of a champion.

Verstappen overcomes Red Bull issues

Verstappen has battled against issues with his Red Bull car (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (AP)

Verstappen is bidding to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five successive titles this year but has continued to battle the issues with his Red Bull which surfaced in the second half of last season. He has complained of balance problems as speculation over his future with the team rages on. Despite all this, the Dutchman has shown his brilliance with an against-the-odds win in Japan and a strong second in Saudi Arabia, which means he leaves Jeddah just 12 points behind Piastri and firmly in the title hunt.

Ferrari disappointment

McLaren lead the way in the standings 🔝

Here's how the points stand after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 👇#F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/IQgKGSILX1

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 20, 2025

Lewis Hamilton arrived at Ferrari ahead of the season to much fanfare and excitement. The seven-time world champion joined a team seemingly on the up, having narrowly missed out on the constructors’ crown last season. But, aside from Hamilton’s surprise sprint win in China, it has been a huge disappointment from the Scuderia. Charles Leclerc’s third in Jeddah was their first podium and the car is well off the pace of McLaren. Quick fixes are needed but both Hamilton and Leclerc are struggling to hide their frustration.

Russell in the hunt

George Russell has had an impressive start to the season (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) (AP)

George Russell has been a picture of consistency for Mercedes. The 27-year-old has assumed the senior role after Hamilton’s departure and believes he is performing as well as he ever has. While his car is not a match for McLaren out front, he has managed to remain error-free and deliver three podiums in the first five races. Russell does not believe he is a title contender but if Mercedes can find gains, the British driver could well be in the mix.