Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix. © APA/afp / LLUIS GENE

McLaren triumphs, Verstappen receives heavy penalty

McLaren celebrated its third one-two of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday. The gap at the top of the World Championship standings widened. Max Verstappen received a penalty and dropped back.

June 01, 2025

From: dpa

Oscar Piastri celebrated his fifth Formula 1 victory of the season in nine races at the Spanish Grand Prix. Driving a McLaren, the 24-year-old confidently extended his lead in the World Championship standings just outside Barcelona. Thanks to a controlled drive in midsummer temperatures, the Australian prevailed ahead of his teammate Lando Norris (+2,471 seconds) and Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari (+10,455).

World champion Max Verstappen, driving a Red Bull, encountered problems at the restart following a safety car period and lost what he thought was a secure third place shortly before the finish. The Dutchman had to settle for tenth place at the finish, as he subsequently received a ten-second penalty (+21,826). A significant blow in the fight for the world championship title.

Sauber humiliates Ferrari

Nico Hülkenberg benefited from this, finishing a surprise fifth in the Kick Sauber. It was the 37-year-old's best result of the year, scoring points for only the second time. Shortly before the finish, Hülkenberg overtook record world champion Lewis Hamilton on a straight – a humiliation for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton was overtaken in the final act. © APA/afp / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

Lance Stroll was unable to compete at all. The 26-year-old Canadian had to withdraw due to problems with his right wrist, as his racing team, Aston Martin, explained. Stroll, whose father Lawrence is a co-owner of the team, felt unable to drive in the race. He plans to undergo surgery. Whether he will be able to compete in his home Grand Prix in Canada in two weeks remains to be seen.