Charles Leclerc produced a strong and composed performance at this weekend’s Austrian Grand PrixTM, securing a deserved podium finish in what turned out to be a chaotic, drama-filled race at the Red Bull Ring. Here’s a breakdown of his standout weekend:
Qualifying Heroics
Leclerc secured second place on the grid, his first front-row start since Monaco, thanks to Ferrari’s upgraded SF‑25 and a stellar lap in Q3. He started right alongside pole-sitter Lando Norris, outpacing Oscar Piastri, who’d taken third positioning himself, as a genuine threat heading into race day .
Race Day
Although he briefly slipped behind Piastri at the start, Leclerc quickly settled into a strong rhythm, holding third place throughout the race, ultimately finishing around 20 seconds behind the winner, Norris.
His finish scored 15 valuable points, reflected in the official standings.
Master of Race Pace
Even though Ferrari was deliberately telling its drivers to ease off the throttle and coast before braking (rather than driving flat-out), they were still performing well, which Leclerc noted demanded careful throttle management. He praised the team’s upgrades and showed clear progress in race pace.
His calm and controlled drive ensured he remained clear of the midfield tussles and avoided errors, finishing comfortably ahead of fourth-placed teammate Lewis Hamilton and securing Ferrari’s second-place result in the constructors’ standings behind McLaren.
McLaren Took P1 & P2
McLaren once again showcased their dominance at the Red Bull Ring: Lando Norris claimed a commanding victory, his third of the 2025 season, after leading from pole throughout the 71‑lap race. Norris held off intense pressure from teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished just 2.7 seconds adrift in second place in a thrilling race‑long duel.
Charles Leclerc held firm to secure his spot on the podium in third, finishing about 19.8 seconds behind Norris, a solid performance that contributed to Ferrari’s rising momentum.
As for the Red Bull ace Max Verstappen himself, he had a weekend to forget at the Red Bull Ring as his race came to an end on the opening lap due to a collision with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
Updated Championship Standings
Drivers’ Championship (top 3):
1. Oscar Piastri – 216 points
2. Lando Norris – 201 points (15‑point gap)
3. Max Verstappen – 155 points.
Leclerc is currently in fifth place behind Russell (Mercedes) in the drivers’ championship, and some 97 points behind leader Oscar Piastri
Constructors’ Championship (top 3):
1. McLaren – 417 points
2. Ferrari – 210 points
3. Mercedes – 209 points.
Leclerc’s podium and team-mate Hamilton’s fourth place helped Ferrari leapfrog Mercedes by one point into second place in the constructors’ battle.
Next Up on the F1 Calendar
The action shifts to the British Grand PrixTM at Silverstone next weekend, scheduled from July 4–6, 2025. The race weekend format: Free Practices on Friday and Saturday, Qualifying on July 5, and the Grand PrixTM on July 6.
In Summary
Ferrari can take plenty of positives from Leclerc’s composed drive at Austria. Finishing third behind the McLaren duo was a testament to both driver maturity and the team’s improving pace. While Norris made a statement with a dominant win and Piastri maintained his title lead, Leclerc’s climb up the standings and Ferrari’s spot in second place in the constructors’ race offer a solid platform for the second half of the season.
The upcoming Silverstone GP promises more high-stakes racing. Can Ferrari bring more upgrades to the party and Leclerc build on this momentum? Go Charles!
