McLaren clear in front, but the fight for second ignites debate
As McLaren marches toward the 2025 constructors' crown with 12 wins from 17 races, attention has turned to the ultra-tight battle behind. Following a strong weekend in Baku, Mercedes jumped Ferrari to seize P2—by just four points—while Red Bull closed in after Max Verstappen’s victory and Yuki Tsunoda’s sixth place.
Poll result: a razor-thin margin
A fan poll reveals how finely balanced the contest is: Mercedes narrowly came out on top as the team most likely to finish second, edging Red Bull by a mere 0.31%. Ferrari was rated the least likely of the trio to secure P2, despite the minimal points gap with seven rounds to go.
Why the margins matter
- Mercedes: Momentum from Baku and consistent scoring keep the Silver Arrows marginally in front.
- Red Bull: Verstappen’s wins can swing weekends; Tsunoda’s points add crucial support.
- Ferrari: Within striking distance, but perceived to be on the back foot in fan sentiment.
The run-in to season’s end
With McLaren’s lead described as almost insurmountable, the fight for second has become the championship’s focal subplot. Tiny swings in form, reliability, and strategy could decide P2—something the fans’ split verdict underlines emphatically.
