Formula 1 drivers undergo intense conditions when driving, such as cockpits reaching up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, driving over 220 mph, and managing strategies while doing so. Drivers are under constant pressure competing under life-threatening conditions. Even the teammate you need to rely on to win can be your greatest competition.
Formula 1 is a globally known motor racing sport consisting of ten teams, and 20 drivers. Every year, the Federation International of Automobiles (FIA) creates a set of regulations for teams to follow from building the car to driving standards. Every team’s goal is to create the two fastest cars in the 24 Grand Prix weekends from March to December. Though driving skills are important, F1 cars performing in different weather conditions, receiving upgrades, and aerodynamic designs all contribute to walking away with points or not.
This year, the McLaren Formula 1 Team is the fastest car on the track with its aerodynamic design and skilled drivers. There was no surprise when Mclaren secured the World Constructors’ Title in October at Singapore.
Currently there are three contenders for the World Drivers’ Championship tallied in December from the season’s races. The Championship fight points are: Lando Norris (on the left in the photograph) with 390 points, Oscar Piastri (in the middle) following with 366, and Max Verstappen (on the right) with 341 points. Only three races are left, and all three contenders have to fight with themselves and each other. Every little mistake that will send them to the wall, every order from their team, and constant pressure make this season as stressful as ever.
Norris, a McLaren driver, is in his seventh season of Formula 1. He kicked off the 2025 season by winning the first race and leading the championship. The following six Grands Prix were disappointing for him because of his mental health. Norris had to deal with outspoken negative fan reactions regarding who he is dating, comparing him to his teammate, and responding to questionable comments online. When the summer came around, Norris started to win races again. Currently, he is the championship leader.
Piastri, the other McLaren Driver, is experiencing one of the common problems in F1 for being known as the “second driver”. When Piastri signed with McLaren in 2023, the team was and still is having trouble deciding which teammate to prioritize. The issue has become bigger this year since both drivers are in contention for the Drivers’ Championship title. Norris is the senior driver, but Piastri this year has proven that he will not settle for less. Piastri is not performing as well in the second half of the season, but more the team’s fault than his.
Verstappen, the four-time World Champion from the last few years, is a Red Bull Formula 1 driver with exceptional talent. Verstappen is known for his performative drives like going from the last place to a podium in the recent race in Brazil. Verstappen proved that he will never be out of contention for a Championship fight. He has dealt with disappointment from his team this season by not matching McLaren’s rocketship of a car. Verstappen still won races this year, and continues to extract performance from his drives.
Every race weekend is designed to have three free practices, one qualifying to set a starting order, and ultimately leads up to the race on Sunday. The top three finishers collect 25, 18, and 15 points. From fourth place to tenth place, drivers earn points on a sliding scale that decreases by two points per person starting with 12 points. Only the highest points allow one team to win the World Constructors’ Championship, and one driver to win the World Drivers’ Championship.
Image Source: NBC