Formula One is heading into its well-deserved summer break after completing 14 grands prix and three sprint races in just 142 days. The paddock will pause for the next three race-free weekends, with two of those weeks being mandatory shutdowns.
The recent Hungarian Grand Prix was a thrilling conclusion to the main portion of the 2025 season, with Lando Norris edging out Oscar Piastri to score his fifth win of the season. The victory came after Norris employed a Hail Mary one-stop strategy, while most of the grid, including Piastri, opted for two pit stops.
With Norris leading the championship by nine points and Piastri holding the second spot, the McLaren teammates are set for an intense battle to claim the title. Team principal Andrea Stella has emphasized the importance of letting drivers race and not imposing “number one” drivers, a policy that could be tested in the heat of a title fight.
The summer break provides a welcome respite for teams, but it also raises questions about how they will manage their resources during this time. McLaren’s approach to having no “number one” driver is admirable but also carries some risk. Team CEO Zak Brown believes that the team culture and individual drivers’ characters are key to sustaining this balance, even when the stakes are high.
Meanwhile, Ferrari was dealt a setback with Charles Leclerc experiencing a chassis problem during the final stint of the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team will be investigating what caused the issue, which could have significantly impacted their performance.
As for other storylines, Max Verstappen avoided sanction for his move on Lewis Hamilton during the race, despite stewards initially pushing to investigate further. Talks between George Russell and Mercedes are progressing, with a multi-year contract expected to be announced after the summer break.
With the championship battle heating up, teams will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining their momentum. The stage is set for an exciting second half of the season, with several critical events on the horizon.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6536996/2025/08/06/f1-mailbag-lando-norris-oscar-piastri-hungarian-gp