That was simply too much for some, especially after any F1 team had just finished their most dominant season ever. And the state of the racing—former Formula 1’s favorite topic—returned to the forefront.
But after six months, on lap 20 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September, Oscar Piastri of McLaren successfully passed Charles Leclerc of Ferrari to grab the lead in what would turn out to be his second career triumph.
Naturally, young Piastri’s value increased, but so did Formula One’s, as spectators witnessed what they so frequently feel they are denied: genuine racing for the lead.
It also provided more evidence that what seemed to be a disastrous season has evolved into a championship matchup to remember.
British hero and Piastri’s teammate at McLaren, Lando Norris, is leading a comeback for a home team that is once again leading the constructors’ title and pursuing a defending champion who is becoming less and less of a threat, Max Verstappen.