The F1 season has not yet reached the halfway point. Despite this, and after thrilling races that have taken the event from Shanghai to Miami to Monaco, three contenders have clearly emerged as potential winners of the 2025 Drivers’ Championship: Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen.
With each race weekend, momentum shifts between these top three drivers. Far from the Verstappen procession of 2022 and 2023, Norris is once again vying for the championship – and his fellow McLaren teammate has joined in to make this one of the most unpredictable seasons in years.
As the rivalries heat up and pressure builds, fans are wondering if one of these three will pull away from the pack or if it’ll stay tightly contested until the season’s end. Below is a closer look at who could walk away with the crown in December.
An Analysis of the Current Odds
Based on the current Formula 1 betting with Betway odds, there are only three drivers in with a shot at the championship. However, neither one is racing away as the odds on favourite at this point in the season.
Using odds before the Spanish Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri is slightly ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Piastri is at 5/4, while Norris is 6/4. The difference is like someone securing the fastest lap by 0.1 seconds, essentially a coinflip.
However, it’s not a coinflip because there’s a third contender: defending champion Max Verstappen. Even though McLaren has seemingly had the stronger car during the first portion of the season, Verstappen, through sheer driving ability, has managed to stay right behind Piastri and Norris. The odds currently make him a 3/1 shot.
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Is it truly only a three-horse race? Can you count out Mercedes and Ferrari from getting their acts together? According to the odds, sadly yes. George Russell is the next closest contender. He sits at a lofty 100/1. Charles Leclerc is 125/1, while Ferrari teammate – and seven-time world champion – Lewis Hamilton is 200/1. That’s essentially a way of saying they’re not going to be competing for the title this season.
A Closer Look at the Three Contenders
Three standout drivers have emerged in this gripping title fight. With the 2025 Formula 1 season about to head into the summer races, here’s a closer look at those fighting for the top spot on the podium.
Oscar Piastri
Some would say he’s the surprise championship leader. However, there’s no denying Oscar Piastri has been the most consistent driver of 2025 so far. Boasting four wins under his belt already, the Australian has shown poise and precision while making the most of McLaren’s revived pace.
Piastri currently leads the Drivers’ Championship by only three points over teammate Lando Norris. This breakout season follows a solid 2024 campaign. He has shown calm under pressure, especially in tricky conditions like Imola. The question is whether he can keep his composure as the pressure – both outside and inside the team – mounts.
Lando Norris
After a commanding victory in Monaco, Lando Norris firmly cemented himself as a title favourite. With two wins and several podiums, he’s right behind Piastri in the standings. After going close in 2024, and now in his sixth full F1 season, Norris is driving with the maturity and aggression of a seasoned pro.
While he has acknowledged teammate Piastri as his main rival, he refuses to discount Verstappen from the fight. For Norris, however, the focus remains on staying grounded and maximising each race weekend.
Max Verstappen
Compared to the last three seasons, the current season has been a turbulent one for four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The Dutchman currently sits third in the rankings, 25 points off Piastri’s lead.
Still, his skill and race craft remain unmatched when conditions align. Yes, Verstappen faces an uphill battle, but his McLaren rivals remain wary. Count him out at your peril.
Conclusion
Right now, the title fight is too hard to call. Arguments can be made for either racer to end up with the championship when the season finishes. Whether it is Piastri, Norris, or Verstappen passing the chequered flag first, it promises to be second half of the competition.
