Formula One 2025 | Tell-tale signs — who’s hot, who’s not and the road ahead Premium

Formula One season analysis with focus on Piastri, Norris, Verstappen, and Hamilton's performances and championship battle.

The Formula One caravan has had a busy season, completing five races in the space of six weeks. With nearly one-fifth of the 24-race calendar done, the championship battle is heating up nicely as just 12 points separate the top three drivers in the standings.

The Hindu examines some of the key trends that have emerged so far.

Despite winning two races in his sophomore campaign last year, doubts remained about how good Oscar Piastri was.

The Aussie showed improvement last year, working on his weakness in tyre management, but he was still well short of teammate Lando Norris’ level. The qualifying performance, in particular, was a concern. However, his consistent results in the race ensured McLaren clinched the constructors’ title.

Coming into the season, many wondered how good the Australian was and if he could take another giant step, or if the improvement curve would show signs of flattening. Five races in, few would have expected Piastri to be leading the championship and winning a majority of the races (three).

The 24-year-old has clearly taken a step forward in qualifying, clinching pole position in two events and finishing within a tenth of a second of the pole-sitter in the other three. Besides Suzuka, where he was third on the grid, Piastri has been on the front row in the other four rounds.

While he cruised to victory in China and Bahrain from pole, his most recent win in Saudi Arabia showed that he is well-prepared for a long and gruelling title campaign.