P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ title standings, but what would happen if the McLaren drivers did not compete in the world championship? Surprisingly, then, Verstappen would still not be leading…
If McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris were removed from the 2025 F1 season, the championship standings would see George Russell leading, with Max Verstappen winning races in Australia and Saudi Arabia. Nico Hulkenberg’s maiden podium at Silverstone would have actually been a race victory without McLaren, and Fernando Alonso, Alex Albon, and Esteban Ocon would have achieved podium finishes in Hungary, Miami, and China respectively. In this alternate scenario, Lewis Hamilton would have five podium finishes for Ferrari. The full F1 standings without the McLaren drivers can be viewed below.
