F1 2025 team-mate rivalries intensify: Max Verstappen leads Red Bull, Oscar Piastri pushes McLaren

Formula 1’s 2025 season has already delivered fierce drama—not just on track, but within the garages themselves. The only fair benchmark in this sport remains unchanged: how one stacks up against their teammate in the same machinery. Let's dissect how some of the most highly anticipated team battles are shaping up so far this season.


Oscar Piastri is flipping the script at McLaren in 2025. The young Australian has opened the year with a 3-2 race win record over Lando Norris. He also claimed the edge in their lone sprint outing so far. While Lando Norris adapts to the MCL39, Oscar Piastri has not hesitated to demonstrate his title aspirations. It's an energetic change that might have dramatic consequences for McLaren's internal pecking order.


Ferrari's blockbuster pair has been the centre of attention for F1 2025. Charles Leclerc has dominated with a spotless 4-0 advantage over Lewis Hamilton in full-distance races. But Hamilton beat Leclerc in their only sprint race so far.
Off track, their friendship and common interests have melted the hearts of fans, but on the asphalt, business is business. Both were disqualified from the Chinese Grand Prix, so the score is tilted, but the rivalry remains.


Not many surprises there. Max Verstappen continues to establish himself as the top dog at Red Bull Racing, dominating Liam Lawson 2-0 before the latter was substituted out, and now 3-0 up against Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted during the season.

Alex Albon extends his impressive performance at Williams with a 4-1 lead over veteran Carlos Sainz in full races and taking the sole sprint that they have faced. Sainz, having won four Grands Prix, will be trying to stage a comeback as the season goes on, but the authority of Albon within his team cannot be questioned.

George Russell is capitalising on his solid 2024 season by dominating rookie Kimi Antonelli 5-0 in races and 1-0 in sprints.
Experienced Fernando Alonso leads Lance Stroll 3-2 in one-on-one contests, having only lost their sole sprint. With earlier seasons finished 19-3 and 17-7 to Alonso, the reduced gap suggests the progression of Stroll, but Alonso is Aston Martin's best when reliability is a factor.

Jack Doohan and Pierre Gasly are tied at 2-2 at Alpine, while Esteban Ocon is ahead of Oliver Bearman 3-2 at Haas. Rookie Isack Hadjar has impressed at Racing Bulls, beating Liam Lawson 3-0 and drawing with Yuki Tsunoda 1-1 in initial races.
Gabriel Bortoleto is also doing a good job at Sauber with a 2-2 tally against veteran Nico Hülkenberg, though the latter was disqualified in Bahrain after initially placing ahead.
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The F1 2025 grid is bustling with narratives—not only in championship points but in every team garage. Through intense rivalry, surprise leadership changes, and stunning rookie skills on the cards, intra-team duels may just determine who gets to compete for the world championship this year.