The battle for second in the F1 constructors’ championship heats up as Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull fight for every point
While McLaren seems set to secure back-to-back Formula 1 constructors’ titles at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the real intrigue lies in the closely contested fight behind them. The battle for second place has become a fascinating subplot, drawing attention from fans, analysts, and sponsors alike.
Some might wonder why finishing second matters at all, but for Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, the stakes are far from trivial. Beyond pride and prestige, the financial implications are significant. In the 2024 season, the difference in prize money between second and fourth place in the constructors’ standings reached $21 million. Even for well-funded teams backed by major sponsors, that sum represents a meaningful contribution to budgets and development programs. Additionally, individual contracts often include performance bonuses tied to the team’s final standing, meaning every point directly impacts the rewards for drivers, engineers, and support staff.
With seven Grands Prix and three sprint races remaining in the 2025 season, the fight for second is extremely tight. Currently, the top three teams are separated by just 18 points, with Mercedes holding a slight edge over Ferrari following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli delivered strong results for Mercedes, finishing second and fourth, while Ferrari endured a disappointing weekend with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ending eighth and ninth. Meanwhile, Red Bull, which had previously been lagging behind, has returned to contention.
Red Bull’s resurgence has been driven by Max Verstappen’s consecutive victories in Italy and Azerbaijan. Importantly, the team’s second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, contributed valuable points in Azerbaijan by finishing sixth, allowing Red Bull to collect a total of 33 points—their highest single-race haul since the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix. This development not only boosts their constructors’ campaign but also reintroduces them as serious challengers in the fight for the runner-up spot.
The close points gap means that every remaining race will be decisive. With the Maranello team, Mercedes, and Red Bull separated by a margin smaller than a single race win, strategy, reliability, and driver performance will all play pivotal roles. The outcome of this battle will influence not only prize money and sponsorship revenue but also the morale and bonus structure across the entire workforce of each team.
As the season enters its final stretch, Formula 1 fans are left to speculate: who will claim the coveted second place in the constructors’ championship? Will Ferrari rebound from recent setbacks, can Mercedes maintain their edge, or will Red Bull’s mid-season revival carry them past their rivals? Every point counts, and with the championship still very much in play, the fight for P2 promises thrilling action over the remaining Grands Prix and sprint races.
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