It is often claimed that your teammate is your biggest rival in Formula 1. After all, within the same team, both drivers have identical equipment. The power dynamics are often measured by the qualifying results; how often did one finish above the other? The qualifying duels of 2025 show that at least four drivers have definitively beaten their teammates.
After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, two drivers remain undefeated in the qualifying duels. Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso consistently finished ahead of their teammates. With seven Grands Prix remaining, it’s too late for Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll to make a comeback. The qualifying duels at Mercedes and Ferrari have also been decided. George Russell was only occasionally beaten by rookie teammate Kimi Antonelli. Lewis Hamilton was able to occasionally challenge Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, but now has to admit defeat.
– Max Verstappen 15-0 Yuki Tsunoda (2-0 Liam Lawson)
– Fernando Alonso 17-0 Lance Stroll
– George Russell 15-2 Kimi Antonelli
– Charles Leclerc 13-4 Lewis Hamilton
Equal Opportunities
At the other teams, the power dynamics are much closer. At McLaren, Williams, and Haas, the qualifying duels are neck and neck. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar is doing well for Racing Bulls, while Gabriel Bortoleto is impressing at Sauber. The latter is currently keeping veteran Nico Hülkenberg behind him – a driver known for his speed on Saturdays.
– Oscar Piastri 9-8 Lando Norris
– Esteban Ocon 9-8 Oliver Bearman
– Carlos Sainz 9-8 Alex Albon
– Pierre Gasly 7-4 Franco Colapinto (5-1 Jack Doohan)
– Gabriel Bortoleto 11-6 Nico Hülkenberg
– Isack Hadjar 11-4 Liam Lawson (1-1 Yuki Tsunoda)
