F1's $30 Million Midfield Battle Heats Up

Formula 1’s 2025 constructors’ championship is largely settled at the top with McLaren, but further down the grid, an intense $30 million battle is brewing between four teams. While Williams seems secure in fifth and Alpine struggles at the back, just 12 points separate Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Haas, and Sauber, a gap that has been significantly impacted by Ollie Bearman’s recent fourth-place finish in Mexico.

Why it matters:

Each position in the constructors' championship is worth nearly $10 million in prize money, a significant sum for midfield teams. This close fight not only impacts their financial stability but also their development capabilities for future seasons, making every point crucial.

The Details:

• Haas's Resurgence: Haas has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from a back-marker to a consistent midfield threat. Team principal Ayao Komatsu attributes this to a mindset shift, focusing on consistent execution rather than forcing results. Their latest upgrade package, effectively utilized in Mexico, propelled both cars into the top 10, matching their biggest points haul of the season.
• Bearman's Impact: Ollie Bearman's impressive fourth-place finish in Mexico was his third consecutive points finish and a career-best, showcasing not only the car's improved performance but also his growing consistency and ability to capitalize on opportunities. His performance alone shifted Haas from ninth to eighth in the standings.
• Racing Bulls' Slump: Currently leading this tight group, Racing Bulls has experienced a downturn, failing to score points in the last three events. While qualifying pace, particularly from Isack Hadjar, has been strong, race pace has been a concern, with Hadjar noting a trend of weaker Sunday performance. Liam Lawson also admits to lacking ultimate speed in the car.
• Aston Martin's Underachievement: Despite significant resources, Aston Martin is underperforming, currently clinging to seventh place. This is partly attributed to their focus on the 2026 regulations and securing technical talent like Adrian Newey, with less emphasis on this season's car development. The car struggles with low-speed corners and aerodynamic efficiency, making even Fernando Alonso's magic insufficient on certain tracks.
• Sauber's Qualifying Challenge: Sauber's car, while strong in race pace, struggles with qualifying, having the least Q3 appearances among the four teams. The C45 remains tricky to drive on low fuel, leading to drivers often starting further down the grid despite having race pace to score points, as Gabriel Bortoleto demonstrated in Mexico by climbing from 16th to 10th. Improving qualifying performance is their primary goal for the remainder of the season.

Between the lines:

This high-stakes battle highlights the critical role drivers play, with a single exceptional performance capable of moving a team up a championship position, worth millions. The points standings for drivers within this group show a tight contest, with lead drivers like Nico Hulkenberg, Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso, and Ollie Bearman making significant contributions. Consistent scoring and maximizing opportunities, like Alpine's unexpected podium in Brazil last year, are crucial. Bearman is currently the in-form driver, consistently scoring in recent events, and his performances could significantly boost his value for future contracts.

What's next:

The remaining four races will be decisive in this $30 million fight. Teams will be pushing every limit, both on track and in strategy, to secure every possible point. With no major upgrades expected from Racing Bulls and Sauber focusing on qualifying pace, the emphasis will be on execution and driver performance. If Sauber can improve its qualifying without sacrificing race pace, it could become a formidable force, intensifying F1's most significant championship battle outside the top contenders.