Sainz and Leclerc Lead F1's Biggest Points Losers in 2025 Analysis

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc suffered the most significant points drop-offs of any full-time drivers on the 2025 F1 grid compared to their 2024 results, highlighting a challenging season for both former Ferrari teammates. While Sainz's move to Williams and Leclerc's winless campaign at Ferrari defined their struggles, McLaren's Oscar Piastri emerged as the season's biggest points gainer with a massive 118-point improvement.

Why it matters:

The dramatic swing in fortunes underscores the impact of team performance and driver stability in Formula 1. For drivers like Sainz, a team change can lead to a painful transitional year, while staying put offers no guarantees, as shown by Leclerc's drop despite remaining with Ferrari. This data provides a clear, quantitative measure of how the competitive order shifted, beyond just championship positions.

The details:

• Carlos Sainz experienced the largest absolute decline, scoring only 63 points for Williams. This represents a loss of 226 points from his 2024 total of 289 with Ferrari and is his lowest points haul since 2018.
• Despite a strong second-half rally that included two podiums, the Spaniard's season was hampered by a slow start alongside Alex Albon at the Grove-based team.
• Charles Leclerc also saw a major drop, scoring 242 points for Ferrari—a decrease of 114 points from his 2024 tally. The Monegasque driver failed to secure a Grand Prix victory this season after winning three races the previous year.
• In stark contrast, Oscar Piastri was the biggest winner. The McLaren driver added 118 points to his total, finishing with seven wins and 125 more points than in 2024, propelling him into championship contention.
• Among rookies and drivers with partial seasons, Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli performed strongest, securing seventh in the championship with 150 points and three podium finishes in his debut year.

The big picture:

The points analysis reveals a tale of two career trajectories. Sainz and Leclerc, once fighting at the front for a constructors' title, found themselves battling for lower points finishes, illustrating how quickly competitive windows can close in F1. Meanwhile, Piastri's meteoric rise at McLaren and Antonelli's impressive rookie showing signal a potential changing of the guard, with a new generation of drivers capitalizing on improved machinery and team momentum.

What's next:

The pressure will be on for a rebound in 2026. Sainz will aim to build on Williams's late-2025 progress to close the gap to the midfield, while Leclerc will be desperate for Ferrari to provide a car capable of consistently challenging for wins again. All eyes will also be on whether Piastri can maintain his upward trajectory and if Antonelli can convert his promising debut into a title challenge with Mercedes.