Is the Midfield Battle More Exciting Than the Title Fight?
All of the Formula One excitement currently is in the championship battle between McLaren's drivers. Sitting only a few points apart, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris have dominated the 2025 season and are fighting for the championship title. The real drama, however, seems to be happening between P5 and P15. The midfield battle offers much more excitement and unpredictability than the podium does.
The title fight feels boring and very predictable since McLaren has won 12/16 races, and Piastri and Norris have double podiumed for 12 races as well. It has been a dominance from one team all year by McLaren, and there has been less excitement or drama since most races have been a Papaya sweep. The chances of McLaren not winning the championship are very minimal, and the outcome already feels decided. Fans have found themselves tuning in for other drama in the midfield between drivers who are unlikely to make a comeback.
The midfield has varying results, and anyone can score points at any race. Fans get to see a shuffle of results when drivers have powerful performances and jump up into the point-earning positions. The midfield has much better storylines and more wheel-to-wheel, close races compared to the front. For example, veteran driver Alex Albon has had his best season yet this year. He's in seventh in the driver's standings and has earned 70 points so far. Also, most race highlights and the best overtakes come from the middle cars. Scoring points at races and earning more points in the constructors' championship can mean millions of dollars for your team. Every race is also an audition for midfield drivers, who often have shorter contracts and are constantly fighting for or defending a seat.
The 2025 championship feels predictable, and maybe fans should shift their attention to where the real excitement is. McLaren continues to dominate the podium, but the midfield provides storylines and excitement to Formula One. The midfield battle keeps fans eager for each weekend, with many drivers performing under pressure. The fight between P5 and P15 doesn't affect the championship but delivers intensity and drama.
