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The excitement surrounding the Formula 1 season has resulted in a compelling list of top drivers as evaluated by team principals. In an annual survey, leaders from the ten teams submitted their rankings while keeping their choices confidential. The findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Max Verstappen has emerged as the standout performer, capturing the title of Driver of the Year for the fifth consecutive time, despite narrowly missing out on the championship by just two points. This achievement underscores his dominance, having secured six victories in the last nine Grands Prix.
Top-ranked drivers and their achievements
The rankings are based on a scoring system that mirrors the current points allocation used in races. The top driver receives 25 points, down to one point for the tenth position. As a result, Verstappen’s impressive performance earned him the top spot, closely followed by Lando Norris, the reigning world champion who finished second in the rankings.
Lando Norris shines in the spotlight
Norris showcased his skill with seven race wins throughout the season, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sport. His ability to maintain a lead during critical moments was key to his championship success and his second-place finish in this ranking, demonstrating the respect he garners from his peers.
Emerging talents and veteran stalwarts
Oscar Piastri, who made significant strides as an early frontrunner in the championship, earned the third position in the rankings—matching his overall standing for the season. Following Piastri, George Russell of Mercedes climbed to fourth place, improving two spots from the previous year, thanks to a solid season that featured two wins and numerous podium finishes.
Fernando Alonso, despite a challenging year, drew attention for his commendable performances in a less competitive Aston Martin, landing him in fifth place. His experience and skill still shine, proving that age is just a number in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.
Rookies and their impact
Newcomer Ollie Bearman from Haas was recognized as the leading rookie, securing an impressive eighth place in the rankings. Additionally, Isack Hadjar, who made a strong debut with Racing Bulls, also entered the top ten, showcasing the influx of talent into the sport. Completing the list was veteran Nico Hulkenberg, who finally celebrated his first podium after 239 attempts, marking a milestone in his long career.
Team principals and their insights
The poll included contributions from notable team principals such as Andrea Stella from McLaren, Toto Wolff from Mercedes, and James Vowles from Williams, among others. Their evaluations reflect not only the drivers’ performances but also the evolving dynamics within their teams.
In a separate but related narrative, Oscar Piastri has expressed confidence that his relationship with Lando Norris will remain stable following Norris’s championship win. Piastri emphasized that Norris’s triumph does not elevate him to a superhuman status, asserting that the competitive spirit between them will continue to thrive as teammates.
Piastri further elaborated on the collaborative atmosphere at McLaren, noting that both he and Norris have pushed each other to improve, benefiting from their shared experiences on the track. This camaraderie, although occasionally tense, has been instrumental in their development as drivers.
Strategic decisions and race dynamics
Max Verstappen has emerged as the standout performer, capturing the title of Driver of the Year for the fifth consecutive time, despite narrowly missing out on the championship by just two points. This achievement underscores his dominance, having secured six victories in the last nine Grands Prix.0
Max Verstappen has emerged as the standout performer, capturing the title of Driver of the Year for the fifth consecutive time, despite narrowly missing out on the championship by just two points. This achievement underscores his dominance, having secured six victories in the last nine Grands Prix.1
Max Verstappen has emerged as the standout performer, capturing the title of Driver of the Year for the fifth consecutive time, despite narrowly missing out on the championship by just two points. This achievement underscores his dominance, having secured six victories in the last nine Grands Prix.2