F1's Top 10 Drivers of 2025: Part 2
The RacingNews365 team presents the second installment of our highly anticipated ranking of the top 10 drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 season. In this edition, our esteemed panel of five writers—Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, Nick Golding, Jake Nichol, and Fergal Walsh—delve into the performances of the drivers, using the grand prix scoring system, awarding 25 points to the top performer and gradually reducing the points for subsequent positions. The result? A comprehensive and insightful ranking that reflects the drivers' achievements and challenges throughout the season.
This ranking is a subjective evaluation, and we encourage our readers to share their thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Now, let's dive into the top 10 drivers of 2025:
- Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen, the standout performer of the year, secured the top spot with an impressive 125 points. Despite a single moment of reckless madness during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he deliberately collided with George Russell, earning a 10-second penalty, Verstappen's overall performance was impeccable. He rattled off 10 consecutive podiums, including six victories, after the summer break, showcasing his resilience and skill. If not for the early car performance issues, which were his predominant downfall, he would be hailed as a five-time world champion.
- Lando Norris
Lando Norris, the champion, finished second with 87 points. Norris had a strong start to the season, winning the Australian Grand Prix. However, he struggled with small mistakes and slow getaways, which compromised his performance. A shocking aberration in Montréal, where he collided with Oscar Piastri, further impacted his campaign. Despite these setbacks, Norris rebuilt his challenge, scoring crucial victories in Mexico and Brazil, ultimately delivering a strong performance to secure the championship.
- Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri, the young Australian talent, finished third with 72 points. Up to the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri was on track to become the first Australian champion since 1980. He delivered cool, calm drives and earned plaudits for his performance. However, a team order at Monza, where McLaren handed back second position to Lando Norris, disrupted Piastri's momentum. He then suffered crashes and team issues, ultimately falling short of the championship.
- George Russell
George Russell, the only other driver to win a Grand Prix besides Max Verstappen, finished fourth with 66 points. Russell deservedly won in Canada and Singapore, and he secured seven additional podiums. His performance was impressive, and he thrived in being the de facto number one driver within the team. With a more stable car, Russell delivered consistent results, even if the W16 was not a close match for its rivals.
- Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc, finishing fifth with 48 points, had a challenging season. The Scuderia faced setbacks, with aerodynamic development halted in April due to a lack of championship challenge. Leclerc struggled to match the car's capabilities, finishing 14 points behind McLaren in the constructors' championship. Despite scoring seven podiums, it was a season to forget for Leclerc and his new teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
- Isack Hadjar
Isack Hadjar, with 34 points, secured sixth place. His performance and points accumulation are notable, contributing to his overall ranking.
- Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz, in seventh with 26 points, had a solid season, contributing to his team's performance.
- Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli, in eighth with 14 points, had a notable performance, contributing to his team's overall standing.
- Alex Albon
Alex Albon, in ninth with 12 points, had a competitive season, contributing to his team's performance.
- Oliver Bearman
Oliver Bearman, in tenth with 10 points, had a solid performance, contributing to his team's overall standing.
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