DRIVERS AND TEAM PRINCIPALS JUDGE THE 2025 F1 SEASON

Cavalieri Garage Magazine
1 day ago
2 min read

At the end of every Formula 1 championship, ratings, report cards, and end-of-season rankings inevitably flood the media. One list, however, stands out more than the others: the one compiled directly by the people who live the paddock every day. Drivers and team principals were asked to cast their votes in a survey published by the official Formula1.com website, offering a rare insider perspective on how the grid truly views itself.

Sixteen drivers took part in the vote, with the option—far from insignificant—to vote for themselves. Choosing not to participate were Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll, and Yuki Tsunoda, absences that inevitably influence the final outcome.

When the votes were counted, one name rose above all others: Max Verstappen. His dominant and relentless end to the season earned him the top spot, underlining just how decisive his impact remains even in the eyes of his rivals. Behind him came reigning world champion Lando Norris, forced to settle for second place, followed by George Russell, who completed the podium in the drivers-only ranking.

The picture shifts slightly once team principals’ votes are added to the mix. In this combined ranking, Russell drops to fourth place, making room on the podium for Oscar Piastri, who climbs to third after finishing only fourth in the drivers’ vote. Charles Leclerc holds fifth place in the drivers’ ranking but slips to seventh overall, overtaken by Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz.

The lower end of the top 10 delivers some intriguing surprises. Oliver Bearman appears, considered almost a rookie given his limited number of races in 2024, alongside Isack Hadjar, the first true debutant on the list, followed by Hülkenberg. Notably absent from the top 10—without any positions beyond tenth being disclosed—is Lewis Hamilton.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli also fails to make a strong impression, paying the price for the gap in points and consistency compared to his teammate Russell. More than a simple list of names, this ranking reflects perceptions, internal balances, and the way the paddock itself interprets a complex season rich in nuance and subtext.