Every season, F1 offers us its share of twists and turns, but this time, it was directly asked of the drivers to judge themselves. With a well-established tradition, the official Formula 1 website solicited the opinions of the major players in the paddock to establish a ranking of the best drivers of the 2025 season. What would a poker player say about their opponents? An intriguing question that plunges us into the heart of the competition.
A Revealing Vote
For this edition, sixteen drivers participated in the vote, leaving aside some emblematic names like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hülkenberg, Yuki Tsunoda, and Lance Stroll. The rules were simple: each driver could vote for themselves, but as the official site specifies, “like in previous years, many did not do so, and most did not place themselves at the top.” This secrecy surrounding the votes enhances the mystery and excitement surrounding this ranking. Ultimately, the result is revealing not only of on-track performances but also of perceptions among drivers.
Max Verstappen, Still on Top
For the fifth consecutive year, Max Verstappen was awarded the top spot in the votes. A victory that reflects a continuity in his dominance, but for the first time since the establishment of this vote in 2018, it does not grant him the title of “best driver” from his peers. It’s a bit like a conductor being acclaimed for their music, but their musicians telling them they are not the best performer. Lando Norris, for his part, maintains his second position, just like last year, showcasing a consistency that commands respect.
Marked Divergences
The rest of the ranking highlights significant differences between the opinions of the drivers and those of the team principals. George Russell completes the podium by taking an additional place compared to the ranking established by the leaders. In contrast, Oscar Piastri takes a step back, finding himself in fourth position, while Charles Leclerc climbs two places compared to the principals’ ranking. These variations underscore the subjectivities of opinions and the dynamics of rivalry within the paddock.
Notable Absentees
While some divergences exist, it is noticeable that the names chosen by the drivers often align with those favored by their principals. However, the notable absence of Lewis Hamilton from both rankings is a striking fact. Indeed, the Englishman had topped the ranking in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and had managed to maintain his podium position for three consecutive years. His drop to tenth place in 2024 had already initiated a concerning trend for the seven-time world champion.
The Top 10 Drivers of 2025 According to the Drivers
Here is the list of voters for this season: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Kimi Antonelli, Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Franco Colapinto. Each of these drivers brings a unique perspective on the competition and its evolution.
The ranking of the drivers
This ranking reflects a season rich in emotions and varied performances. The drivers’ choices also reveal a constantly evolving hierarchy, where rivalry and mutual respect coexist on the track. Motorsport is a world where performance and talent are measured not only by numbers but also by how peers view you. This ranking is a snapshot of a unique season in the ruthless universe of Formula 1.
