Who is the best Formula 1 driver in 2025? That’s the question all speed and tight trajectory enthusiasts are asking. To answer this dilemma, the official championship website organized a vote among those whose opinions truly matter: the team principals. They designated their top 10 in a secret ballot, the results of which are all the more anticipated as they reflect the views of the decision-makers in the paddock.
A Fallen Champion
For the first time since Nico Rosberg’s championship in 2016, it is not the world champion, Lando Norris, who tops the votes, but rather Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver claims the title for the fifth consecutive year, a performance that makes him the true king of the grid. Close behind him is Norris, still highly competitive, followed by Oscar Piastri, who confirms his potential by occupying a strong third place, while George Russell completes the top four.
The Veterans Are Present
Fernando Alonso, with his years of experience, maintains a high rating among team principals. He ranks fifth despite being tenth in the championship. His charisma and talent do not seem to erode with age, much like a fine wine that only improves. Just behind him, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are trying to make their mark but struggle to overshadow the young wolves of the competition.
The New Faces
Among the revelations of this season, Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar are making waves. Hadjar, who replaces Pierre Gasly, becomes the only French driver to feature in this top 10, a great achievement for this young driver. It is true that his presence reminds everyone that youth is often synonymous with boldness and innovation on the track. Nico Hülkenberg, for his part, rounds out this ranking after also securing his first podium in 2025, a strong comeback for the German.
Lewis Hamilton: A Notable Absence
The surprise of this edition undoubtedly comes from Lewis Hamilton’s absence from the top 10. This is a first since the establishment of this vote in 2008. A hard blow for the seven-time world champion who, between 2008 and 2022, never left the top 4. His drop to fifth place in 2023 and seventh in 2024 had already indicated a decline, but to see him completely absent this year… This demonstrates just how fierce the competition has become.
A Decrease in Participation
In an unprecedented move, we do not know the details of the points awarded by the teams, which casts a shadow over the transparency of the process. Only eight teams participated in the vote this year, down from ten last year. Red Bull and Ferrari, iconic figures in the championship, did not respond to the call. Last year, Verstappen achieved a perfect score of 250 points, proving that he was favored by all the principals. This year, the mysteries remain.
The Top 10 of the 2025 Season According to Team Principals
The list of voters for 2025: Andrea Stella (McLaren), Toto Wolff (Mercedes), James Vowles (Williams), Alan Permane (Racing Bulls), the leadership of Aston Martin, Ayao Komatsu (Haas), Jonathan Wheatley (Sauber), and Steve Nielsen (Alpine). These iconic figures in the world of F1 bring their expertise and personal vision to the ranking, making each vote a key piece of the competitive puzzle.
The ranking of the team principals
This ranking reveals not only who the best drivers are according to those who interact with them daily but also the changing dynamics of motorsport. The battle for supremacy is fought over details, and each season brings its share of surprises and twists. With a picture as vibrant and unpredictable as this, adrenaline is at its peak for F1 fans. It remains to be seen how the drivers will react on the track in light of these rankings.
