2025 F1 Report Cards: Norris Clinches Title, But Verstappen & Russell Shine Brighter

Lando Norris may have the 2025 World Championship trophy, but the end-of-season report cards tell a more complex story of who truly excelled on track. While Norris did what was required to become champion, the grades suggest Max Verstappen and George Russell delivered the most complete and impressive individual drives of the year, setting the stage for a fascinating 2026 season.

Why it matters:

These grades cut through the simple narrative of the championship winner, evaluating driver performance relative to their machinery and highlighting the true pecking order on the grid. It provides crucial context for the 2026 season, a massive year with new regulations, by identifying which drivers are peaking, which are under pressure, and which teams have the strongest driver lineups to challenge for titles.

The details:

• The Champion: Lando Norris earned a B+ for his title-winning campaign. He was unbeatable at times and delivered under pressure, but questions remain if he was the outright best driver on the grid.
• The Top Performers: Max Verstappen received an A for his sublime, near-perfect driving from Monza onward, with only his intentional crash with Russell marring his record. George Russell was awarded an A- for consistently dragging his Mercedes to victories and outperforming his car, with many believing he would have won the title in the McLaren.
• The Ferrari Tale: The season was a tale of two teammates. Charles Leclerc was a standout A-, heroically dragging his uncompetitive Ferrari to seven podiums. In stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton had a dismal year, earning an F with zero poles, wins, or podiums.
• Rookie Report: The 2025 rookie class showed immense promise. Isack Hadjar (B) was a revelation, earning a Red Bull promotion, while Oliver Bearman (C) and Kimi Antonelli (C-) showed flashes of brilliance despite challenging seasons.
• Midfield Heroes: Pierre Gasly (A-) delivered a heroic season in the worst car on the grid, while Nico Hülkenberg (C) finally scored his first-ever podium in his 239th Grand Prix start.

Looking ahead:

The 2025 grades have major implications for 2026. George Russell looks primed for a title assault if Mercedes can deliver a championship-winning car. Verstappen has further cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats. For Norris, the challenge will be to elevate his game to fend off a resurgent field and prove he can be a dominant, multi-time champion. Ferrari and Hamilton, meanwhile, face a critical year to answer the serious questions raised by their 2025 performance.