F1's Top 10 Drivers of 2025: Drivers 10-6 Ranked

A panel of five journalists from RacingNews365 has ranked the top 10 drivers of the 2025 F1 season using the sport's official scoring system. The first installment reveals drivers 10 through 6, a group defined by impressive rookie campaigns and seasons of dramatic highs and lows, highlighting standout performers and those who showed immense potential.

Why it matters:

Driver rankings are a crucial part of the F1 narrative, sparking debate beyond the championship standings. They recognize raw talent, racecraft, and a driver's ability to overcome machinery limitations. This list spotlights the next generation of talent and veterans adapting to new challenges, setting the stage for 2026.

The details:

• 10. Oliver Bearman: The Haas rookie's season was marked by significant growth. After a difficult start with heavy crashes and accumulating penalty points, Bearman found his form post-summer break, culminating in a brilliant P4 in Mexico City to equal the team's best-ever Grand Prix result.
• 9. Alex Albon: A classic season of two halves. Albon was sensational early on in a Williams that wasn't expected to be as competitive, scoring points in seven of the first eight races. However, a dismal run of zero points in the final eight grands prix saw him plummet down the order.
• 8. Kimi Antonelli: An inconsistent debut replacing a legend. The Italian showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on flyaway races, but struggled through the European leg of the season. His campaign highlight was a stunning double podium (sprint and race) in São Paulo, proving his immense talent.
• 7. Carlos Sainz: A slow start with a strong finish for the Williams newcomer. Sainz took time to adapt to his new team but became instrumental late in the season, securing two crucial podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar that played a key role in Williams finishing a superb 5th in the constructors' championship.
• 6. Isack Hadjar: Mental strength defines an impressive rookie year. After a disastrous debut crash on the formation lap in Australia, the French-Algerian driver showed immense maturity. He proved his worth with several stand-out drives, scoring a well-deserved P3 in the Dutch GP to cement his F1 future at Red Bull.

What's next:

The top five drivers from the 2025 season will be revealed on Christmas Day, along with the final cumulative point totals from the judging panel, crowning the ultimate driver of the year.