Hamilton Snubbed by F1 Peers in 2025 Driver Rankings
In a historic first season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton failed to secure a win, podium, or pole. His struggles led to him being notably excluded from the top 10 drivers of 2025, as voted by his F1 peers and team principals.
Lewis Hamilton was conspicuously absent from his fellow drivers' top-10 rankings for the 2025 season, marking a stunning fall from grace for the seven-time world champion. His first year with Ferrari resulted in a career-first campaign without a single win, podium, or pole position, a performance that clearly resonated with his peers on the grid.
Why it matters:
This isn't just about a single poor season; it's a significant indicator of how Hamilton's standing has evolved within the F1 paddock. Being overlooked by both drivers and team principals suggests a widespread perception that he is no longer an automatic top-tier contender, raising questions about the wisdom of his high-profile move to Ferrari and his ability to challenge for a record eighth title.
The details:
- The official drivers' poll saw Max Verstappen and Lando Norris retain the top two spots, with George Russell and Oscar Piastri moving up to third and fourth respectively.
- Charles Leclerc dropped two places to fifth, while Fernando Alonso climbed to seventh.
- Notable Omissions: Hamilton was replaced by three new entries who impressed in 2025: Alex Albon (8th), Oliver Bearman (9th), and Isack Hadjar (10th).
- This snub wasn't isolated. Hamilton also failed to make the top ten in a separate vote conducted by F1 team principals, reinforcing the sentiment across the paddock.
- Insider reports suggest Hamilton initially felt strong support from Ferrari's leadership, including chairman John Elkann and team principal Fred Vasseur, but the on-track struggles of the season may have tested that relationship.
Looking ahead:
The 2025 season represents a critical low point, but the focus now shifts to whether Hamilton and Ferrari can reverse this trend in 2026. With the next set of regulations on the horizon, the pressure is immense for both the driver and the team to prove the multi-year deal was a mistake-free decision and to mount a credible championship challenge. A failure to bounce back would further cement this season as a pivotal, negative turning point in a legendary career.