Verstappen Named Best Driver of 2025 by Team Principals

Despite narrowly missing out on the 2025 F1 Drivers' Championship to Lando Norris by just two points, Max Verstappen has been named the best driver of the season by F1 team principals. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Dutchman has topped the anonymous poll, a remarkable testament to his perceived driving talent even in a season where he fell just short of the ultimate prize.

Why it matters:

The team principal vote is considered a prestigious 'peer review' from the most informed minds in the paddock, often valuing raw driving talent and consistency over the final championship standings. Verstappen's selection, despite his title loss, underscores the incredible respect he earned for his late-season surge and ability to maximize a challenging Red Bull package. Conversely, it serves as a brutal assessment of the season's underperformers.

The details:

• Lando Norris, the newly-crowned World Champion, finished second in the voting, with his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri taking third place, mirroring the final championship standings.
• George Russell secured a strong fourth place, reflecting his impressive season, while Fernando Alonso jumped four spots to fifth, highlighting a stellar campaign for Aston Martin.
• Ferrari's Fall: Charles Leclerc dropped from third in 2024 to seventh, but the biggest shock was Lewis Hamilton, who completely fell out of the top 10 after a difficult debut season with the Scuderia.
• Newcomers: Haas's Oliver Bearman and Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar both broke into the top 10, earning recognition for their performances.
• The vote is conducted anonymously among team bosses, with the scoring system mirroring the F1 championship points structure. Notably, Red Bull's Laurent Mekies and Ferrari's Fred Vasseur did not participate in the voting.

Looking Ahead:

This vote sets a fascinating narrative for the 2026 season. Verstappen enters the new regulations with his status as the grid's best driver reaffirmed by his peers, despite the championship outcome. For Ferrari, the results are a stark warning sign, with both Leclerc and Hamilton's perceived downgrades putting immense pressure on the team to deliver a competitive car and allow their drivers to bounce back. The battle for on-track supremacy and paddock perception is sure to intensify.