Verstappen Tops 2025 Driver Rankings, Despite Norris Title Win

While Lando Norris secured the 2025 Formula 1 drivers' championship, our expert panel has crowned Max Verstappen as the season's top performer for his exceptional drives, particularly in the face of early-season car struggles. The ranking highlights a recurring debate in F1: the difference between statistical achievement and pure driving excellence throughout a campaign.

Why it matters:

This ranking separates the champion from the 'driver of the year,' sparking debate among fans about consistency, car performance, and mental fortitude. It underscores that while Norris won the title on points, Verstappen was often seen as the driver extracting the maximum from his machinery, framing the Dutchman as the benchmark heading into 2026.

The details:

Our panel of five writers ranked the drivers using F1's points system, resulting in a clear top five that tells the story of the 2025 season.

• 5. Charles Leclerc: A lone bright spot in a dismal season for Ferrari. With development halted early, Leclerc still dragged the car to seven podiums, showcasing his ability to deliver results beyond the car's potential.
• 4. George Russell: A career-best year. Russell firmly established himself as Mercedes' team leader with two deserved wins in Canada and Singapore, backed by seven podiums. He was consistently the 'best of the rest' behind the main title contenders.
• 3. Oscar Piastri: A story of what might have been. The Australian looked destined for the title after a dominant first half, but a controversial team order at Monza visibly rattled him. Uncharacteristic errors and crashes in the second half cost him dearly.
• 2. Lando Norris: The resilient champion. Despite clinching the title, his own early-season mistakes and poor getaways compromised his campaign. He showed immense mental strength to rebuild his challenge as his teammate faltered, proving his championship mettle when it mattered most.
• 1. Max Verstappen: The undisputed standout performer. He was imperious, especially after his car's issues were resolved, rattling off 10 consecutive podiums. His title challenge was ultimately derailed not by pace, but by one moment of madness in Spain—a deliberate collision with George Russell that cost him nine crucial points.

What's next:

The final ranking reflects a season of incredible highs and costly mistakes. With Verstappen reaffirming his status as the grid's benchmark and Norris proving his champion's resolve, the stage is set for a fascinating battle for supremacy in 2026.