Verstappen Tops Mid-Season Rankings as Hamilton Named 'Biggest Disappointment'
In a mid-season review, Max Verstappen is rated as the top driver of 2024, continuing his dominant form. In contrast, Lewis Hamilton's challenging final year with Mercedes, marked by the car's struggles and his own inconsistent results, has led to him being labeled the 'biggest disappointment' so far.
Max Verstappen has been crowned the standout performer of the 2024 Formula 1 season so far, while Lewis Hamilton has been judged the 'biggest disappointment' in a mid-season driver ranking. The assessment highlights the stark contrast in fortunes between the reigning champion, who continues to dominate, and the seven-time title winner, who is struggling in his final Mercedes campaign.
Why it matters:
These mid-season evaluations crystallize the narrative of the current F1 era: Verstappen's relentless supremacy and the ongoing competitive struggles at Mercedes. Hamilton's designation as a disappointment, despite flashes of speed, underscores the immense pressure and scrutiny on a legend in a sub-par car during his farewell tour with the team.
The details:
- Verstappen's Command: The Red Bull driver's ranking reflects his near-flawless execution, strategic mastery, and ability to extract maximum performance even on weekends where the car isn't the outright fastest. His consistency under pressure remains his defining trait.
- Hamilton's Struggle: The label stems from a combination of factors: Mercedes' persistent performance issues, his own qualifying inconsistencies compared to teammate George Russell, and missed podium opportunities that have defined his season.
- Russell's Contrast: George Russell's generally stronger qualifying record and points haul alongside Hamilton have amplified the criticism, painting a picture of a driver not fully maximizing the available package.
- Rising Stars Recognized: The rankings also shed positive light on drivers like McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, acknowledging their strong, often headline-stealing performances against more established teammates.
The big picture:
This snapshot reinforces the transitional state of F1. Verstappen and Red Bull are the entrenched benchmark, while legendary figures like Hamilton are grappling with competitive decline. The evaluation is less about raw talent—which Hamilton has in abundance—and more about results against expectations in a fiercely competitive field. It sets the stage for a compelling second half, where Hamilton will be intensely motivated to rewrite this narrative before his move to Ferrari.