The 2025 Formula 1 season did not bring Max Verstappen a new world title, but he was named driver of the year by many in the paddock. To begin with, this was done by the team bosses who cast their votes every year for the official Formula 1 website. The drivers traditionally do the same, although the organization reports that this time four of the twenty drivers did not participate. Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hülkenberg, Lance Stroll and Yuki Tsunoda did not vote.
Verstappen emerged as the winner of all other votes, just like last year. The Red Bull driver was placed at the very top of the list by six of his colleagues and has collected the most points in total. It must be said that the system uses the same points counting as ‘normal’ Formula 1, i.e. 25 points for the driver in P1 and then additional points for the top ten. Verstappen remains ahead of Lando Norris, who, just like in 2024, occupies second position in the driver rankings.
While Charles Leclerc was third in the rating of all drivers last year, he has remarkably dropped two positions. The Ferrari driver once again had a strong year on an individual level and comfortably defeated Hamilton, but shared in Ferrari’s general malaise. Third place in the list this year goes to George Russell, ahead of Oscar Piastri. Both drivers have moved up a spot compared to last year.
Behind these first five, Carlos Sainz occupies sixth place, just like last season, although it must be said that he was still employed by Ferrari at the time, and now Williams. Fernando Alonso has gained two positions on his way to P7, after which the top ten has been completed by three new entries. Alexander Albon provides two Williams drivers in the first eight, after which rookies Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar in positions nine and ten have been the best rookies in the eyes of their colleagues.
Despite a good individual season, Pierre Gasly is narrowly left out. Hamilton has not been mentioned among the top ten by his colleagues – for the first time since this initiative started.
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