How Did We Come Up With These Rankings?
Each member of our team was given the opportunity to rank their top 10 drivers so far this season. Then, based on the system F1 uses to award points after a race, we tallied up each driver’s total points tally. Here are the results...
#1: Max Verstappen - 175
Alyssa: Say what you want about him but he’s had a season that is almost faultless. I cannot think of any costly mistakes that he has made himself and for that, he is at the top of my driver rankings as well as top overall. How is he not leading the championship?
Annika: This matches my placement of first place, I think this has been his strongest season to date, and he’s only getting better as a driver. Even though he is young he is showcasing why Redbull has picked him to be the Next World Champion and his best chance is now.
Emily: I don’t think that Max has really put a foot wrong all season and I think that he deserves to be in the position he is. He cannot be faulted for his DNF in Baku at all, and the Silverstone incident can really point both ways. It has been amazing to see the championship battle unfold, and I eagerly await more brilliant racing.
Phoebe: I love that Max now has the opportunity to properly race and challenge Lewis, it’s just unfortunate that he’s had bad luck (a tyre blowout in Baku and being a bowling pin in Hungary), and then the incident at Silverstone. The current championship standings may be different without those events. I still think RB and Max have a chance, and RB are right in putting so much belief and faith in him.
Ruth: I think we’re definitely seeing a more mature, but still aggressive, Max Verstappen. His moves have been calculated but still have the element of flair that is unique to Max’s driving style, Imola lap one coming to mind where some would say he pushed a little hard but it was seen as fair. He’s got a great chance to win this year, he just needs to keep clean and avoid costly mistakes - which in my opinion he’s been doing a stellar job of so far this season.
Misha: I think Max has really changed if you compare his behaviour this year with previous years, he’s showing a more mature version of himself. He has always been a great driver, but that grown up version of him just shows that it’s serious business now. His season so far has been great, very little to no mistakes, and the “mistakes” that were there were not his own fault, but merely bad luck. If we look at how he managed to drive a car that was heavily damaged in the bowling game at Silverstone and even finished in the points, that’s showing some amazing skills. I might be biased because I’m Dutch too, but I really hope he keeps fighting with Hamilton and wins the title this year, he deserves it.
Katie: Max has demonstrated he has the ability to battle at the front and prove himself as a top tier future champion. Has had stretches of consistency in the first half and is always quick. He always manages to always squeeze performance out of his machinery, however, has been quite unlucky towards the last portion before summer through no faults of his own. Seems to have matured with experience and also no longer shows unfair aggression or emotional outbursts on or off track.
#2: Lando Norris - 137
Alyssa: He may be the second shortest on the grid but he is looking mighty tall in his McLaren. There’s no denying that he is making the most of his car, especially when you compare his results to his teammate (sorry Daniel, love you really). As a driver, he is only getting better and this is reflective of his placement in the rankings.
Annika: Again to me another driver that hasn’t really placed a foot wrong all season. He’s really come into his own in the MCL35 and has owned the car, and been the better driver at McLaren. Could really evolve into something interesting in the next coming years.
Emily: Apart from the occasional mistake, he has had an undoubtedly brilliant season. Lando has really progressed onto another level and it is showing in the impressive 3rd he still holds in the championship battle above an objectively superior Red Bull and Mercedes.
Phoebe: This is my attempt to write without bias. From when Daniel’s move to McLaren was announced, many people firmly believed that Lando would achieve less success than his new teammate, but with 3 podiums Lando has really stepped it up. He really fits into that team and I can definitely see McLaren continuing to progress with him in their seat. Hopefully with even more experience, he can continue to grow, but he’s already giving us the results we want to the action we love to see.
Ruth: Lando is an interesting one for sure, he openly admits to his mistakes but most of them are in practice sessions where he is finding the limits - which in all helps him in qualifying. Only a track limits time deletion has dampened landos smile this year as his consistency and ability to stay out of trouble, even with the hungry midfielders all around, has allowed him to stick in P3 in the championship. Really impressive half season from Lando and I can’t wait to see him in action again!
Misha: My favourite British driver, and a talent to keep an eye on. He’s really been keeping up with the top drivers, and delivers a very consistent performance, finishing in the top 5 every race (let’s just forget about Silverstone, that wasn’t his fault). Where everybody thought he would be in Daniel’s shadow, it’s actually the other way around. Lando’s been shining so far this season, and I really hope he continues to do so in the second half.
Katie: Now formally known as Mr Consistency, he is always getting the best from his package and has had some really great on-track battles. Was very unlucky in the last race through no fault of his own and is constantly looking for new ways to gain performance and push limits to get better.
#3: Charles Leclerc - 85
Alyssa: Charlie boy… an absolute beauty. The future of Ferrari was placed on his shoulders and he delivered, making the most of a tough season so far for the prancing horses. My expectations for Ferrari in general were pretty low (as I’m sure most people's opinions were) and they certainly exceeded that.
Annika: Been the stronger performer out of the two Ferrari, in saying that he has had more time in the car. He’s one of a handful of drivers that have been really pushing and outdriving the car. Could have won Silverstone in my opinion.
Emily: Despite a wishy-washy season for the Monegasque, when he has had a car that can perform, he shows that undoubtedly. He and Ferrari certainly need to work on his inconsistent performances, but if they can get that car under control, I see no reason why they can’t consistently challenge for top 5 positions.
Phoebe: I personally wouldn’t put Charles this far up on the leaderboard, but you can’t ignore his two back-to-back pole positions. He too has struggled with bad luck, and sometimes I think the car lets him down. When he and the car are on form however, he has produced great results and good hauls of points. Right now, he is doing what Ferrari needs- battling their way up the constructor’s championship.
Ruth: Based on expectation vs reality, I actually put Carlos further up on the list. Don’t get me wrong, Charles has had some stellar performances this year, and definitely an improvement from last year, but his mistakes have sometimes cost him - I imagine the person who knows this best is Charles himself. Starting from pole in Monaco would be a dream but his mistake cost him. He’s definitely been performing really well and has snuck under the radar a bit but once he can iron out the mistakes he will be consistently fighting in the top 5 in my opinion.
Misha: I actually had him a lot lower on my personal list. He’s a great driver and I really like seeing the improvement of Ferrari in general, but Charles hasn’t surprised me much this year. He’s doing great, don’t get me wrong here, but has had some bad luck and very unfortunate mistakes (Monaco). His fight at Silverstone however was amazing, but other than that he hasn’t won me over yet.
Katie: Charles has often been in the wrong place at the wrong time but has also suffered from his own moves and mistakes too. Has had flashes of great speed and performance and as always brings the fight to anyone he can.
#4: George Russell - 85
Alyssa: Mr Saturday… needs to work on becoming Mr Sunday, too. He’s shown what he can do in a below-average car and it is spectacular. If only he were a little more consistent in his races, or managed to maintain his grid positions, he’d be higher up in the rankings. Bonus points for being a team player in Hungary.
Annika: MR SATURDAY! George has pushed this car like no other, and I like to say that he’s turned the Williams car into a polished turd. Had a little trouble converting it to points on race day but he’s been trying and him as a teammate in Hungary grants him some points too, he’s been an excellent teammate.
Emily: Georgie Porgie has had a heck of a qualifying performance this season, and despite trouble converting that momentum on a Sunday, it is clear he is getting the most he can get out of that car. Get a half decent car under him (cough cough a Mercedes perhaps), and he will go far.
Phoebe: If George doesn’t get the Mercedes seat I will… I don’t even know. George is an incredibly mature driver who despite often being towards the back of the grid in the past, has gained valuable experience. Finally with the opportunity to fight different drivers and cars, he can ready himself for the Mercedes seat and prove he deserves it. He finally has points, and is making Q2 consistently, and then Q3. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT TOTO!?
Ruth: What can I say? It’s George. His qualifying has been exceptional, his race pace has suffered from William’s overall lack of pace but still pulling out great performances from his car. George certainly has had his share of bad luck and the incident in Imola has cost him more points and I definitely think he would have more without this bad luck. I get excited to watch him to race just to get to glimpse at what could be in the future is so incredible- I feel like I’m watching history being made. His mental resilience is also insane, yes his little outburst at Valtteri was a bit uncharacteristic, he managed to keep a smile on his face even through the adversity he faces with getting those crucial points.
Misha: If this guy doesn’t get a Mercedes seat next year, I’ll eat my shoes. His performance in qualifying has been amazing this year. Unfortunately has not been able to see that performance in the results of the race on Sunday, but the guy has shown some amazing drives in that Williams, he’s really pushing the car that extra mile. And can we also appreciate his unselfishness when he wanted to sacrifice his own race to give his team and team mate a points-finish…
Katie: George has had such a breakthrough half season in many ways but has also had his fair share of costly mistakes and DNF's (some his fault, some not). George is constantly out-performing his car in quali but unfortunately, hasn't quite nailed it on the head when it comes to the main event. Not only scored 1 or 2 points but an entire haul in Hungary so super excited for the rest of this season and his long F1 future
#5: Carlos Sainz - 61
Alyssa: Two podiums, wow! Well done! Although he has more points than his teammate, I don’t think he’s having a better season. He didn’t make my list for that reason, hopefully there’s more to come from him.
Annika: He’s placed a little too high overall in my opinion, just because he’s been underperforming on Saturday. I think out of everyone who switched teams though, he has adapted the best, proven already by his two podiums. Also he’s stood out to me by making better calls than the Ferrari by staying out in Hungary, and has really been able to make up places when he gets a bad qualifying.
Emily: How fast Carlos adapted to his Ferrari has really impressed me and I feel as though that should be rewarded in this ranking. Similar to Charles, he has had some really good performances and some weak ones, but a more consistent car and experience in it will surely make them a duo to be reckoned with.
Phoebe: Carlos has provided a really strong line-up for Ferrari and there is a small battle with McLaren, though I still believe McLaren have the better car. His performances and points hauls show that Ferrari made the right choice, and that their youngest line-up has not weakened them. Don’t forget Carlos’ podiums!
Ruth: Carlos has definitely exceeded my expectations. I thought he would struggle, seeing Vettel struggle broke my heart so I was hoping Carlos didn’t go down the same route. Don't get me wrong, he’s had his fair share of hardship but his adaptability is to be commended. 2 podiums and some good points hauls is definitely what Ferrari need - he just needs to get his ambition and turn it into reality. I look forward to watching the rest of Carlos’ season unfold.
Misha: Carlitos, Carlitos… let me - again- try to give my unbiased opinion. I was surprised when it was announced that he would leave McLaren and go to Ferrari, and expected him to struggle a lot (I expected Ferrari to struggle more than they do actually), but of all the drivers that switched teams, Carlos has had the best performance so far with two podiums and points in almost every race. He’s a very dedicated driver and I think a lot of people underestimate him. Will he be the best one day and become a “legend”? No, I don’t think so. But he definitely has talent, skills and dedication and has shown that all with his new team.
Katie: Mr Chili, Carlos, has had a pretty decent start to his career at Ferrari and adapted well to changes as well as managed to keep up well with his teammate at times. He does however, need to iron out the silly mistakes and avoidable incidents with consistency coming in time.
#6: Lewis Hamilton - 59
Alyssa: There’s no denying that Lewis is an exceptional driver and some people might be a little bitter to see him this low, however I have my reasons. This season has shown some uncharacteristic errors from the seven-time world champion, which is not expected (hence the lower ranking). In my opinion, this is his worst season in a long time, most probably because he has competition he isn’t used to in Max Verstappen.
Annika: I personally think he is way too low. People can make the argument that he has been making way too many mistakes but I think people are forming that opinion because it’s the first time in a while that he’s been able to showcase his competitive ability, he's not 10 seconds ahead of everyone. Yes he’s made some mistakes, but he’s proven that he’s more than capable by having to drive his way through the field to get podiums.
Emily: I think our personal biases have really shown through with this one. There is no doubting that he is a fantastic driver, and his years of cruising at the top have set our expectations for him sky high. It is hard to compare his performance this year to years prior, as he is finally given another rival that can properly challenge him. Regardless, I feel as though we have yet to be properly impressed by the 7 time world champion.
Phoebe: I honestly think that Lewis Hamilton is just a little bit rusty when racing, because he’s not had a true, consistent challenge on the race track. His qualifying pace is exceptional as always, but I do think pole positions are dependent on circuit and car this year. Do I think he deserves to be higher up the list? Yes, but I can see why his mistakes have landed him here.
Ruth: I don’t really know what to think about Lewis at the moment. He has been pulling out great performances at times but he has also had awful mistakes (*cough cough* Baku), which have cost him dearly. Am I surprised he's leading the championship? No. Lewis is still Lewis, still doing incredible drives but I have to score him down for some of his mistakes.
Misha: Lewis is again showing some great skills and he is an amazing driver, that cannot be denied. You don’t win 7 World Titles just because you’re lucky… He did however make some mistakes this first half of the season which surprised me. It might have to do with the fact that for the first time in a long, lonely reign, really has to defend his title, I don’t know. But what he is showing this year is still very good. I love how the battles between him and Max are on the edge, and I hope to see more of those in part 2 of this season.
Katie: The 7-time Champ is undoubtedly still quick and willing to bring the fight to the young guns but always seems to be moaning about something. He has also been involved in quite a few controversial incidents and just doesn't seem to be as on it as in previous years.
#7: Sebastian Vettel - 44
Alyssa: I cannot say anything bad about this man. Not only does he know everything about F1, but he also cares for the environment and basic human rights. I think I speak for everyone when I say that second place was his in Hungary. It was so nice to see a glimpse of the ‘old’, pre-Ferrari Seb, and I hope there’s more to come in the future.
Annika: I think the Aston Martin hasn’t been as great as it was when it was Racing Point, but he has found his moments to shine through. He’s proven by his podium, and potential podium (which would have been a podium). He’s also been another team player, really benefiting the progress of Aston Martin. I agree with this ranking.
Emily: I think that Sebastian’s performance this season has been average-great, all in all. Of course, this is his first year in that Aston Martin, and I eagerly await to see what the 4 time world champion can do once he finds that consistency.
Phoebe: It took a while for Sebastian to settle in, and because of his car I don’t see his results as very consistent, but when the opportunities come Seb is stepping up! This driver is such an angel off track too, and we should follow by his example!
Ruth: if it were based on off track antics Vettel would be top, what is there not to love about him! But on track he definitely had a rocky start and I think he’ll be the first to admit that, however a few penalties in the first few races didn’t help either. Then Monaco happened and we saw Seb pick himself up and go for it. I love to watch Seb fight with the others, he’s still got that aggression of a champion but also the wisdom to know when to back out.
Misha: I didn’t really like Vettel’s performance at the start of the season. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an amazing driver and an even better person, but it just wasn’t there in my opinion. Once he figured the car out, he really put himself back in the picture with some great performances, but I really hope he can keep up his performance throughout the rest of the season.
Katie: Seb is very much and very successfully using his power and status off track for positivity and awareness. He has shown flashes of speed and his 'old talent' coming back. Does however seem to find himself higher up in crazy races (wishing he was there more often) but is out-performing his teammate nearly every weekend.
#8: Fernando Alonso - 42
Alyssa: Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. This man in his Alpine was able to defend from a Mercedes for a long time with such beautiful moves, it almost brought a tear to my eye. I was skeptical about him having the seat over a Renault Academy driver, but honestly he’s proved himself and I think he’s a top driver. Big ups my man Nando.
Annika: Didn’t like him at the start of the season as I thought that his seat could have been given to someone more deserving, but he’s been really consistent, been on par with his teammate, pulling ahead slightly in my opinion (when you take away the Ocon win). To be honest the only reason I put him in my list was because of Hungary and his defending, otherwise I wouldn’t have blinked twice.
Emily: Honestly, he has had a decent season, and while that alone doesn’t give him a spot in my top 10, his performance in Hungary certainly does. I don’t think I gave him enough credit at the beginning of the season, but he has really impressed me.
Phoebe: His defending against Lewis Hamilton was just gorgeous. In qualifying sessions he clearly has pace, and his race craft is still phenomenal. He too has just unfortunately had a lack of luck on Saturday.
Ruth: Of course this was written after Hungary; admittedly I didn’t think much of Fernando’s return. But then we were all put to shame for doubting when he pulled some of the best defensive driving I have ever seen: it was incredible, edge of your seat driving - why we love F1 is for moments like this. Of course Lewis got past eventually but without him, Ocon would not be a Grand Prix winner.
Misha: Was very surprised to see him return to F1, and he wasn’t really standing out in the beginning. His performance on Saturday wasn’t great, which usually made him start somewhere halfway the grid and he just didn’t shine much on Sundays either. Until Hungary. Damn, what this man did there, keeping a car that’s 2 seconds faster behind him for over 11 laps, I’m still amazed by that performance. He still has the skills and if he gets the chance, shows what an amazing driver he actually is. He wasn’t very present in the first part, I really do hope we will see more of him in the coming races.
Katie: I won't lie and say I wasn't shocked about Nando coming back or deny I was sceptical. I know in the past he has been very demanding and critical if things aren't going his way but it's nice to be able to have 2003 throwbacks. Has proven he still has the speed and talent to race in the big leagues and despite taking away a chance from an Alpine Jr, has arguably earnt his place back on the grid.
#9: Pierre Gasly - 41
Alyssa: Although he hasn’t had the most spectacular season so far, he’s certainly had his star moments. He can make that Alpha Tauri look like a Red Bull. He’s just a quality driver and it would be a crime if he didn’t feature in the top ten. *angry Yuki noises because he doesn’t make the list*
Annika: Sad to see him this low down, but honestly I agree, he’s been pretty consistent this season, had some really awesome quali drives, and stayed out of trouble for the most part. I hope he has more opportunities in the second half of the season to show who he is.
Emily: I think that overall, his season has been pretty quiet. He has certainly impressed with some super strong performances on occasion, but he needs to stir up the pot more consistently if he wants to move up the order.
Phoebe: I don’t think his season is going as strongly as the last, but he is still proving his talent. I don’t think it’s fair to compare his performance to Yuki either, a young rookie. He is getting podiums, and important points hauls for Alpha Tauri. With him, the team has a consistent and reassured driver.
Ruth: If I had one wish, it would be for Pierre Gasly to get some recognition! He’s been dragging an AlphaTauri into Q3 more often than not, when it’s meant to be Red Bulls “junior” team (although Red Bull insist it’s a sister team). Pierre has flown under the radar but stepped up as a leader. I look forward to watching him even if his screentime is a bit less than last year.
Misha: Pierre has had a pretty solid season so far. His performances during qualifying were mostly very good, but on Sundays he hasn’t really managed to continue that good performance. Yes, all the races he did finish, he finished in the points, but he hasn’t really surprised me yet. He’s a talented driver and is really showing his skills in Alpha Tauri, but I can’t name an outstanding performance of him this year.
Katie: The Gas man has really got it together in quali at most races and is always out-performing his rookie team mate (as expected really). Nearly always finishes top 10 or above. Hasn't really had any WOW moments yet but is still proving himself the great team player and consistent racer as in previous seasons.
#10: Esteban Ocon - 10
Alyssa: Yay, he won a race! I won’t lie, his win is the main reason he’s in the top ten. Apart from this, his season has been pretty uneventful. He’s a solid driver and I’m glad that he’s got a drive for the season.
Annika: Again to be honest, only here because of his win. Had some pretty shocking drives when you compare him to the consistency of Alonso but he’s ability to lead a race for so long and keep his cool with Vettel breathing down his back the entire race.
Emily: I think that this ranking is purely based on his win in Hungary, otherwise, I wouldn’t have given him a second glance. Regardless, it was enough to secure a top 10 finish in our rankings, but will need to show something more in the second half of the season to stay there.
Phoebe: I personally don’t rate him so highly, and he had a pretty weak beginning to the season, but when put in that first position there was no stopping him! He just needs to start putting himself in opportunity-giving positions on Saturday, like Fernando Alonso.
Ruth: When I tell you I cried when the commentators announced “Esteban Ocon wins the Hungarian Grand Prix!”. I have so much love for Esteban, yes he struggled in the Austrian rounds with qualifying but he’s picked himself up and carried on. This is what I love about Esteban, he’s been through hardship and knows how to get through adversity. I’m very happy he’s now won a Grand Prix because he truly deserves it, he didn’t put a foot wrong in Hungary and showed he can lead from the front. I think the new regulations could really help propel Ocon further up the leaderboard because he is consistent and stays out of incidents and can race more freely with less dirty air. I look forward to seeing how Esteban can ride the high of being a newly crowned Grand Prix winner and hopefully have a great end to the season!
Misha: The only reason he was in my top 10, and I believe in most of our top 10’s, is because of his performance during the Hungarian GP. I think Esteban is a good driver, he’s consistent and stays out of trouble. He’s been a lot more visible this year than previous years, but I didn’t have a “wow” moment, until Hungary. He was very lucky to end up in first place after all that happened after the red flag, but how he managed to stay ahead of Vettel for so many laps was a very great performance which led to a deserved maiden-win. Not sure if he would be able to do this during a “normal” race, but I hope we’ll see him shine more often.
Katie: Not going to sugar coat my personal opinions on Esteban as I don't think he has shown he deserves a seat at a team like Alpine. Doesn't seem to know how to best get performance from the car yet but did deliver when in the position too. Needs to step-up his game in quali and the race and prove his more than just the 'easy teammate'. Is also in my opinion a pretty forgettable driver who isnt really mentioned in conversations alot but I am glad his and his family's sacrifice was worth the shot of making it to Formula 1.
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