With team power rankings done, it's time for the first edition of driver power rankings for 2024!
You already know who is at the top of this list, but what about the other nine spots? That's where the real battle is set to emerge across the record breaking F1 season we're about to witness.
Of course this is the same deal as the team power rankings: a subjective list based mainly on my (incredibly smart) opinion mixed with form and on-track results. That of course means it is a generally subjective list that holds no real weight except for the large basis of fact I like to think I can generate.
So with that all in mind, let's get to it!
10. Lance Stroll
Lance did his usual. Struggled in qualifying and got a great start. The difference this time however was that he was tagged by Nico Hulkenberg at the start, spun around, and had to fight his way from last to tenth to salvage a point. A great drive from Stroll to start the year.
(Photo by PlanetF1.com)
9. Fernando Alonso
For someone who was so far off the pace at the end of the race, Alonso seemingly was in a better mood than many expected. A year ago he was on the podium, this year he got two points. Interesting times for Alonso, who did what he could.
8. Lewis Hamilton
An early battery issue as well as an issue with his seat hampered his true performance in Bahrain. However Hamilton was still in a decent mood and happy with where the car is at and where it can be.
7. Oscar Piastri
Nothing ground-breaking from Piastri in Bahrain. Did what he could with the car and got some points.
6. Lando Norris
See Piastri above. Beat his teammate and a Mercedes, so therefore gets a slightly higher position.
5. George Russell
Had it not been for an overheating Mercedes engine, George Russell would surely have been in the fight for a podium. A great lap from him on the Saturday split the Ferraris, showing some great early signs from the man who is set to be the team’s leader in less than 12 months’ time.
4. Carlos Sainz
A great start for Carlos in what is set to be a season of audition tapes that he’ll be sending around the grid. Would be somewhat disappointed that his late strategy on the hard tyres didn’t quite catch the Red Bull of Perez on the softs at the end, but a podium to start the year is still a great result.
(Photo by Pinkvilla)
3. Charles Leclerc
Probably would’ve been second had it not been for his brake issue, Charles still drove a great race to keep Russell and the gang behind him. Plenty of good signs for him heading into 2024.
2. Sergio Perez
Another struggle in qualifying, Perez did what he has to do this year and overcame the disappointment to finish best of the rest. If he can do this 23 more times in 2024, he will still be in that car next year.
1. Max Verstappen
His winning margin of 22.457s was the biggest winning margin in an opening round of the season since Nico Rosberg won by 26.777s from Kevin Magnussen at the 2014 Australian Grand Prix. Domination.
What do you think of this list? Which order would you currently rank the drivers in? Let me know your thoughts below!