You’ve had the team power rankings after the Hungarian Grand Prix, now it’s time to read the driver power rankings.
Which driver has had a continued rise? Which has started to fall? And how far ahead can we realistically put Max Verstappen than he already is?
Before you find out, it’s of course time for a quick disclaimer. With any power rankings, these are subjective and based purely on opinion mixed with results.
Are these 100 per cent accurate? Inside my mind, yes! Outside of it, no. But it’s a nice way to spark some discussion, showcase some form and allow a conversation that brings F1 fans closer together – and maybe also further apart at the same time.
Fun, right? Always!
Rather than rank all 20 drivers on the grid, I have made it more streamlined and easier by simply bringing the top 10 drivers.
As always this means that some drivers drop out, and a couple have jumped in after my last rankings.
You can also check out my team power rankings too for a similar analysis.
Let’s get to it.
10. Charles Leclerc (-2)
Started sixth, finished seventh. That sums up Hungary for Charles Leclerc.
9. Lance Stroll (+1)
An underrated drive by Stroll who finished only one spot behind his teammate who started more than a quarter of the grid up from him. Deserves more praise than he ultimately got.
8. Carlos Sainz Jr (+1)
Started 11th, finished eighth. That sums up Hungary for Carlos Sainz Jr.
(Photo by GPFans)
7. Fernando Alonso (-2)
The wait for 33 is seemingly going to get longer and longer now. Nowhere near a podium, and just scraped home in the points. Worrying signs for Alonso and Aston Martin into the second half of the season.
6. Oscar Piastri (new)
Didn’t want to put him in the top 10 after one race alone, but now easily warrants his inclusion. Should’ve been on the podium had it not been for McLaren giving preference to his teammate, but it’ll come. Watch this space.
5. Sergio Perez (+2)
Finally, Sergio. Finally. What started as a seemingly poor weekend, Perez was able to turn it around to finish on the podium and earn driver of the day honours. With Ricciardo breathing down his neck, a drive like this couldn’t have come at a better time.
(Photo by The Peninsula Qatar)
4. George Russell (-)
A poor qualifying for Russell was salvaged by a strong race. Starting 18th, he finished 6th, only two spots behind his teammate who started on pole. Remaining Mr Consistent in 2023.
3. Lewis Hamilton (-1)
Only drops a spot due to the driver ahead of him gaining one, Hamilton was incredible on Saturday and then did what he could on Sunday to finish fourth. The win drought continues, but there are encouraging signs.
2. Lando Norris (+1)
Lando is back and back with a vengeance. A lucky strategy decision by McLaren aside, Norris is driving superbly at the moment and could be the beneficiary of a win should a technical gremlin or something else finally befall Red Bull in front of him. Great to see him right up the front once again.
1. Max Verstappen (-)
Did anyone really doubt on Sunday that he wasn’t going to win? Of course not. Was as obvious as the sun rising. And that means that the records keep tumbling. The champagne in Belgium is already popping for him as we speak.
What do you think of these rankings? Do you agree with the positions? Let me know what you think in the comments below.