Saudi Arabia is behind us as we are now two rounds in to the 2023 F1 season. With that in mind, I’m back to bring you the latest edition of the F1 driver power rankings.
As always 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. Logan Sargeant (new)
After two races he might not have any points to his name but the American has driven brilliantly in 2023. A mistake cost him a higher grid position after qualifying and he had some strong battles with much more fancied teams and drivers for the lower positions in the race. He has also really taken it up to his much more fancied teammate Alexander Albon so far. Keep an eye on him, he will be one to watch for the rest of 2023.
9. Esteban Ocon (new)
First points of the year for Ocon as he beat his teammate and managed to go an entire race without a penalty. That is a big win for him in 2023.
8. Pierre Gasly (-)
More points for the Frenchman as he drove a solid race at Jeddah. Alpine aren’t blowing anyone away with their form but they are doing what is necessary to showcase they are the best of the rest behind the leading four teams.
(Photo by The Checkered Flag)
7. Charles Leclerc (-2)
Poor Charles. Two weeks after a podium was taken from him after a mechanical issue, a higher position was also taken from him after a grid penalty followed another mechanical issue. There was just no pace in the Ferrari on Sunday, and Leclerc is increasingly sounding more and more frustrated whenever you hear him on the radio. Let’s hope his Albert Park form from 12 months ago can return in a fortnight.
6. Lewis Hamilton (-)
Wasn’t a factor in the race or the weekend but was consistent and finished as best as he could. A solid, yet unspectacular drive by the seven-times World Champion.
5. Lance Stroll (-1)
Drops a place due to the fact he was barely in the race after his technical issue. Before that, had another great weekend and looked likely for a 4th or 5th in the race based on his early pace and form. Can we just mention he is doing this with two broken wrists still? Amazing.
4. George Russell (new)
A very strong and solid drive by Russell saw him very nearly inherit a lucky podium before settling for a solid fourth. It wasn’t exactly a flashy weekend by him, but he was consistent and did the job. That’s the best Mercedes can hope for in 2023, and right now it’s working as they are second in the Championship. A win and more podiums are definitely possible for Russell, should he remain this way for the rest of the season.
3. Fernando Alonso (-1)
Drops a place mainly due to the stronger form of Perez. Alonso scored consecutive podiums for the first time in a decade, and you expect more to come from the resurgent Spaniard. It’s one of the best stories of the season by far, and one that only seems to be getting better.
(Photo by Autosport)
2. Sergio Perez (+1)
Two very strong weekends in a row for Perez sees him leave Saudi Arabia as the man best placed to challenge his teammate for the World Championship. Will feel a bit robbed not having the Championship lead but will be very satisfied going into another street circuit in two weeks’ time in Melbourne.
1. Max Verstappen (-)
Easy number one. The Dutchman continues to dominate. Even feeling sick coming into the weekend and some car issues can’t stop him. Sure he finished second, but that sneaky fastest lap at the end to make sure he remains at the top of the Championship? That’s classic Max. Still the driver to stop in 2023.
What do you think of these rankings? Do you agree with the positions? Let me know what you think in the comments below.