Just like with the team power rankings, the fight for second in the driver power rankings continues to heat up. And with only two rounds remaining, that second spot could be anyone’s.
As always, disclaimer time. 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!
To make it extra interesting on the drivers front, rather than rank all 20 drivers on the grid, I have made it more streamlined and easier by simply bringing the top 10 drivers.
You can also check out my team power rankings too for a similar analysis.
Right, let’s get to the rankings.
10. Yuki Tsunoda (new)
A great drive by Yuki from 16th on the grid to bag two points for the team, bringing back some of that early season form that is much needed right now.
9. Lance Stroll (new)
A sterling weekend by the Canadian, qualifying third and then finishing fifth and holding off a Ferrari for the entire race.
(Photo by Crash.net)
8. George Russell (-2)
12 months ago George Russell won in Brazil. This time around he didn’t even look likely to score points. How quickly things can change.
7. Lewis Hamilton (-5)
Ooof. I feel so bad dropping Lewis down this far, given he has probably been the most consistent driver in 2023 behind Max Verstappen, but it was a very bad weekend for him and the team. Let’s hope for Mercedes fans it’s simply a one off.
6. Carlos Sainz (-1)
The other Mr Consistent of 2023, Carlos was just there, did his job, and got some points in a car that didn’t really look great across the weekend. As always, it’s all he needs to do.
5. Sergio Perez (new)
Happy to be able to put Sergio back in the top five. Was a solid weekend for him, and would’ve been on the podium had he been racing any other driver to the line except for Fernando Alonso. Can secure second place in the Championship in Vegas, so watch this space.
(Photo by Fox Sports)
4. Charles Leclerc (-)
Feels odd keeping him in the top five when he didn’t really race, but still was solid enough over the weekend that a technical issue won’t hamper his position here.
3. Fernando Alonso (new)
He’s bounced around these rankings a lot this season but an amazing drive by him and weekend in general easily vaults him right back into the top three.
2. Lando Norris (+1)
He just keeps delivering doesn’t he? Imagine if this pace had been there all season. We’d possibly be looking at a much different situation for second in the Championship. Let’s just hope that in 2024 that pace will continue and Lando can escape the “most podiums without a win” club.
1. Max Verstappen (-)
Has now guaranteed himself the record of highest win percentage in a single season. Incredible.
What do you think of these rankings? Do you agree with the positions? Let me know what you think in the comments below.