A tough battle in Abu Dhabi sees the final edition of the driver power rankings come down to the wire. So who will emerge on top in 2024?
First the usual disclaimer. You know the drill, these are all subjective and based mainly on my (incredibly smart) opinion mixed with form and on-track results, meaning 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 in mind, let’s get to the rankings!
10. Fernando Alonso (new)
Sneaks into the end of year rankings based on a strong drive in Abu Dhabi and others dropping away. A fairly unassuming season for Fernando but solid as always.
9. Nico Hulkenberg (-1)
Hate having him this low on the list as I stand by him being the driver of the year, but have to remain consistent on the rankings and this is the spot for him based on that.
(Photo by Getty Images)
8. Pierre Gasly (-1)
A great end of the year for Gasly with more points coming in Abu Dhabi. Only drops a spot based on the rise of those around him.
7. Lewis Hamilton (+2)
Looked like we were in for another struggle on the Sunday from Lewis before he put in a great drive to recover from 16th on the grid to finish in fourth and only five seconds off a podium. Hoping that he can find his mojo again when he next shows up to a race in red.
6. Oscar Piastri (-1)
A great recovery drive for Oscar after being taken out at the first turn by Max Verstappen. This was then hampered by his own penalty for hitting Franco Colapinto during the race. He managed to scrape home a point though, which was amazing considering how much he had to overcome to get there.
5. George Russell (-2)
Another solid race by George to finish fifth in the race, and fifth overall in these power rankings. The far more consistent of the Mercedes drivers this season, he’ll be looking forward to leading the way in 2025 and continuing that form.
4. Carlos Sainz (+2)
His final race in red brought a great result and a solid effort all weekend. Sadly wasn’t able to haul in Norris to give Ferrari a better chance at the Constructors’ Championship, but will no doubt be satisfied with his final race for the team.
3. Charles Leclerc (-1)
All the plaudits were going the way of Lewis Hamilton for his recovery drive, but Charles by far had the better one. From 19th to third was incredible, particularly given how many of those spots were achieved at the beginning of the race. He drove like a man possessed who wanted nothing more than to deliver a Championship to Ferrari, a fact that he sadly came up just short in. Still, with drives like that, there’s plenty more to be excited around him for 2025.
(Photo by Getty Images)
2. Lando Norris (+2)
A dominant race by Lando to help bring McLaren their first Championship of any kind in 16 years. He also managed to lead off the line from pole! An amazing achievement. A great season overall for Lando who will be hoping he can continue on with it and have a bigger tilt at the title in 2025.
1. Max Verstappen (-)
Had a bit of an incident at the start which cost him any chance of a podium but drove to a solid sixth place to close out his year in an unassuming way. Still, the best driver of the season by far and a deserving victor in not only the Drivers’ Championship, but the driver power rankings as well.
What do you think of this list? Which order would you currently rank the drivers in? Let me know your thoughts below!
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