The smooth operator is back and with it his smooth ability to re-enter these rankings. Has that helped him unseat the seemingly unstoppable Max Verstappen in these power rankings?
Before we find out, it’s time for your 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 all in mind, let's get to it!
10. Fernando Alonso (-5)
Barring qualifying, Alonso was behind his teammate all weekend. Technically speaking on the Sunday he wasn’t given he finished ahead of Stroll on track, however his little incident on the last lap that lead to his penalty undid everything he had achieved across the 58 laps of the race. It was an interesting race from Alonso and one that he’ll no doubt bounce back from. But for now, dropping him a few spots is warranted.
9. Nico Hulkenberg (-1)
Feels harsh to drop him a spot given it was another points finish, but it mainly comes due to the rise of those above him. Hulkenberg is driving great right now and his mood in the paddock across the weekend was extremely positive. Being in the right place at the right time to capitalise on issues to the front five teams is where he needs to be, and he is exactly there right now.
8. Yuki Tsunoda (new)
A great weekend for Yuki brings him and RB their first points of 2024. The gap between him and teammate Daniel Ricciardo also is seemingly growing, bringing in some concern to Ricicardo fans that not only is he losing his grip on the Red Bull seat, but also potentially in Formula 1 in general. For Tsunoda that is nothing but good news, as he also puts himself in a place to be considered for the drive in the senior team. More weekends like this will only help his cause moving forward.
(Photo by F1.com)
7. Lance Stroll (new)
Ahead of his teammate for most of the weekend, Stroll drove a fairly quiet and uneventful race on Sunday to bring home some more solid points for the team. At this point of the season that’s all he needs to do.
6. Sergio Perez (-4)
Had Perez not had a three place grid penalty, he no doubt would’ve been in the hunt for the win. However, we’ve seen his teammate start way lower on the grid and still challenge for the victory, so there seems to be little excuse for Checo to not have been up further in the pecking order. The first sign of some cracks in his 2024 season.
5. Lando Norris (+2)
A great weekend from Lando secures his first podium for the season. With it though comes a bit of unwanted history; he now holds the record for most podiums in Formula 1 without a victory. That part definitely won’t make him happy, although Nick Heidfeld is out there somewhere probably with a bit of a smile on his face due to it.
(Photo by Australian Grand Prix)
4. Oscar Piastri (-)
Can’t leave Oscar off the list given he drove a very solid weekend which saw him right up there and just missing out on a first Aussie podium at the Australian Grand Prix. The battle between him and Lando has been very close in 2024 so far, with Oscar ahead by the narrowest of margins.
3. Charles Leclerc (-)
Charles all but conceded a win wasn’t possible after qualifying fifth on the grid on Saturday but gave it a mighty good shot when it came to the race on Sunday. If his teammate wasn’t in such good form right now, the win would’ve been his for the taking. However, he has started the year off with some great form and you feel a win for him is just around the corner.
2. Max Verstappen (-1)
Similar to Red Bull in the team power rankings, this is the first time Max hasn’t been on top in over a year. This though will also surely be a brief blip in form, especially when his retirement during the race came through no fault of his own.
1. Carlos Sainz (new)
Had Carlos not had a bit of a medical situation in Saudi Arabia, he would no doubt be leading the World Championship right now. Amazing, considering he is the Ferrari driver currently unemployed. Of his three wins in Formula 1, it was by far his best and most dominant, which can only bring him even more clout when it comes to finding himself a new home for 2025.
What do you think of this list? Which order would you currently rank the drivers in? Let me know your thoughts below!