Max Verstappen’s stellar season has earned him an unprecedented accolade in Formula 1’s annual team principal poll. For the first time in the poll’s seven-year history, a driver achieved a perfect score, with all 10 team bosses placing Verstappen at the top of their lists. The Dutchman’s fourth drivers’ championship triumph, marked by an early-season dominance and a fierce mid-season fightback, solidified his place as the standout performer of 2024.
How the Rankings Work
The poll invited team principals to rank their top 10 drivers anonymously, using the same points system as F1 races: 25 points for first place, scaling down to one point for tenth. These rankings were then combined to produce a definitive list of the season’s best.
The Top 10 Drivers of 2024
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Unanimous No. 1: Verstappen’s perfect score reflected his extraordinary ability to adapt and excel despite Red Bull losing its dominant edge mid-season. His blend of clinical racecraft and shrewd strategy in adversity left no doubt about his place at the top.
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Climbed to 2nd: The McLaren star continued his upward trajectory, delivering consistent podiums and race wins. His runner-up finish in the drivers’ championship, just 72 points behind Verstappen, highlighted his breakout season as a true title contender.
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Stayed 3rd: Despite Ferrari’s struggles with consistency, Leclerc’s flair for brilliant one-lap performances and aggressive racecraft kept him in the top three, maintaining his reputation as one of F1’s elite.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Rising Star: The Australian rookie climbed three spots to fourth after an outstanding debut season, which included race wins and a critical role in McLaren’s first constructors’ championship since 1998.
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
- Farewell Boost: In his final year with Ferrari, Sainz secured fifth place, showcasing reliability and adaptability before his upcoming move to Williams.
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Climbed to 6th: Russell delivered key moments of brilliance in an inconsistent Mercedes car, impressing team principals with his resilience and growing leadership.
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- Slipped to 7th: The seven-time champion endured a challenging year, marked by struggles with pace and strategy. However, his flashes of vintage form ensured he remained in the top 10.
- Nico Hülkenberg (Haas)
- Debut at 8th: The German veteran made a remarkable impression in his first full season with Haas, earning praise for his consistency and scoring points in a midfield car.
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Biggest Drop: Alonso fell seven places to ninth after Aston Martin’s performance declined dramatically, making his season one of frustration despite occasional brilliance.
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Late Surge: Gasly rounded out the top 10 thanks to a string of strong late-season performances, including a podium, proving his worth amid Alpine’s tumultuous season.
What the Rankings Say About F1’s Future
- Verstappen’s Mastery: Max’s dominance continues to set the standard, but the emergence of Norris and Piastri as genuine challengers signals a tantalizing shift in the competitive landscape.
- Midfield Heroes: Drivers like Hülkenberg and Gasly earned recognition for maximizing opportunities in underperforming machinery, showcasing the depth of talent in the sport.
- Veteran Adaptability: Despite slipping in the rankings, seasoned drivers like Hamilton and Alonso remain influential figures, capable of delivering when it matters.
Team Principals Behind the Rankings
The poll featured contributions from key decision-makers across the paddock, including Christian Horner (Red Bull), Toto Wolff (Mercedes), Fred Vasseur (Ferrari), and Andrea Stella (McLaren). Their insights reflect the broader dynamics of the grid, offering a unique lens into the sport’s movers and shakers.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the dust settles on 2024, the focus shifts to next season, where Verstappen will face increased pressure from rising stars like Norris and Piastri. With McLaren riding high after its constructors’ triumph and Ferrari’s revamped lineup including Lewis Hamilton, the stage is set for an electrifying battle at the top.
Will Verstappen continue his reign, or will the next generation dethrone the champion? One thing is certain: the fight for supremacy in Formula 1 has never been fiercer.