Verstappen voted top F1 driver of 2025 despite Norris clinching title

In a revealing poll conducted secretly among Formula 1 team principals , Max Verstappen has once again been ranked the best driver of 2025, securing the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. The poll, which asked eight team principals to rank their top 10 drivers of the season, placed Lando Norris in second, followed by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in third.

The results saw George Russell rise to fourth, with veteran Fernando Alonso holding fifth. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc suffered a career-low ranking, slipping to seventh behind teammate Carlos Sainz , reflecting a challenging season for the Scuderia.

Notably, rookies Ollie Bearman and Isack Hadjar made their debut in the top 10 at eighth and ninth, underscoring breakthrough performances in a season where talent increasingly outweighed championship points.

Despite Norris ’s impressive title-winning campaign, the principals’ rankings reaffirmed Verstappen’s reputation as a consistently dominant force on the grid, highlighting the distinction between overall results and perceived driving skill.

The poll offers a unique insight into how industry insiders view driver performance beyond official standings, showcasing emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike in a highly competitive 2025 season.