Another Formula 1 season has come to an end, bringing with it the time to sum up the results and take a look at the unexpected outcomes of the team principals’ best drivers ranking. Each year after the final race, the main figures from every team compile their personal top 10, judging not only by points but also by overall contribution, consistency, technical skill, and teamwork. The outcome of this vote often differs from the official standings, and 2025 was no exception.
This year’s list stirred up plenty of debate. The biggest surprise was the absence of Lewis Hamilton among the top ten. The seven-time world champion, who has just started racing for Ferrari, was not picked by the team principals for the first time in the ranking’s history. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso made the top 10 once again, continuing his unique streak of selections.
Driver Ranking of the Year
Although Lando Norris became world champion with 423 points, beating Max Verstappen by just two, it was the Red Bull driver who once again topped the team principals’ ranking. This marks the fifth year in a row that Verstappen has been voted their number one. Norris took second place, with Oscar Piastri rounding out the top three. George Russell finished in fourth.
Next on the list are the Spaniards: Alonso finished fifth, while Carlos Sainz took sixth. Charles Leclerc dropped four places to finish seventh. Eighth and ninth went to two newcomers — Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar. Rounding out the top ten is Nico Hülkenberg, who impressed with his consistent performances.
Hamilton’s Downfall
The most talked-about event was Hamilton dropping out of the top 10. At the start of the year, few could have imagined that his Ferrari debut would end this way. Last season, he finished seventh, but in 2025 he couldn’t even come close to the podium. The result: sixth overall and just 156 points. His only win came in the sprint race in China, while the rest of the season was a major disappointment.
This was a real blow for Hamilton. After leaving Mercedes — where he said goodbye with two victories and a much better showing — expectations were very different. Team principals noted his decline, and for the first time in many years, his name was absent among the best. Now everyone is watching to see if he can bounce back next season, when the new technical regulations take effect.
Alonso’s Consistency
Against the backdrop of Hamilton’s struggles, Fernando Alonso’s consistency stands out. The Spaniard hasn’t missed a single ranking since voting began in 2008, except for two seasons while he was away from Formula 1. His constant presence in the top 10 is a unique achievement, highlighting his professionalism and ability to stay competitive year after year.
Alonso continues to amaze not only fans, but also his fellow competitors. His experience, composure, and ability to adapt to any circumstances make him an indispensable member of the elite club of top drivers. In 2025, he once again proved that age and years on the circuit are no obstacle to performing at the highest level.
Unexpected shifts
The team principals’ ranking has always featured some surprises. This year, two newcomers broke into the top ten, while well-established leaders found themselves outside it. The results show that in Formula 1, it’s not just about titles and points—personal qualities, progress, teamwork, and fighting spirit all count.
Hamilton’s decline and the rise of young drivers reflect the changes sweeping through the championship. Team leaders are increasingly placing their bets on fresh talent, while seasoned stars are forced to prove themselves anew. The 2025 season became a vivid example of how rapidly the balance of power can shift at the top of motorsport.
If you didn’t know, Lewis Hamilton is one of the most decorated drivers in Formula 1 history, a seven-time world champion and the record-holder for most wins. In 2025, he competed for Ferrari for the first time—a major story of the season. Fernando Alonso is a two-time world champion known for his long and successful career, as well as his unmatched ability to remain at the top of the rankings for many years. Max Verstappen is the current leader at Red Bull and one of the brightest stars of the new generation of drivers.
