2025 F1 Dutch Grand Prix: Zandvoort Driver Ratings Revealed

The 2025 F1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort delivered a weekend of stark contrasts, with rookie drivers experiencing vastly different fortunes and championship dynamics shifting dramatically. Oscar Piastri took a significant step towards the title, while Lewis Hamilton endured a weekend to forget.

Why it matters

These ratings provide an in-depth look at individual driver performances, highlighting pivotal moments that shaped the race and the championship battle. Piastri's dominant display and Hadjar's breakthrough podium underscored the high stakes at Zandvoort.

Top Performers

• Oscar Piastri - 10: A flawless grand chelem performance. Piastri outshone Lando Norris in qualifying and benefited from his teammate's retirement, extending his championship lead to 34 points. The title is now firmly in his grasp.
• Isack Hadjar - 10: A breakout weekend for the rookie. Hadjar secured a stunning fourth on the grid and brilliantly fended off Charles Leclerc and George Russell. Norris's DNF promoted him to a well-deserved third place, marking his maiden F1 podium.
• Max Verstappen - 9: Despite a relatively quiet weekend for his high standards, Verstappen still impressed. His soft-tyre start was a masterstroke, allowing him to quickly pass Norris. He secured third, proving to be the best outside the McLaren duo.
• Ollie Bearman - 8.5: Starting from the pit lane, Bearman executed a brilliant hard-tyre strategy, climbing to seventh, then promoted to sixth after a penalty. This marked his career-best finish and first points since Bahrain, significantly outperforming Esteban Ocon.
• Alex Albon - 8: After a frustrating qualifying, Albon delivered a sensational opening lap, breaking into the top 10. He navigated a chaotic race cleanly, avoiding contact, and converted his strong drive into a fourth fifth-place finish of the season.

Underperformers

• Nico Hulkenberg - 4.5: A difficult weekend, failing to score points since his Silverstone podium. His qualifying form is a growing concern, as he was simply outclassed by rivals.
• Lewis Hamilton - 4: A disastrous weekend for Hamilton, culminating in a self-inflicted crash—his first since 2009. His failure to adequately lift under double-waved yellow flags was a cardinal error, leading to a grid penalty for the next race.
• Kimi Antonelli - 3.5: Despite moments of potential, Antonelli's race unraveled. Beaching the car in FP1, making an ill-judged move on Leclerc, and a pit lane speeding penalty tarnished his performance. He needs a clean weekend.