Verstappen Extends F1 Driver Ratings Lead, Hamilton Drops

Max Verstappen has solidified his position as the leader in RacingNews365's season driver ratings, while Lewis Hamilton experienced a significant drop after the 18th round of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The rankings, which score drivers from 1 to 10 based on their performance across practice, qualifying, and the race each Grand Prix weekend, reflect the season's three-quarter mark.

Why it matters:

Consistent high performance is critical in F1, and these subjective ratings offer a snapshot of driver form. Verstappen's dominance underscores his exceptional season, while Hamilton's decline highlights recent struggles, signaling potential shifts in perceived driver performance even among top competitors.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Ascent: Max Verstappen has climbed into the lead of the season rankings with an impressive score of 8.1. This surge was significantly boosted by perfect 10s in the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix.
  • Since the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Verstappen's average rating has increased by 0.3 points, demonstrating a sustained period of top-tier performance.
• Piastri's Dip: Oscar Piastri, who previously held the top spot, has dropped to second place after a 0.3 point decrease in his average. His challenging weekend in Azerbaijan, where he scored his season-low of three points, contributed to this decline.
• Hamilton's Struggles: Lewis Hamilton endured a notable drop of at least 0.4 points in his overall rating. He faced a particularly rough patch during the Belgian, Hungarian, and Dutch Grands Prix, failing to score higher than 4.5 in any of those races.
• Biggest Climbers: Reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto and Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda were the biggest movers, both increasing their average by 0.6 points. Bortoleto's rise was aided by strong performances in Hungary and Italy, while Tsunoda excelled in Azerbaijan.
• Other Notable Drops: Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg also saw their ratings decrease by at least 0.4 points, reflecting challenging periods in the recent races.

The Big Picture:

With 18 of 24 races completed, these ratings provide a comprehensive mid-to-late season assessment. Verstappen's consistent excellence reaffirms his status as the sport's benchmark, while the varying fortunes of other drivers, from Piastri's slight stumble to Hamilton's more significant dip, illustrate the demanding and unforgiving nature of F1 competition. Driver form can fluctuate, and the ability to maintain peak performance is what ultimately defines a championship contender.

What's next:

As the F1 season heads into its final six rounds, maintaining or improving these ratings will be crucial for drivers. For those who have dropped, the remaining races offer an opportunity to rebound and finish the season on a high note. Verstappen will aim to consolidate his lead and continue his dominant run, while Hamilton will be looking to reverse his recent fortunes and regain his consistent top form.