Verstappen Voted Driver of the Year by F1 Bosses, Norris Second

Max Verstappen has been voted Driver of the Year by Formula 1 team principals for the fifth consecutive year, a remarkable show of respect despite losing the 2025 World Championship to Lando Norris by just two points. While McLaren's superior package secured Norris the title, it was Verstappen's late-season dominance and "do-it-myself" driving style that clearly won over the paddock's most influential bosses. The secret ballot reveals that championships tell one story, but peer respect tells another.

Why it matters:

This poll offers a unique glimpse into what the grid's decision-makers truly value beyond the official standings. The team principals' vote highlights the immense respect for a driver's raw speed, race-craft, and ability to single-handedly extract performance. For Verstappen, it's a validation of his status as the grid's benchmark talent, even in a year where the machinery wasn't quite enough to secure the ultimate prize.

The details:

The annual secret poll, which allows bosses to rank rivals honestly, followed the standard F1 points system and painted a clear picture of the 2025 hierarchy.

• The Top 3: Newly-crowned champion Lando Norris had to settle for second place in the vote, joined on the "podium" by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished third after serving as the championship's early pace-setter.
• Midfield Movers: George Russell climbed to fourth, rewarding his consistency in a Mercedes still finding its feet. Fernando Alonso made a significant jump to fifth, with team principals clearly valuing his artistry in wringing performance from a difficult Aston Martin.
• Ferrari & Beyond: Carlos Sainz (6th) and Charles Leclerc (7th) followed, with Sainz recognized for a strong late-season push and Leclerc enduring a frustrating, winless campaign.
• Breakouts & Perseverance: The final three spots highlighted standout stories:
  • Ollie Bearman was the highest-placed rookie in eighth after a impressive debut season.
  • Isack Hadjar's strong showing with Racing Bulls earned him ninth and a promotion to the senior Red Bull team for 2026.
  • Nico Hülkenberg completed the top 10, with his long-awaited first podium in 239 attempts clearly resonating with team bosses.

Looking Ahead:

The vote sets a compelling narrative for the 2026 season. While Norris will enter as the reigning champion, Verstappen carries the unofficial title of the grid's most respected driver. This dynamic adds an extra layer to their rivalry, suggesting that the battle for supremacy is far from over. For the teams, it's a reminder that raw driver talent remains a decisive factor, capable of overcoming even the smallest of deficits in machinery.