Verstappen Voted Top Driver of 2025 by Team Principals; Hamilton Excluded from Top 10

Max Verstappen has been voted the best driver of the 2025 season by Formula 1 team principals, highlighting his perceived dominance despite Lando Norris claiming the world title. In a stunning development, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton was completely omitted from the top ten, reflecting a difficult debut season with Ferrari that fell short of expectations.

Why it matters:

The team principals' poll is a key barometer of driver performance, reflecting the views of those who manage strategy, resources, and driver development on the front lines. Hamilton's exclusion is a significant statement from the paddock's inner circle, suggesting his 2025 campaign was viewed as a major underperformance for a driver of his caliber, even with a standout Sprint victory to his name.

The details:

• The Top Three: Verstappen claimed the number one spot in the annual ranking. Newly-crowned World Champion Lando Norris finished second, followed by his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in third, solidifying the team's status as having the top driver pairing on the grid.
• Hamilton's Snub: The seven-time world champion failed to make the top ten list. His season with Ferrari was marked by a lack of Grand Prix podiums, though he did secure the Scuderia's first-ever Sprint race victory in Shanghai.
• A Tale of Two Seasons: The ranking underscores a compelling narrative where Verstappen was seen as the most complete and consistently dominant driver, even as Norris secured the championship. It highlights the separation between raw pace and execution (Verstappen) and championship results (Norris) in the minds of team bosses.

Looking Ahead:

This verdict sets a powerful narrative heading into the 2026 season. For Hamilton, it adds immense pressure to deliver results and silence his critics in his second year with the Maranello squad. For Verstappen, it reaffirms his status as the grid's benchmark driver, likely fueling his determination to reclaim the championship title from Norris and McLaren.