The 2024 Formula 1 season concluded with an extraordinary display of talent and determination, and the top team principals have now cast their votes to determine the season’s best driver. In an exciting and unanimous decision, all 10 team principals who participated in the voting placed Max Verstappen at the top of the rankings, cementing his place as the standout driver of the season.
Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver from Red Bull Racing, continues to dominate the sport, and his performance this year was nothing short of exceptional. In fact, for the first time in seven years, all 10 team principals gave Verstappen their top vote, awarding him the maximum 25 points. The voting system, which follows Formula 1’s standard race points system, ensured that Verstappen received widespread recognition for his dominance throughout the season.
Max Verstappen: A Dominant Force in 2024
Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2024 F1 season has been widely regarded as one of the most impressive in recent memory. The reigning world champion has consistently displayed unmatched skill and determination, making it a no-brainer for the team principals to vote him as the best driver of the season. With another championship in the bag, Verstappen’s superiority on the track has been clear from the very first race, and his consistency, speed, and ability to manage difficult situations have been key to his success.
The voting, which involved the principals of the 10 teams in Formula 1, was conducted anonymously, ensuring that each vote was independent and objective. Each team principal had the task of ranking their top 10 drivers, with the driver in first place receiving 25 points and the driver in tenth place receiving 1 point. After tallying the votes, Verstappen emerged as the undisputed leader, with all the principals placing him in first, underscoring the unanimous agreement on his dominance throughout the season.
Lando Norris Shines in Second Place
While Max Verstappen‘s position at the top was never in doubt, the battle for second place was highly competitive, and McLaren’s Lando Norris impressed team principals by moving up one place from last year to secure the runner-up spot. Despite Verstappen’s dominance, Norris’ performances throughout the season have been nothing short of remarkable, earning him significant praise from his peers.
Norris, known for his consistency, speed, and ability to extract the maximum performance from his McLaren car, finished second with a strong 72-point gap to Verstappen. His rise in the rankings highlights his growing stature within the sport and his continued development as one of the brightest young talents in Formula 1.
The young Briton’s consistency in both qualifying and races, as well as his ability to secure podium finishes even in challenging circumstances, has earned him widespread respect among the team principals. Norris is seen as a future world champion in the making, and his performance in 2024 has further solidified his place as one of the top drivers in Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc Completes the Podium
Completing the podium in third place is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who continues to show why he is regarded as one of the most talented drivers in Formula 1. Leclerc’s performance this season has been solid, despite some challenges with the Ferrari car’s consistency. Nevertheless, the Monegasque driver has been a key figure in the F1 championship battle, delivering several standout performances throughout the year.
Leclerc’s podium finish in the voting reflects his strong season, with his ability to push the limits of the Ferrari car often placing him at the front of the pack. His tenacity and speed have been evident throughout the year, and while Ferrari may not have been able to consistently challenge Verstappen and Red Bull, Leclerc’s efforts have ensured that he remains a formidable force in the sport.
Oscar Piastri: McLaren’s Rising Star
In fourth place, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, in only his second season in Formula 1, impressed team principals by securing a high-ranking position. Piastri has been a revelation this year, quickly adapting to life in Formula 1 and showing his talent with strong performances in both qualifying and races. His pace, maturity, and racecraft have been highlighted by both his teammates and rivals, making him one of the most exciting prospects in Formula 1.
Piastri’s performance in 2024 has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, and his position in the rankings is a testament to his growth and development as a driver. It’s clear that McLaren has a bright future with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the way, and the Australian’s consistent form has earned him a well-deserved place among the sport’s elite.
Carlos Sainz and George Russell Make Up the Top 6
Following Piastri in the rankings are two highly respected drivers: Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ George Russell. Both drivers have had solid seasons, demonstrating their ability to compete in difficult circumstances. Sainz, who has become one of Ferrari’s key drivers, has been a reliable presence for the team, delivering crucial results throughout the year.
Russell, on the other hand, has continued to show his class at Mercedes, often outperforming his teammate Lewis Hamilton in some key races. Both drivers have proven themselves to be highly capable, and their positions in the rankings reflect their continued success in Formula 1.
Lewis Hamilton’s Decline in the Rankings
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has been a dominant figure in Formula 1 for over a decade, saw a slight dip in the rankings this year, finishing seventh. This marks a decline of two places from last year, and while Hamilton’s talent and experience remain unquestionable, Mercedes has struggled to provide him with the competitive car he needs to challenge for victories on a regular basis.
Hamilton’s lower position in the rankings doesn’t diminish his skill or legacy in Formula 1; rather, it highlights the difficult season Mercedes has faced as they continue to battle for consistency and performance. However, Hamilton’s determination and drive remain evident, and he continues to be a key figure in the sport’s ongoing narrative.
Nico Hülkenberg and Fernando Alonso
Nico Hülkenberg, driving for Haas, was another standout performer this season, finishing in eighth place. Hülkenberg’s performances have been a highlight for Haas, with the German driver often punching above the team’s weight and delivering impressive results despite the limitations of the car. His consistent performances have earned him respect within the paddock, and his place in the top 10 is a reflection of his hard work and professionalism.
Fernando Alonso, who has had a challenging season with Aston Martin, saw the most significant drop in the rankings, falling seven places to finish in ninth. Despite some strong performances and podium finishes earlier in the year, Alonso and Aston Martin have struggled with consistency, affecting his position in the voting.
Finally, Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10, finishing 10th in the rankings. Gasly’s performance in the second half of the season, where he scored points in four out of the last five races, earned him a well-deserved spot in the top 10, with his steady performances reflecting his commitment and racecraft.
The Team Principals Behind the Votes
The team principals who participated in the voting were: Alessandro Alunni Bravi (Alfa Romeo), Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing), Ayao Komatsu (AlphaTauri), Mike Krack (Aston Martin), Laurent Mekies (Ferrari), Oli Oakes (Alfa Romeo), Andrea Stella (McLaren), Fred Vasseur (Ferrari), James Vowles (Williams), and Toto Wolff (Mercedes). These individuals, who have firsthand experience managing drivers and teams at the highest level of motorsport, are in the best position to assess and rank the drivers based on their performances throughout the season.
The unanimous decision to vote Max Verstappen as the best driver of 2024 reflects the Dutchman’s dominance and the immense respect he commands within the F1 community. It also highlights the incredible depth of talent in Formula 1, with many young drivers emerging as serious contenders for future championships.
Verstappen’s Continued Dominance
Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2024 season was a testament to his skill, consistency, and ability to handle the pressures of Formula 1. With all 10 team principals voting him as the best driver, Verstappen’s dominance is undeniable, and his place in the history books of Formula 1 is only getting more secure. While other drivers like Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri continue to show promise, Verstappen remains the benchmark in the sport, and his continued success will shape the future of Formula 1 for years to come.
