For the fourth year in a row, Max Verstappen has been named Driver of the Year by Formula 1 team principals, further solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. The accolade comes after a dominant season in which Verstappen claimed his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship. In an unprecedented achievement, Verstappen secured the maximum possible points in the team principals’ annual poll, a feat never achieved in the seven-year history of this ranking.
Details of the Team Principals’ Poll
All 10 team principals participated in the poll, ranking their top 10 drivers of the season. The scoring system mirrored Formula 1’s points structure, with 25 points awarded for 1st place, 18 for 2nd, and so on down to 1 point for 10th place. Verstappen topped every single list, amassing 250 points—a perfect score that underlines his dominance on the grid.
Top 10 Drivers of 2024 (Points and Year-on-Year Comparisons)
- Max Verstappen – 250 points (No change from 2023)
- Lando Norris – 178 points (Up 1 from 2023)
- Charles Leclerc – 121 points (Up 1 from 2023)
- Oscar Piastri – 113 points (Up 3 from 2023)
- Carlos Sainz – 110 points (Up 1 from 2023)
- George Russell – 86 points (Up 3 from 2023)
- Lewis Hamilton – 54 points (Down 2 from 2023)
- Nico Hülkenberg – 39 points (New entry)
- Fernando Alonso – 27 points (Down 7 from 2023)
- Pierre Gasly – 21 points (New entry)
Analysis of the Rankings
Max Verstappen
Verstappen’s perfect score reflects his untouchable performance throughout the season.
He clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship, dominating both qualifying sessions and race days with remarkable consistency.
Lando Norris
Norris enjoyed his best season to date, finishing as the championship runner-up. His contributions were instrumental in McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship win, their first since 1998.
Charles Leclerc
Leclerc moved up to third place in the rankings after a consistent year with Ferrari. While he didn’t challenge Verstappen directly, his steady performances earned him recognition from team bosses.
Oscar Piastri
Piastri made a huge leap to fourth in the rankings. The rookie-turned-champion celebrated his first World Constructors’ Championship alongside teammate Norris, delivering consistently strong performances for McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton
Once Verstappen’s fiercest rival, Hamilton saw a slight decline in 2024, dropping to seventh place. While still formidable, Mercedes struggled to keep pace with the top teams.
Nico Hülkenberg & Pierre Gasly
Both drivers made their first appearance in the top 10 this year. Hülkenberg excelled at Haas, while Gasly delivered a strong finish to the season with Alpine, including a key podium result.
Fernando Alonso
Alonso had a tough year with Aston Martin, which was reflected in his seven-place drop to ninth. His team struggled to replicate the form of the previous season.
What Made This Poll Special?
The poll captures the collective perspective of the sport’s decision-makers and strategists, highlighting not only outright performance but also a driver’s impact on their team. Participants included high-profile figures like Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing), Toto Wolff (Mercedes), Fred Vasseur (Ferrari), and Andrea Stella (McLaren). Their votes provide insight into how drivers are perceived within the F1 paddock.
Significance of Verstappen’s Record
Verstappen’s perfect score in the poll underscores his dominance in an era defined by fierce competition. With four consecutive championships and multiple accolades, Verstappen continues to redefine the benchmarks for success in Formula 1.
Meanwhile, the emergence of young talents like Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri signals a changing dynamic in the sport. These rising stars, backed by their respective teams, are poised to challenge Verstappen’s supremacy in the coming seasons.
