My 2025 Formula 1 Midseason Driver Ratings/Rankings

Linus O'Howell
Aug 19
18 min read

After 14 rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 Season, it is officially Summer Break, which means I can do my Midseason Driver Ratings/Rankings article! This is always one of my favourite articles to do in the year, I always find it fascinating to look back at my averages, mainly because the positions of some drivers tend to always shock me! As a small explainer to how this all works, if you’ve read any of my F1 articles this year (or any year for that matter), you’d know that I rate each drivers’ performance from 1-to-10, and I’ve been keeping track of every single score I’ve given to give us an overall table at this stage! There are also 4 different sessions being scored, with Sprint Quali, Sprints, Qualifying, and the main Grand Prix all having their own category! I then take the overall total and divide it by the amount of key sessions each driver has competed in (maximum of 34) to give us an overall ranking! This system very much rewards consistency over the absolute highs of highs, but I like it, and it’s also worth mentioning that I got some of your guys’ input too! So, let’s get started with P21!

P21: Jack Doohan

I don’t think there’s going to be too much surprise with Jack Doohan coming in last in my Midseason Driver Rankings! I’ve given Jack three 1’s in 2025 compared to zero 10’s, with his highest grade received being a 6 in Bahrain Qualifying (he qualified 11th)! Doohan’s worst weekend of the season came in Saudi Arabia where he received just 4 points, whilst his best weekend came in Bahrain as he scored 10 points! When it comes to you guys, you actually had Jack 20th, but with a lower average of 2.40! Now, with Jack Doohan only doing 6 Rounds this year, his results won’t change, but it’s safe to say that things didn’t go to plan for the Australian! However, on a side note, Jack’s average isn’t the lowest I’ve had before (think Williams drivers)!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 5 (P20)

Total Sprint Points: 3 (P20)

Total Qualifying Points: 21 (P21)

Total Race Points: 13 (P21)

Overall Total: 42 (P21)

Average: 2.80

P20: Franco Colapinto

Whilst he hasn’t quite been as bad as his predecessor, was there really much point in Alpine bringing in Franco Colapinto? I’ve given Franco three 1’s so far this season compared to zero 10’s, with his highest grade received being a 7 in Canada Qualifying (P12, ahead of his teammate)! Colapinto’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Silverstone where he scored just 1 point (after not taking part in the Race), whilst his best weekend saw him score 12 points in Canada! When it comes to you guys, you lot had Franco last at the midway point of the season with an average of just 2.20! It’s been a really difficult adjustment period for Franco Colapinto; he hasn’t hit the heights he did at the start of his Williams career, and if he doesn’t improve soon, I would say that all of Alpine’s second driver mess this year just wasn’t worth it!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 2 (P21)

Total Sprint Points: 1 (P21)

Total Qualifying Points: 25 (P20)

Total Race Points: 22 (P20)

Overall Total: 50 (P20)

Average: 3.13

P19: Yuki Tsunoda

Yikes, that’s all I’m going to say! I’ve given Yuki seven 1’s in 2025 so far (which is more than he got in the entirety of 2024), but he did at least receive two 10’s down at Racing Bulls! Tsunoda’s worst weekend of the season came when he scored the lowest possible grade of 2 in Austria (1’s for both Quali and the Race), whilst his best weekend came in China as he scored a massive 33 out of 40! In fact, 47 of Yuki’s total points came in those opening 2 weekends of the year when he was driving for Racing Bulls, so that tells you a lot! When it comes to you guys, you also had Yuki P19 with an average of 4.20, so our views seem to be aligned! Yuki Tsunoda has been nowhere near his teammate, not even close, and his results on a Sunday have been pretty abysmal! However, Tsunoda is incredible in the Sprints; in fact, he’s right on the cusp of my Sprint Podium (part of the reason I love this format), and that’s absolutely wild! Ultimately, though, Yuki needs to do a lot better in the second half of the year!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 13 (P17)

Total Sprint Points: 23 (P4)

Total Qualifying Points: 52 (P17)

Total Race Points: 45 (P19)

Overall Total: 133 (P19)

Average: 4.03

P18: Lance Stroll

Just like last year, I’m surprised to see Lance Stroll this low down in my Midseason Rankings! I’ve given Lance four 1’s so far this season, but I’ve also given him three 10’s (which is his highest at this stage of the season to date)! Stroll’s worst weekend of the season definitely came in Japan where he received the lowest possible grade of 2, whilst his best weekend points-wise was 28 in China! However, I’d say 19 points in Hungary was his best showing! When it comes to you guys, you had Lance “up” in 15th with an average of 5.20 which is certainly something! The thing that lets Lance Stroll down is his Qualifying, especially compared to his teammate, it’s actually pretty abysmal! However, Stroll has starred in Sprints this season, he’s literally on my Podium (which is even crazier than Tsunoda being P4)! Whilst his overall ranking still isn’t great, I’d say Lance has performed better than in previous years!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 15 (P15)

Total Sprint Points: 23 (P3)

Total Qualifying Points: 52 (P18)

Total Race Points: 62 (P18)

Overall Total: 152 (P18)

Average: 4.61

P17: Gabriel Bortoleto

Despite a difficult start to his Rookie Season, Gabriel Bortoleto is starting to showcase his talents! I’ve given Gabriel both four 1’s and four 10’s, so I’d say that’s not half bad for a Rookie! Bortoleto’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Saudi Arabia where he received just 3 points, whilst his best weekend points-wise saw him score 34 in Belgium! However, having said that, Gabby Bortoleto has had two Perfect 20’s this year in both Austria and Hungary (which is incredibly impressive)! When it comes to you guys, you have Gabriel all the way up in 9th with a 6.60 average, so you have been an awful lot more kinder to the Rookie! Gabby’s qualifying has been really promising this year, especially compared to his teammate, but his Race performance does need a little bit of work! Ultimately, Gabriel Bortoleto is down in P17 because of his difficult start to the year, but if he keeps up his recent form, Bortoleto will be a lot higher come season end!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 15 (P16)

Total Sprint Points: 15 (P15)

Total Qualifying Points: 73 (P11)

Total Race Points: 64 (P17)

Overall Total: 167 (P16)

Average: 4.91

P16: Nico Hulkenberg

Trust me, I was surprised about Nico Hulkenberg’s ranking at first, but it actually makes more sense when you delve deeper into the German’s first half of 2025! I’ve given Nico four 10’s in 2025, the same as his teammate, but only two 1’s (which is better)! Hulkenberg’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Hungary where he scored 7 points, whilst his best weekend points-wise saw him score 24 in Miami! However, we all know The Hulk’s greatest drive came when he scored his maiden Podium in Silverstone! When it comes to you guys, you also have Nico a lot higher up in 8th, but interestingly, with an average of 6.60, the exact same you have for Bortoleto (we’re definitely on to something here)! The thing with Nico Hulkenberg is whilst his highs have been sensational, most of the rest of his season has been pretty mid! In fact, Nico’s qualifying is horrendous, really, really poor (as are his Sprints), but it’s the opposite in the Races as Hulkenberg has done a great job on a Sunday! Most amazingly of all, Nico has the exact same average as his Rookie teammate at this stage of the season, and whilst that’s a very cool stat, Hulkenberg really needs to come out on top!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 12 (P18)

Total Sprint Points: 12 (P19)

Total Qualifying Points: 51 (P19)

Total Race Points: 92 (P7)

Overall Total: 167 (P15)

Average: 4.91

P15: Liam Lawson

Personally, I don’t think Liam Lawson has been as bad as people have been making him out to be! I’ve only given Liam two 10’s in comparison to five 1’s so far this season, but it’s worth mentioning that four of those 1’s came in his 2 rounds at Red Bull! Lawson’s worst weekend of the season so far came in the season opener as he scored the lowest possible grade of 2 in Australia, whilst his best weekend points-wise was 31 in Belgium! However, Liam’s actual best weekend came in Austria where he scored a Perfect 20! When it comes to you guys, you also have Liam on a 5.00 average, but unlike me, you have him down in P17! There’s nothing that really stands out about Liam Lawson’s season; it’s not like he’s particularly strong in a particular session, and he’s also a long way off his teammate! However, I think it’s unfair to call Liam a Top 3 worst driver this season, that’s unfair!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 12 (P19)

Total Sprint Points: 14 (P17)

Total Qualifying Points: 68 (P13)

Total Race Points: 66 (P16)

Overall Total: 160 (P17)

Average: 5.00

P14: Esteban Ocon

I can’t lie; this one did surprise me a little bit! I’ve given Esteban Ocon four 10’s (more than 2024 and the same as the whole of 2023) so far this season compared to just two 1’s, and that’s actually a pretty good ratio! Ocon’s worst weekend of the season so far came when he received 4 points in Australia, Japan, and Imola, whilst his best weekend points-wise was 31 in Belgium! However, Esteban did also manage a mega 19 points in Monaco! When it comes to you guys, you’ve been slightly kinder to Esteban as he sits 13th with a 5.40 average! I think Esteban Ocon has been pretty solid this year, his highs have been some of the best in the entire field, and it’s only really his Qualifying that is letting his overall average down! I think having Ocon behind his Haas teammate is something I would change if I wasn’t going just off the averages, but even still, P14 isn’t terrible, and I’d expect Estie Bestie to bag a couple of more 10’s before season's end!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 18 (P8)

Total Sprint Points: 19 (P9)

Total Qualifying Points: 56 (P16)

Total Race Points: 79 (P12)

Overall Total: 172 (P13)

Average: 5.06

P13: Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Out of all of the Rookies, I’d say Andrea Kimi Antonelli is the one with the biggest question mark surrounding him! I’ve given Kimi Antonelli three 10’s so far in 2025, but I’ve also given him four 1’s which isn’t great reading! Antonelli’s worst weekend of the season so far points-wise came in Monaco where I only gave him 4, but I’d say 6 points in Spa (on a Sprint Weekend) is definitely his worst showing to date! As for his best, Kimi received 33 points for Miami, and he also scored 17 in Canada! When it comes to you guys, you have Kimi 10th with a 6.20 average, so a lot higher than me! The thing with Andrea Kimi Antonelli is there aren’t exactly any outliers in terms of his stats; he’s consistent through all of the key sessions! There’s been signs of brilliance, his Sprint Pole in Miami and his maiden Podium in Canada were special, but moments like Lap 1 in Austria and his entire Belgium weekend have also crept in a little too much! In theory, Kimi Antonelli’s average should rise come the end of the season, but with the way it’s been going, I don’t think that can be guaranteed anymore!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 16 (P13)

Total Sprint Points: 16 (P13)

Total Qualifying Points: 66 (P14)

Total Race Points: 71 (P14)

Overall Total: 169 (P14)

Average: 5.12

P12: Oliver Bearman

After a tougher start than expected, Oliver Bearman is starting to turn things around in his official Rookie Season! I’ve only given Ollie one 10 so far this season (Silverstone Qualifying), but I have given him four 1’s, which is actually a pretty insane (and also terrible) ratio! Bearman’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Australia where he scored just 3 points, whilst his best weekend saw him score 31 points in Belgium! When it comes to you guys, you’ve gone different to me again as you have Ollie down in 18th with a 5.00 average! Ollie Bearman has been so solid for a lot of this season; he appears inside the Top 10 for Sprint Quali, Sprints, and Races (in terms of points), and the only thing that’s letting the young Brit down is his Qualifying! This is actually one of the reasons I like using the averages format because this reflects a lot better on Bearman’s performances than the actual Championship Table does (where he sits 19th)! Ollie’s also getting better, so he could definitely break into the Top 10 come my end-of-season rankings!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 18 (P9)

Total Sprint Points: 22 (P5)

Total Qualifying Points: 60 (P15)

Total Race Points: 83 (P9)

Overall Total: 183 (P11)

Average: 5.38

P11: Carlos Sainz

I think Carlos Sainz’s debut season for Williams hasn’t exactly started off how many people were expecting! I’ve given Carlos five 10’s compared to four 1’s so far in 2025, and I’d actually say that that is a pretty fair split! Sainz’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Austria where he received just 1 point (after failing to start the Grand Prix), whilst his best weekend points-wise was 25 in Belgium! However, Carlos did manage a Perfect 20 in Saudi Arabia! When it comes to you guys, you had Carlos 12th with an average of 5.80! I think Carlos Sainz has had a lot of bad luck this year, especially on a Sunday, and I think his Qualifying performances have actually been pretty decent! I feel like people have been a little bit too harsh with Sainz so far, I think there’s always more to look at than just the overall results, but having said that, it’s still not been good enough overall! Whilst P11 isn’t bad for your first season at a new team, Carlos has been nowhere near his Williams teammate, the averages show that (you’ll see what I mean later), and the 4-time Race Winner really needs to bring that gap down in the final 10 rounds of the year!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 17 (P11)

Total Sprint Points: 13 (P18)

Total Qualifying Points: 80 (P10)

Total Race Points: 71 (P15)

Overall Total: 181 (P12)

Average: 5.48

P10: Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s first season in red hasn’t exactly gone to plan, but has it been better than his final year with Mercedes? I’ve given Lewis two 1’s so far this season (both in Belgium), and I’ve also only given him two 10’s (both in China) which is quite telling! Hamilton’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Hungary where I gave him just 6 points, whilst his best weekend saw him score 33 points in China! When it comes to you guys, you’ve given Lewis an average of 6.00, but he’s actually ranked 11th in your list! Just like last year, it’s Lewis Hamilton’s Qualifying that’s letting him down, especially compared to his teammate, but his actual Race results aren’t too bad! 12 of Lewis’ 34 grades this year have been 7’s and/or 8’s, it’s not like he’s been horrendous, but despite that, more was expected out of Hamilton, and I personally wonder if that was a little unfair!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 16 (P12)

Total Sprint Points: 21 (P7)

Total Qualifying Points: 70 (P12)

Total Race Points: 84 (P8)

Overall Total: 191 (P9)

Average: 5.62

P9: Pierre Gasly

It’s so far, so good in terms of Pierre Gasly ending the year in my Top 10 for the third-straight season! I’ve given Pierre two 1’s compared to four 10’s so far this season, and I’d say that’s pretty good going considering Alpine are last in the Constructors’ Championship! Gasly’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Monaco where he received just 3 points, whilst his best weekend saw him achieve a Perfect 20 in Bahrain! When it comes to you guys, you’ve been a lot harsher with Pierre, you have him all the way down in 16th with a 5.20 average! Pierre Gasly has been particularly strong in Qualifying this year, he’s really looked strong on a Saturday, and he has been miles better than his two Alpine teammates! Considering how much Alpine have struggled both on and off the track, I think Pierre deserves a massive heap of praise!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 16 (P14)

Total Sprint Points: 14 (P16)

Total Qualifying Points: 86 (P9)

Total Race Points: 74 (P13)

Overall Total: 190 (P10)

Average: 5.94

P8: Fernando Alonso

Even if the results haven’t always come, Fernando Alonso is driving very well once again! I’ve only given Fernando one 1 so far this season compared to six 10’s, that’s strong for a driver in the midfield! Alonso’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Australia where he scored 7 points, whilst his best weekends came when he scored a Perfect 20 in both Canada and Hungary! When it comes to you guys, you also have Fernando a lot lower down than me, in 14th with a 5.20 average (the same as his teammate)! I think Fernando Alonso has been particularly impressive in Qualifying, he’s had a lot of bad luck on a Sunday, but both his Sprint and normal Qualifying performances have been very strong! It’s also worth mentioning that there’s a 0.67 gap between Alonso and the drivers behind him, and that should guarantee him a place in the Top 10 come Abu Dhabi!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 20 (P6)

Total Sprint Points: 18 (P11)

Total Qualifying Points: 98 (P7)

Total Race Points: 82 (P10)

Overall Total: 218 (P8)

Average: 6.61

P7: Isack Hadjar

At this stage of the season, Isack Hadjar has been by far the Rookie of the Season! I’ve given Isack two 1’s so far in 2025, but I’ve also given him six 10’s which is pretty good going! Hajdar’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Silverstone where he scored 7 points, whilst his best weekends came when he received a Perfect 20 in both Japan and Monaco! When it comes to you guys, you also have Isack in P7, but with a slightly better 7.00 Average! Isack Hadjar’s Qualifying performances this year have been elite, like literally up there with the best drivers in the field, and the way he managed to bounce back from heartbreak in Australia is simply inspiring! Hadjar has taken it to another level when it comes to performances from a Rookie, and he’ll be eyeing up that sixth spot come December!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 21 (P4)

Total Sprint Points: 20 (P8)

Total Qualifying Points: 110 (P4)

Total Race Points: 81 (P11)

Overall Total: 232 (P6)

Average: 6.82

P6: Alex Albon

Take a bow, Alexander Albon! I’ve given Alex six 10’s compared to two 1’s so far in 2025, and that seems to be a consistent trend with these top-of-the-midfield drivers! Albon’s worst weekend of the season so far actually came in Hungary where he scored just 5 points, whilst his best weekend points-wise was a massive 37 in Miami! However, Alex did manage to start the season with a Perfect 20 in Australia! When it comes to you guys, we agree again as you also have Alex P6 with a 7.20 Average! Alex Albon was consistently strong in 2023, but this year he’s taken his game to a whole new level! Albon’s performances in both Qualifying and in Races has been superb, he’s miles clear of a teammate many people (myself included) thought would be Williams’ new leader, and I seriously cannot praise Alex enough!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 20 (P5)

Total Sprint Points: 16 (P12)

Total Qualifying Points: 95 (P8)

Total Race Points: 95 (P6)

Overall Total: 226 (P7)

Average: 6.85

P5: Charles Leclerc

For once, Charles Leclerc doesn’t appear in my Ratings Podium, but that doesn’t mean he’s not driving as well as ever! I’ve only given Charles two 10’s so far this season, but I also haven’t given him a single 1 (in fact, Charles hasn’t received a 1 from me since 2023)! Leclerc’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Silverstone where he scored “just” 8 points, whilst his best weekend points-wise was 34 in Belgium! However, I did give the Monegasque 19 points in Monaco! When it comes to you guys, you have Charles slightly higher than me as you guys have him 4th with an average of 7.60! Whilst Charles Leclerc has performed well in Qualifying, particularly in the Sprint format, I actually think Leclerc has once again been even better on a Sunday, exactly like he was last year! Charles is sort of on his own in my Rankings, you’ll see what I mean with the averages of the Top 4, but even still, Leclerc is driving very well!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 22 (P3)

Total Sprint Points: 15 (P14)

Total Qualifying Points: 99 (P6)

Total Race Points: 102 (P4)

Overall Total: 238 (P5)

Average: 7.21

P4: George Russell

The first half of the 2025 Formula 1 Season has definitely been George Russell’s best to date! George has received seven 10’s so far this season (the most of anyone so far), and he’s also not received a single 1 either (impressive)! Russell’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Monaco where he scored just 6 points, but it’s worth mentioning that I couldn’t even grade him for Qualifying! As for his best weekend, I gave Russell 35 points in China, but he also managed to score a Perfect 20 in Canada! When it comes to you guys, you actually had George lower than me, with a 7.60 Average putting him 5th (less 10 votes than Charles)! George Russell has been absolutely awesome in the first half of this season, he hasn’t really put a foot wrong, and it feels like a crime that he’s not on my Midseason Podium! Whilst his Sprint performances have maybe lacked slightly, Russell’s performances in Qualifying on a Saturday and Races on a Sunday have been immaculate; he has dragged that Mercedes into places it doesn’t belong! Let’s see if George can keep this up, and maybe, just maybe, that’ll be enough to end up on my Podium after all!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 18 (P10)

Total Sprint Points: 19 (P10)

Total Qualifying Points: 110 (P3)

Total Race Points: 110 (P3)

Overall Total: 257 (P4)

Average: 7.79

P3: Lando Norris

Whilst he might be close to leading the World Championship in real life, Lando Norris hasn’t come close to leading my Midseason Driver Rankings! I have given Lando a single 1 so far this season (Canada Race), but I’ve also given him eight 10’s! Norris’ worst weekend of the season so far came in Canada where he scored just 5 points, whilst his best weekend points-wise was 35 in Miami! However, Lando has remarkably received three Perfect 20’s from me this year, in Australia, Monaco, and Austria! When it comes to you guys, you do have Lando second in your Rankings with a very strong 8.40 average! Not only has Lando Norris struggled a little (emphasis on little) in the Sprint format, but his Qualifying performances have also lacked slightly compared to some of the rest of the field! However, on a Sunday, Norris has been better than pretty much everyone, that’s why he’s so close to leading the World Championship, but in terms of my Rankings, I don’t think Lando deserves to be anywhere higher than this!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 20 (P7)

Total Sprint Points: 22 (P6)

Total Qualifying Points: 109 (P5)

Total Race Points: 120 (P2)

Overall Total: 271 (P2)

Average: 7.97

P2: Max Verstappen

For once, Max Verstappen isn’t leading something, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not been excellent! Max’s one and only 1 so far this season came in Spain (we all know why), but he’s also received a very strong nine 10’s! Verstappen’s worst weekend of the season so far came in Austria where he scored just 6 points, but it’s worth noting that he was only graded for Qualifying (because he got wiped out on Lap 1)! When it comes to his best weekend, the 4-time World Champion scored 35 points in Belgium, but he also nailed a Perfect 20 in Japan! When it comes to you guys, you had Max “down” in third, but with an 8.00 Average (so similar to me)! I think Max Verstappen has been absolutely sublime this year, he’s excelled in the Sprint Format (as always), he’s stepped up his game even more on a Saturday, and even if his average isn’t as high as previous seasons, that ultimately comes down to his car! I personally don’t think anyone else would be anywhere near this high up in that Red Bull, and that speaks volumes to Verstappen’s brilliance!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 27 (P2)

Total Sprint Points: 26 (P2)

Total Qualifying Points: 114 (P2)

Total Race Points: 100 (P5)

Overall Total: 267 (P3)

Average: 8.09

P1: Oscar Piastri

Whilst it’s only Midseason, as of right now, we may as well already hand Oscar Piastri the trophy because he is easily my Driver of the Season so far! Not only has Oscar not received a single 1 so far in 2025, but he’s also received twelve 10’s (which is comfortably the best)! Piastri’s worst weekend of the season so far came in the Season Opener in Australia as I gave him 14, yes, 14 points (that is a new record lowest score)! As for his best weekend, Oscar scored a massive 38 points in both China and Belgium, but he also nailed two Perfect 20’s in Bahrain and Spain! When it comes to you guys, you have Oscar even further out in the lead than me, with an average of 9.60! Over the last couple of years, I’ve started to run out of superlatives to describe and praise Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri will be adding his name to that list soon too! Oscar is the class of the field in every format; he doesn’t switch off, he’s on it every single time he drives his McLaren out of the garage and onto the circuit, and he fully deserves to lead both the World Championship and My Midseason Driver Rankings!

Total Sprint Qualifying Points: 28 (P1)

Total Sprint Points: 28 (P1)

Total Qualifying Points: 123 (P1)

Total Race Points: 123 (P1)

Overall Total: 302 (P1)

Average: 8.88

Team Rankings

As always with these articles, we end it on a bit of a fun note as I add up the total points of each team’s two drivers, then divide it by their total amount of sessions to give us a Constructors’ Championship in order in terms of which team has the best-performing driver pairing!

P1: McLaren – 8.43

P2: Racing Bulls – 6.47

P3: Mercedes – 6.45

P4: Ferrari – 6.40

P5: Williams – 6.17

P6: Aston Martin – 5.61

P7: Red Bull – 5.43

P8: Haas – 5.22

P9: Kick Sauber – 4.91

P10: Alpine – 4.48