Max Verstappen has been voted Formula 1’s Driver of the Year for 2025 by the sport’s team principals, marking the fifth consecutive season he has received the honour.
The Red Bull driver narrowly missed out on a fifth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship, finishing just two points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. Despite this, Verstappen topped the annual confidential poll conducted by Formula1.com, which asks team principals to rank their top 10 drivers using the F1 points system.
Verstappen staged a remarkable late-season comeback after falling 104 points behind following the Dutch Grand Prix in August. He won six of the final nine races, including a commanding victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing his skill and determination in a car that had struggled for much of the season.
The full top 10 as voted by team principals (from eight teams; Red Bull and Ferrari abstained) were:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton did not appear in the top 10, reflecting a challenging season with Ferrari.
The award highlights the respect Verstappen commands across the paddock, even in a year dominated by McLaren. As he prepares for the 2026 season with new teammate Isack Hadjar, the vote underscores his continued status as one of Formula 1’s most talented and respected drivers.
Team principals’ recognition demonstrates that while championships define careers, peer respect often captures the essence of greatness on the track.
