For the first time in 15 years, more than two Formula 1 drivers were still in the hunt for the world championship until the final race of the season.
The McLaren drivers swapped the championship lead over the 24-round contest, Lando Norris eventually prevailing over Oscar Piastri. But Max Verstappen kept them honest and came close to overturning a 104-point deficit as he tried to continue his run of four consecutive world titles.
But was one of these three the best driver of 2025? Or did someone else impress you more?
George Russell was consistently competitive in his Mercedes and snatched two wins on his way to fourth overall in the world championship. Newcomer Andrea Kimi Antonelli scored his first podium finishes in the second Mercedes.
There were no wins for Charles Leclerc this year, but he put in a strong performance alongside new team mate Lewis Hamilton. While Leclerc reached the rostrum seven times, the seven-times champion never did so once all year.
Several other notable names did reach the podium in 2025. Carlos Sainz Jnr took his Williams there twice, a feat the team hadn’t achieved for eight years. Isack Hadjar scored a remarkable podium in his first season for Racing Bulls – a team which, in its various identities under Red Bull’s ownership – has only reached the podium on five other occasions in 20 years. And Nico Hulkenberg ended his 15-year wait to stand on the rostrum with an excellent performance in the rain at Silverstone.
Was any of these your Driver of the Year for 2025? Or another of the 21 drivers who appeared on the starting grid this season? It’s time to make your choice in our annual poll.
Who was the best F1 driver of 2025?
Which Formula 1 driver impressed you the most over the 2025 season? Cast your vote below and have your say in the comments.
Who was the best driver of the 2025 Formula 1 season?
- No opinion (1%)
- Jack Doohan (0%)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (1%)
- Nico Hulkenberg (2%)
- Carlos Sainz Jnr (1%)
- Alexander Albon (0%)
- Yuki Tsunoda (0%)
- Isack Hadjar (3%)
- Oliver Bearman (1%)
- Esteban Ocon (0%)
- Pierre Gasly (0%)
- Franco Colapinto (0%)
- Fernando Alonso (1%)
- Lance Stroll (0%)
- George Russell (5%)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (1%)
- Liam Lawson (0%)
- Max Verstappen (57%)
- Lewis Hamilton (0%)
- Charles Leclerc (1%)
- Oscar Piastri (7%)
- Lando Norris (19%)
Total Voters: 150
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