F1 Power Rankings: Who’s really delivering this season?

Ahead of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, we have decided to make our own Power Rankings…

The 2025 Formula 1 season has been one of the most unpredictable campaigns in years. While the championship fight at the front has taken most of the spotlight, there’s a deeper story to tell. Beyond raw points and race wins, some drivers are overdelivering compared to their machinery, while others are underperforming despite having the tools to succeed.

Here’s a current power ranking for the season so far — factoring in results, consistency, podiums, and most importantly, expectations versus performance.

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

Piastri has been nothing short of outstanding in 2025. He’s not only leading the championship but has shown a maturity beyond his years. With multiple wins already under his belt, Piastri is extracting everything from the McLaren — often looking like the more composed of the team’s two drivers.

His ability to handle pressure, and his ability to dominate which shows he’s not just a fast driver but a complete one. Considering it’s only his second full season fighting at the sharp end, he tops this ranking.

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

It’s strange to call Verstappen an underdog, but after Red Bull’s shaky start to 2025, that’s what he has become. Still, the Dutchman reminded everyone of his brilliance with a grand slam victory in Baku, proving he remains one of the best in the world when the machinery matches his ability.

Verstappen’s season hasn’t been as dominant as fans have grown used to, but he has kept Red Bull in the title hunt almost single-handedly. His resilience in the face of setbacks earns him second spot here.

3. Lando Norris (McLaren)

Norris has been consistent, quick, and regularly on the podium — but he’s just a fraction off Piastri in the all-important championship fight. The Brit has the speed to win races, but too often strategy or minor errors have cost him big results.

That said, he remains one of the strongest all-rounders on the grid. If McLaren can keep the internal balance under control, Norris still has the potential to swing momentum his way in the second half of the season.

4. Alex Albon (Williams)

Williams’ resurgence has been one of the stories of the year, and Alex Albon is at the heart of it. While Carlos Sainz has grabbed the headlines with his Baku podium, Albon’s consistency has been just as important.

He’s finished in the points in all but a handful of races, often dragging the car higher than expected. Albon may not have the same race-winning pedigree as some of his rivals, but his ability to deliver week after week in a car that only recently escaped the back of the grid is nothing short of remarkable. In many ways, he has been the true foundation of Williams’ revival.

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

Mercedes haven’t been consistent in 2025, but Russell continues to prove why he’s one of the best on the grid. His P2 finish in Baku, despite battling illness all weekend, was one of the grittiest drives of the year.

Russell may not have the win tally of the frontrunners, but in terms of extracting everything from a tricky package, he’s been superb, grabbing 7 podiums. He’s running 4th in the championship whilst his teammate Antonelli is down in 7th.

6. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)

Hadjar is one of the season’s biggest revelations. The rookie claimed his first F1 podium at Zandvoort and has looked calm, quick, and composed ever since. His adaptability in changeable weather and chaotic races has earned him comparisons to more seasoned drivers.

While the Racing Bulls car isn’t a regular podium contender, Hadjar has already proven he belongs in Formula 1 — and possibly in a future Red Bull seat. For expectations exceeded, he ranks higher than many veterans.

7. Carlos Sainz (Williams)

Sainz’s move to Williams raised eyebrows, but it’s already paying off. His podium in Baku — the team’s first full-race podium since 2017 — was a historic moment, and his steady points-scoring has propelled Williams back into midfield relevance.

Compared to Albon, Sainz’s highs have been more dramatic, but his consistency hasn’t been quite as strong. Still, considering Williams’ trajectory in recent years, his impact has been immense, and his experience makes him a crucial part of their rise.

8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

Leclerc remains one of the most talented drivers on the grid, but Ferrari’s inconsistency continues to hold him back. When the car is hooked up, Leclerc can match anyone — but all too often tyre degradation or strategy mishaps rob him of points.

Still, his qualifying pace has been strong, and his ability to salvage results from difficult weekends keeps Ferrari in the midfield fight. If the team can give him a reliable package, expect him to climb this ranking quickly.

9. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)

Hulkenberg’s long wait for a podium ended in Silverston, and his first year at Kick Sauber has been solid. He has scored regularly and provided the team with stability. His experience has kept Sauber in the mix for points. Outscoring his teammate, Bortoleto, 37pts to 18pts

The lack of consistency means he sits lower here, but in terms of value to his team, Hulkenberg remains a dependable asset.

10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

After being dropped from Red Bull after two races, Lawson’s future looked uncertain. But instead of letting that derail his career, he’s bounced back impressively in 2025. Racing Bulls may not have the outright pace to fight at the front, but Lawson has kept himself in the points conversation and shown composure in pressure situations.

His ability to reset after the disappointment of his setback at Red Bull shows mental strength as well as driving talent. If he continues to impress, a bigger opportunity could still come his way in the near future.

Final Thoughts

This ranking isn’t just about points or titles — it’s about expectations, context, and impact.

• Overachievers: Albon, Sainz, Hadjar, and Lawson are proving themselves invaluable to their teams.

• Elite contenders: Piastri, Verstappen, and Norris are carrying the title fight with consistency and brilliance.

• Steady forces: Russell, Leclerc, and Hulkenberg provide reliability to their respective teams.

With seven races still to go, these rankings could change dramatically. But for now, it’s clear that 2025 isn’t just about who wins the championship — it’s about who’s making the most of their opportunity.

Stay tuned for more news ahead of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix as we bring you Singapore Grand Prix news and key points.