Verstappen voted F1 driver of the year by team bosses for fifth time

Verstappen voted F1 driver of the year by team bosses for fifth time
F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen celebrates on podium after victory, Dec 7, 2025
Reuters

Max Verstappen has been voted Formula 1’s driver of the year for a fifth straight season by team principals, despite narrowly missing out on the championship.

The annual poll, published on Formula 1’s official website, asked all 10 team principals to rank their top 10 drivers of the season, with votes kept confidential. Points were allocated using the current F1 scoring system, with the results combined to determine the final standings.

Verstappen topped the rankings after winning six of the final nine Grands Prix, earning the highest praise from team bosses. World champion Lando Norris finished second in the poll after a season that included seven race victories.

Oscar Piastri, who led the championship early on, was voted third, matching his final position in the drivers’ standings.

Mercedes driver George Russell placed fourth, improving on last year’s ranking following a strong campaign that delivered two wins and seven podium finishes.

Fernando Alonso was voted fifth after impressing team principals with his performances in a difficult-to-handle Aston Martin, despite a challenging season. The two-time world champion finished ahead of fellow Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who was sixth after a strong second half of the year.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ranked seventh after a winless season, while Haas rookie Ollie Bearman was the highest new entrant in eighth.

Red Bull-bound Isack Hadjar took ninth following an impressive debut season with Racing Bulls, while veteran Nico Hulkenberg completed the top 10 after claiming his first career podium.

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