After traversing four continents, participating in 14 thrilling races, and witnessing seven different drivers clinch victories, the Formula 1 paddock is now enjoying a well-deserved respite during the summer shutdown. This mandatory 14-day break prohibits teams from making any modifications to their car’s performance, providing an essential period for reflection and strategic planning. While teams may be unable to alter their vehicles, it is unlikely they will refrain from contemplating their performances as they gear up for the final 10 races of the season.
The expectations heading into 2024 were that Max Verstappen would maintain his dominance. However, this season has seen drivers from Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes each claim race victories (with Lewis Hamilton being the only two-time race winner among these six competitors). McLaren is steadily closing the performance gap to Red Bull, thanks to the consistent efforts of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, making the battle at the top of the grid increasingly competitive.
Numerous surprises have emerged throughout the grid compared to this time last season. Below, we present our top 10 drivers from the first 14 races of the season, inviting your thoughts in the comment section at the end.
1. Max Verstappen
TA Ranking: 1
Analysis: While Max Verstappen has not displayed the sheer dominance seen in 2022 or 2023—where race days often unfolded like clockwork, culminating in the Dutch national anthem—he has remained at the pinnacle of his game, compensating for Red Bull’s slight performance decline relative to its rivals. The season began predictably with Verstappen securing victories in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and China. However, since the commencement of F1’s European season, he has had to dig deep and deliver outstanding performances to maintain his winning streak. His victories at Imola and Barcelona, despite the looming threat from Lando Norris in the McLaren, showcased Verstappen’s resilience and skill. Even in challenging races such as Spa, where he finished fourth after starting from 11th, his efforts were commendable. Though he has faced some setbacks, including clashes with Norris in Austria and a contentious move on Lewis Hamilton in Hungary, Verstappen has extended his points lead in five of the last six races. Despite the emergence of McLaren, he remains a formidable competitor.
Stats: Wins: 7, Podiums: 9
2. Lando Norris
TA Ranking: 2
Analysis: Five seasons, over 100 Grands Prix, and nearly 1,900 days passed before Lando Norris finally tasted victory at the Miami GP this year. Since then, he has relentlessly challenged Verstappen. His raw talent is evident, and the performance of the McLaren has only bolstered his ambitions. Norris feels he should have amassed more than one win this year, with a few near misses, such as his start at the Spanish GP, which he described as a significant error. More recently, he struggled at the start of the Belgian GP, losing valuable positions. He acknowledged the costly mistakes that have punctuated his recent races, emphasizing that these small errors are detrimental in the fiercely competitive environment. With only 78 points separating him from Verstappen, every detail counts in this high-stakes battle.
Stats: Wins: 1, Podiums: 8
3. Oscar Piastri
TA Ranking: 3
Analysis: Observing Oscar Piastri this season, one would hardly believe this is only his second year in F1. The Australian has handled the pressure of McLaren’s resurgence with remarkable grace and composure, even as he finds himself amidst a constructors’ title fight. Although he trails Norris in their qualifying duels (11-3), the margins are often minimal. Piastri demonstrated his capabilities by competing closely with Charles Leclerc in Monaco, finishing P2, and ultimately securing his well-deserved victory in Hungary, despite the team’s attempts to complicate matters. McLaren’s confidence in having the best driver lineup in F1 is well-founded, as Piastri’s rare mistakes highlight his potential. If he can tap into that extra edge, the competition between him and Norris may become even more intense as the season progresses.
Stats: Wins: 1, Podiums: 4
4. Charles Leclerc
TA Ranking: 4
Analysis: True to form, Charles Leclerc’s season has been a whirlwind of extreme highs and devastating lows, rarely achieving a consistent performance. This inconsistency is not solely his fault, as he celebrated an emotional home victory in Monaco, fulfilling a childhood dream shared with his father. This win seemed to signal a resurgence for Ferrari, who appeared competitive early in the season. However, subsequent car upgrades have not yielded the expected results, leaving them struggling to keep pace with Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull. Leclerc admitted to feeling that recent races had been “worse than a nightmare,” yet he continues to deliver impressive performances. His pole position at Spa, followed by a third-place finish despite driving the fourth-fastest car, showcases his talent and resilience.
Stats: Wins: 1, Podiums: 6
5. George Russell
TA Ranking: 5
Analysis: George Russell is having his most impressive season yet, characterized by fewer mistakes compared to 2023. The season began on a rocky note for Mercedes, who struggled with their car concept. However, an upgrade introduced at Monaco revitalized the W15, allowing Russell to secure pole position in Canada. Despite leading for 20 laps, he lost his advantage to Norris and subsequently fell behind after misjudging a chicane. As the race progressed, he had another opportunity to reclaim the lead but faltered again, illustrating the importance of seizing key moments. Russell’s breakthrough came in Austria when he capitalized on a clash between Verstappen and Norris, securing Mercedes’ first win since 2022. Despite some ups and downs, Russell has consistently outperformed Lewis Hamilton, although he has faced heartbreaking moments, including a DNF at Silverstone and a disqualification after winning the Belgian GP.
Stats: Wins: 1, Podiums: 2
6. Carlos Sainz
TA Ranking: 6
Analysis: Carlos Sainz’s season has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Before the Bahrain race, speculation arose about his future with Ferrari, particularly with rumors of Lewis Hamilton possibly joining the team in 2025. This uncertainty has loomed over him throughout the first half of the season. Following a bout of appendicitis that sidelined him in Saudi Arabia, Sainz returned to racing and clinched victory at the Australian GP, taking advantage of Verstappen’s early retirement. Although Ferrari’s performance has waned as the season progressed, Sainz has demonstrated resilience amid the swirling rumors. Despite a challenging season marked by personal and professional hurdles, he remains a solid performer for Ferrari.
Stats: Wins: 1, Podiums: 5
7. Lewis Hamilton
TA Ranking: 7
Analysis: While seventh place might seem harsh for Lewis Hamilton, who has celebrated two victories in the last three races and ended a lengthy win drought, this season has not been his most stellar. Russell has consistently outpaced him, leading their qualifying head-to-head 10-4 and finishing ahead in most races. Hamilton has been candid about his struggles, noting that he feels his driving style has not adapted well to the current generation of cars. Despite this, his triumph at Silverstone was a powerful reminder of his enduring talent. Hamilton showcased exceptional skill in difficult conditions, seizing the opportunity presented by Red Bull’s challenges and McLaren’s strategic missteps. He aims to harness this momentum for a strong finish to his time with Mercedes.
Stats: Wins: 2, Podiums: 4
8. Nico Hülkenberg
TA Ranking: 8
Analysis: Nico Hülkenberg’s full-time return to F1 in 2023 has proven that he has lost none of his competitive edge during his hiatus. Haas did not anticipate becoming regular points scorers this season, yet Hülkenberg has excelled, scoring 22 of the 27 points for the team, including two sixth-place finishes. He has consistently reached Q3, showcasing his talent and capability to fight in the upper echelons of the grid. Hülkenberg’s remarkable performance positions him as a vital asset for Sauber and Audi as they gear up for their 2026 factory program.
Stats: Wins: 0, Podiums: 0
9. Yuki Tsunoda
TA Ranking: 9
Analysis: Yuki Tsunoda enters the summer break with a confirmed contract for the next season and has been outperforming his teammate, veteran Daniel Ricciardo. Tsunoda’s strong start to the season included securing points for the team in Australia, which contributed significantly to their standing in the constructor rankings. He has shown consistency by finishing in the top 10 multiple times, although he has encountered challenges, including a costly mistake in Canada. Despite these setbacks, Tsunoda remains one of the more promising drivers in the midfield.
Stats: Wins: 0, Podiums: 0
10. Alex Albon
TA Ranking: 10
Analysis: The 2024 season for Williams has transformed considerably from the previous year, yet Alex Albon continues to shine, delivering exceptional performances that have led to four Q3 appearances and two top-10 finishes. His qualifying record against teammate Logan Sargeant stands at an impressive 14-0. Albon’s races have not been without their challenges, including a heavy crash in practice in Australia that forced the team to withdraw his car. Nevertheless, he has consistently extracted maximum performance from the FW45, showcasing his skill and determination to remain competitive against higher-performing teams.
Stats: Wins: 0, Podiums: 0
