The 2025 Formula 1 season is unfolding as one of the most fiercely competitive in recent memory. With surprising shifts in form, dramatic podium battles, and a changing of the guard on the leaderboard, fans are witnessing an evolution at the very top of motorsport.
This year’s campaign has brought a refreshing balance of youthful brilliance and veteran resilience, especially among the top five drivers who are dominating both the points table and the power rankings. Let’s take a deep dive into the top 5 F1 drivers who are not just grabbing wins but also redefining consistency and strategy this season.
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Points Scored: 119
- Team: Ferrari
- Key Highlight: Secured a third-place finish in Austria, showing Ferrari’s return to competitiveness.
Leclerc’s 2025 campaign has been one of resilience and resurgence. While Ferrari hasn’t consistently matched McLaren or Red Bull in outright pace, Charles has extracted the maximum from his machinery, capitalising on midfield errors and strategic calls. His qualifying laps continue to be among the most aggressive and precise on the grid, and his ability to defend positions under pressure makes him one of the toughest racers to pass this season.
If Ferrari can sharpen its race-day strategies, Leclerc is poised to be more than just a dark horse in the championship race.
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
- Points Scored: 146
- Team: Mercedes
- Key Highlight: Won the Canadian Grand Prix from pole position, reminding everyone of his elite racecraft.
In a season where Mercedes have been navigating technical challenges, Russell has kept the Silver Arrows competitive. His victory in Montreal was a masterclass in tyre management, pace control, and strategic timing. He also topped practice sessions in Austria, indicating momentum is on his side.
Russell is not only racking up points but is earning praise in the power rankings, where his calm demeanour, smooth driving technique, and analytical approach have been highlighted. He may not be grabbing headlines every weekend, but he’s certainly carving a path to long-term success.
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
- Points Scored: 155
- Team: Red Bull Racing
- Key Highlight: Maintained top-three finishes in multiple races and consistently rated among the top in F1 power rankings.
The reigning world champion is experiencing a season unlike his dominant 2021–2023 runs. While the Red Bull package has lost some of its edge, Verstappen’s adaptability has kept him in contention for the podium. Whether it's wet conditions or tight circuits like Monaco, Verstappen finds ways to extract more from his RB21 than most could.
What sets Max apart is his racing intelligence the ability to read races, manage tyres better than almost anyone, and deliver fast laps when they matter most. Power rankings repeatedly praise his 'never-say-die' attitude, which keeps him relevant even when the car isn’t the fastest.
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Points Scored: 201
- Team: McLaren
- Key Highlight: Claimed a powerful victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, proving he can convert poles into wins.
Norris’s pace over one lap is exceptional, as evident from his multiple pole positions this season. But what stands out even more is how he’s refined his racecraft, fewer errors, smarter overtakes, and better tyre calls. After a controversial late-race clash in Canada, Norris rebounded with renewed determination, winning dominantly just a week later.
As McLaren surges to the top of the constructor standings, Norris is not just along for the ride. He is matching his teammate blow for blow, keeping the title fight within reach.
1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – The New Benchmark
- Points Scored: 216
- Team: McLaren
- Key Highlights: Five wins and nine podiums from 11 races. He hasn’t finished off the podium since early March.
At just 24, Piastri has already equalled the likes of Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton in McLaren’s record books with his streak of podium finishes. His pole-to-win conversion in Spain, combined with his ability to race smart under pressure, has made him a standout in the paddock.
He’s also dominating the F1 Power Rankings, with analysts applauding his cool temperament, strategic discipline, and sharp overtakes. Piastri isn't just winning races, he's controlling them. And crucially, he’s done it all without demanding team favouritism, keeping a healthy balance with Norris despite leading the charge.
Power Rankings Context
Piastri consistently leads the Power Rankings, followed by Verstappen, Russell, Norris, and Leclerc at various updates, mostly aligning with your mentions.
Leaderboard Snapshot
| Rank | Driver | Team | Points | Season Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 216 | 5 wins, 9 podiums |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 201 | Austrian GP victory |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 155 | Top Power Rankings finishes |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 146 | Canadian GP win |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 119 | Podium finish in Austria |
What Lies Ahead in the 2025 Season?
As the season progresses, key races at Silverstone (July 6) and Spa-Francorchamps (July 27) will play decisive roles in shaping the title race. McLaren is riding high, but Red Bull and Mercedes are not out of the picture.
- Verstappen is still a strategic genius capable of outpacing anyone on his day.
- Russell has shown that he can challenge for wins when the car clicks.
- Leclerc remains Ferrari’s spearhead in their ongoing fight for relevance.
- But make no mistake, this is a two-way fight right now between Piastri and Norris, and it's only going to get more intense.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
