The 2024 Formula 1 season showcased exceptional talent, dramatic performances, and, unfortunately, some notable struggles. Since the season just ended, here’s a ranking of the 2024 F1 drivers from worst to best based on their performance this year. And, because there have been a lot of driver changes this season, we’re just going to focus on the 20 drivers who are finishing the season in Abu Dhabi (apart from Esteban Ocon).
20. Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas had a rough year, to say the least, and it really wasn’t his fault. The Stake car was not good at all and unfortunately put him in the position of being the only driver to finish the season without scoring a point.
19. Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez had an incredibly tough year at Red Bull that will more than likely see him out of the sport in 2025. His lack of points has essentially cost Red Bull the Constructors Championship this year and his last podium finish was in China (which was in April). However, Checo is a proven driver who deserves another chance in F1.
18. Alex Albon
This was the season of bad luck for Alex Albon. Not only has he seemingly been in a million crashes, but he struggled to find his form compared to rookie teammate Franco Colapinto in several races. Here’s to 2025 being better, Alex.
17. Lance Stroll
Lance Stroll hasn’t had a bad season by any means, but it hasn’t been very good either. While the Aston Martin has certainly not been the car that it’s been in the past, Stroll also hasn’t overperformed in really any race this year.
16. Zhou Guanyu
Like his teammate Valtteri Bottas, it has been a tough season for Zhou Guanyu. However, his 8th-place finish in Qatar was very impressive and it’s nice to know he’ll leave the season with a few points in hand.
15. Kevin Magnussen
2024 was an up-and-down year for Kevin Magnussen. He earned himself a race ban, which wasn’t great, but he also had some very impressive performances. While he won’t be on the grid in 2025, he should hold his head high.
14. Fernando Alonso
Aston Martin was decently quick at the beginning of the season, but things went downhill fairly fast for the team. Yet, despite their struggles, Fernando Alonso somehow manages to pull out impressive performances. Has it been a great season for him? No. But he continues to prove why he’s in the spot at the age of 43.
13. Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson’s season has been a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, he’s done well for a rookie in the handful of races he’s competed in, but did he do enough to justify Red Bull’s botched firing of Daniel Ricciardo?! Probably not. Either way, he’s a favorite to replace Sergio Perez in the Red Bull for 2025.
12. Franco Colapinto
Franco Colapinto had an incredible first few races in F1 after he replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams, but his last few races left a lot to be desired. While he more than likely won’t be on the grid in 2025, he’s definitely someone teams should keep an eye on going forward.
11. Esteban Ocon
Despite not racing in Abu Dhabi, Esteban Ocon should be proud of his 2024 season with Alpine. Through all the ups and downs (and there were a lot of downs), Ocon kept working hard and even managed to earn a P2 finish in Brazil.
10. Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg may have been the most impressive qualifier from a midfield team this season. While his results were not always great, he’s shown why he deserves his second chance on the grid.
9. Lewis Hamilton
Let’s be honest, this was not a great season for Lewis Hamilton, but he did manage to break his winless drought with victories in Silverstone and Spa. However, one has to imagine he’s very much looking forward to a fresh start at Ferrari in 2025.
8. Pierre Gasly
The beginning of the season was a disaster for Pierre Gasly, but he looked like one of the best drivers on the grid for the last few months of the season. Consistently pulling out impressive qualifying performances, Gasly stayed focused and determined.
7. Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda improved dramatically this season and proved himself as a consistently quick qualifier. Will his results be enough to earn him the top seat at Red Bull? Only time will tell.
6. Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz entered the 2024 season knowing it would be his last with Ferrari and managed to pull out some awe-inspiring performances. His wins in Australia and Mexico City stand out, but he picked up consistent points at almost every race.
5. George Russell
Despite not having the quickest car, George Russell still managed to win two races this season and beat his 7-time World Champion teammate, Lewis Hamilton.
4. Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri managed to get his first and second win in F1 this season and was an excellent teammate to Lando Norris when he needed to be.
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3. Lando Norris
This was a season of high highs and low lows for Lando Norris. While he managed to get his very first win in Miami (and then two more in Zandvoort and Singapore), he also probably threw away one too many chances at actually challenging Max Verstappen for the title. This may go down as a “what if?” season for Norris.
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2. Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc was one of the most consistent drivers this season, battling for podiums and good points on a weekly basis. Plus, his incredible wins in Monaco and Monza were two high points of the season.
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1. Max Verstappen
Despite a rough period during the middle of the season, Max Verstappen proved once again why he’ll go down as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. Not only did he win his fourth championship this year, but he did it without having the fastest car for the majority of the season.