Ranking the 2024 F1 Drivers: From Worst to Best
The 2024 Formula 1 season gave fans plenty to talk about, from stunning wins to disappointing performances. It was a year of challenges, comebacks, and rising stars. But which drivers truly made their mark, and who fell short? Let’s break down the grid, ranking each driver based on their performance, impact, and potential.
Logan Sargeant:
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Logan Sargeant faced another uphill battle with Williams this year. Despite showing occasional promise, the young driver failed to secure any points. The potential is there, but the results? Not yet. Time may still be on his side, but patience is running thin in the competitive world of Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas:
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For Valtteri Bottas, the 2024 season was far from his best. Driving for Sauber, Bottas struggled to make an impact, finishing the year without points. Once a consistent performer, his form seems to have faded, leaving questions about what’s next for the veteran racer.
Zhou Guanyu:
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Zhou Guanyu managed to bring in four points for Sauber, but his season lacked consistency. While his effort was commendable, Zhou still struggled to break through in a meaningful way. His future may depend on whether he can step up in 2025.
Lance Stroll:
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Lance Stroll’s performance in 2024 was far from disastrous, but it also wasn’t noteworthy. The Aston Martin driver delivered steady results but failed to shine in a year when his team needed standout performances.
Kevin Magnussen:
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Kevin Magnussen had his fair share of highs and lows this season. While his race ban didn’t help his reputation, he also delivered a few standout drives. With his F1 future uncertain, Magnussen departs the grid with a career he can be proud of.
Alex Albon:
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It’s hard not to feel for Alex Albon, whose season seemed plagued by crashes and unfortunate events. While rookie teammate Franco Colapinto occasionally outshone him, Albon’s resilience and determination remain admirable.
Franco Colapinto:
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Franco Colapinto turned heads early on after replacing Logan Sargeant at Williams. His performances in the first few races showed immense potential, but he faded toward the end of the season. Still, the rookie has undoubtedly put himself on the radar for future opportunities.
Liam Lawson:
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Liam Lawson’s rookie season had its moments, but it’s debatable whether it was enough to justify the high expectations following Daniel Ricciardo’s exit. Regardless, Lawson has shown flashes of brilliance that could make him a key player in years to come.
Esteban Ocon:
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Despite missing the Abu Dhabi finale, Esteban Ocon’s 2024 campaign with Alpine was solid. His P2 finish in Brazil was a standout moment in an otherwise turbulent year for the team. Ocon’s ability to deliver under pressure remains one of his strengths.
Fernando Alonso:
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At 43, Fernando Alonso continues to defy expectations. Aston Martin’s decline mid-season didn’t stop him from pulling off some impressive drives. While 2024 wasn’t his best year, Alonso’s sheer determination and racecraft are undeniable.
Nico Hulkenberg:
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Nico Hulkenberg impressed with his qualifying performances, often punching above Haas’s weight. While race results didn’t always follow, Hulkenberg’s return to F1 has been nothing short of remarkable.
Yuki Tsunoda:
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Yuki Tsunoda’s growth this season was evident, as he consistently delivered strong qualifying results and solid race performances. With talk of a possible move to Red Bull, 2025 could be the year Tsunoda truly comes into his own.
Pierre Gasly:
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Pierre Gasly turned a rocky start to 2024 into one of his most impressive seasons yet. Consistently strong in qualifying and races toward the latter half of the year, Gasly’s focus and resilience were key to his success.
Carlos Sainz:
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Carlos Sainz ended his Ferrari tenure on a high note with wins in Australia and Mexico City. His consistency throughout the season highlighted why he remains one of the grid’s most reliable performers.
George Russell:
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George Russell may not have had the quickest car, but his two race wins and ability to outperform teammate Lewis Hamilton made 2024 a season to remember. Russell continues to solidify his place as one of F1’s top drivers.
Oscar Piastri:
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Oscar Piastri’s maiden F1 victories in 2024 marked him as a driver to watch. Paired with Lando Norris, Piastri proved he could compete at the highest level while maintaining excellent team dynamics.
Lando Norris:
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With three wins under his belt, Lando Norris showed he could compete with the best. However, missed opportunities kept him from mounting a serious title challenge. Norris will undoubtedly be eager to capitalize on his potential in 2025.
Lewis Hamilton:
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Lewis Hamilton’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster, but breaking his winless streak at Silverstone and Spa reminded fans of his greatness. As he heads to Ferrari in 2025, expectations remain sky-high for the seven-time champion.
Charles Leclerc:
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Charles Leclerc’s 2024 season was defined by his consistency and key victories in Monaco and Monza. While he didn’t take the title, Leclerc’s relentless pursuit of excellence makes him a fan favorite and a true contender.
Max Verstappen:
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Even in a season where his car wasn’t always the fastest, Max Verstappen clinched his fourth championship with a level of dominance that’s become his hallmark. Verstappen’s ability to extract every ounce of performance from his machinery cements his status as one of the all-time greats.