Team bosses pick their best drivers for 2024 – Verstappen, Norris and Hülkenberg shine in exclusive ranking – In a poll conducted by the official Formula 1 website **formula1.com**, the ten team principals of the current Formula 1 grid anonymously voted for their top ten drivers for the 2024 season. The surprise being that many didn’t vote for their own drivers.
That said, while the number one choice came as no surprise, Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg made an impressive entry into the elite ranks, demonstrating his enduring talent, along with Britian Lando Norris.
The results of the survey reaffirmed Max Verstappen’s dominance in the sport, with the Dutchman receiving the maximum possible points from every team principal. Meanwhile, Hulkenberg, driving for Haas, was one of only two drivers from smaller teams to break into the top 10.
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Max Verstappen: The undisputed best
Once again, Max Verstappen proved to be in a class of his own. Fresh from another world championship, Verstappen received unanimous praise from the team bosses and secured a flawless 250 out of 250 points. It is the second year in a row that Verstappen has topped the standings with a perfect score, underlining his consistent brilliance.
Verstappen’s performance over the past few seasons has set an incredibly high benchmark, leaving little doubt as to his position at the pinnacle of Formula One. His dominance has been absolute, with no other driver in the survey coming close to his tally.
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Lando Norris climbs higher
In second place was Lando Norris, the 2024 runner-up. Norris’ 178 points put him well ahead of most of his rivals, but still well behind Verstappen.
The young Briton’s rise reflects his development as a driver and his ability to put in consistently strong performances for McLaren throughout the season.
Compared to 2023, when Norris was ranked third in the same survey, this year marked a step up for the 25-year-old. His performances have earned him praise not only from his team but also from the management of rival teams.
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Charles Leclerc completes the podium
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the top three with 121 points. Known for his speed and tenacity, the Monegasque improved on his fourth-place finish in 2023.
Despite a mixed season for Ferrari, Leclerc’s individual performances impressed the team bosses enough to secure a podium finish in this year’s standings.
Rising stars: Piastri and Russell
The biggest winners in the top 10 were Oscar Piastri and George Russell. Both riders made significant leaps in the rankings, each climbing three places compared to 2023.
Piastri was particularly impressive in his rookie season. Driving alongside Norris at McLaren, the Australian showed maturity beyond his years, scoring 113 points to secure fourth place.
His consistent results and ability to match Norris in several races marked him out as one of the brightest young talents on the grid.
George Russell, on the other hand, demonstrated his resilience and adaptability at Mercedes, scoring 86 points to finish sixth. Despite a challenging season alongside the experienced Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s performances underlined his potential to lead the team in the future.
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Hulkenberg’s remarkable return
One of the standout entries in the standings was Nico Hülkenberg. The veteran German driver, who will return to Formula One full-time in 2024 with Haas, secured eighth place with 39 points.
Hülkenberg’s position is notable as he outperformed several drivers from more competitive teams, including Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly.
His ability to get the most out of a less competitive Haas car has earned him respect throughout the paddock.
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Alonso’s fall
The most surprising fall in the standings was that of Fernando Alonso. The veteran Spaniard, who finished second in 2023, slipped to ninth in 2024 with just 27 points.
Although Alonso remains one of the most skilled and experienced drivers on the grid, his season with Aston Martin failed to reach the heights of the previous year.
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A look at the top 10
The final Formula 1 team bosses’ top 10 drivers for 2024 are as follows:
1. Max Verstappen – 250 points
2. Lando Norris – 178 points
3. Charles Leclerc – 121 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 113 points
5. Carlos Sainz – 110 points
6. George Russell – 86 points
7. Lewis Hamilton – 54 points
8. Nico Hulkenberg – 39 points
9. Fernando Alonso – 27 points
10. Pierre Gasly – 21 points
Small teams making big impressions
Hülkenberg and Pierre Gasly were the only two drivers from midfield or smaller teams to make it into the top ten. Gasly, representing Alpine, scored 21 points to finish tenth.
These results highlight their exceptional individual performances despite the limitations of their machines.
The annual Team Principals’ Ranking provides a unique perspective on the season, as it reflects the judgement of the sport’s top decision-makers. While Verstappen’s dominance was expected, the rise of drivers such as Norris, Piastri and Hülkenberg adds a fascinating layer to the 2024 story.
For fans and pundits alike, the rankings highlight not only the sport’s familiar stars, but also the emergence of future champions and the continued relevance of seasoned veterans.
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Juan Pablo Montoya, the outspoken and highly respected former Formula One driver, has expressed serious concerns about Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing. In a revealing interview with *LuckyBlock*, Montoya assessed Red Bull’s recent struggles and the impact it has had on the Dutchman’s career.
Known for his unfiltered opinions, the Colombian painted a picture of uncertainty for Red Bull and suggested that Verstappen could be tempted to jump ship if the current trajectory continues.
Montoya’s comments reflect growing questions about Red Bull’s performance, strategy and long-term plans as the team faces mounting challenges. From internal engine development risks to a competitive grid that is closing the gap, Montoya believes Verstappen’s once ironclad position as a dominant force in Formula One is under threat…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
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