This week, Motorsport.com once again organised a vote to elect the Driver of the Year, and guess what? Max Verstappen has once again taken the prize, solidifying his position as the undisputed king of the circuits. In a world where champions compete for glory, the Dutchman has managed to stand out amidst a plethora of talents from various disciplines. But what does this really mean?
A fierce competition
For this edition, Motorsport.com invited its readers to choose between eight exceptional drivers, representing various categories such as Formula 1, MotoGP, WRC, and Endurance. This competition highlighted champions with fascinating journeys. Like a grand prix where every turn can be decisive, this vote revealed the passion and commitment of fans towards their favourite drivers.
Max Verstappen, still in the lead
Despite a season where he was not crowned in Formula 1, Max Verstappen dominated the votes with an impressive collection of 37.6% of the votes. This figure, although incredible, is not surprising when considering his meteoric rise in the world of F1. The season was marked by a fierce battle for the title, extending to the last race, but it was McLaren that came out on top. Yet, even while being on the edge, Verstappen managed to win the hearts of fans.
An evolving record
Marc Márquez, for his part, made a triumphant return to MotoGP, clinching his world title after five years of injuries and uncertainties. His performance earned him second place in the poll. It is impressive to see how this driver has overcome personal obstacles to return to the top. In third place, we find Sébastien Ogier, who has just equalled Sébastien Loeb’s record with nine titles in WRC. A remarkable feat, especially considering he did not participate in the entire season!
Surprises in the rankings
And what about Lando Norris? Ranked fourth, he is the first F1 world champion not to appear on the readers’ podium since the launch of this vote in 2017. A first that marks a turning point in the history of the poll. Norris has managed to captivate the public with his performances, but evidently not enough to stir hearts to the point of placing him on the podium this year.
Emerging talents
The young Isack Hadjar, who shone by stepping onto the podium at the Dutch GP in his first season in F1, ranked fifth. He is not just a promise for the future, but a true hope for motorsport. Robert Kubica, for his part, proved that age and physical challenges are not barriers. With his significant contribution to Ferrari No. 83 during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he managed to carve out a place in this prestigious ranking.
A growing record
The Motorsport.com Driver of the Year record
This vote is not just a mere formality; it is a true celebration of sporting achievements. The results of this year not only show Verstappen’s dominance but also the resurgence of iconic drivers like Márquez and Ogier. Each of them brings a unique story to the world of motorsport, and it is fascinating to see how these narratives intersect and intertwine.
In summary, this election of the Driver of the Year 2025 is not just an evaluation of performances on the track; it is also a reflection of the personal struggles and triumphs that mark each driver’s career. So, while we await the next season, let us salute these champions who remind us why we are passionate about motorsport.
