Round 17 F1 driver power rankings: Change at the top as excitement ramps up

With many drivers at the top of the rankings not delivering and several below them putting on a clinic, things are set to change in the driver power rankings after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. But how much?

Before we find out, let’s get the disclaimer over and done with. You know the drill, these are all subjective and based mainly on my (incredibly smart) opinion mixed with form and on-track results, meaning it is a generally subjective list that holds no real weight except for the large basis of fact I like to think I can generate.

So with that in mind, let’s get to the rankings!

10. Lewis Hamilton (-4)

Hangs on to a top ten spot mainly due to their not being really anyone else to climb into it. Made the best of what he could starting from the pit lane to end up with some lucky points.

9. Carlos Sainz (-4)

Carlos actually drove a very good race and should’ve been on the podium, however his crash with Sergio Perez really does have to go down as his fault, and that marks him down.

8. Sergio Perez (new)

In a way similar to Carlos below him on this list, but gets the nod above due to him not really being at fault for the crash. Will be hoping Azerbaijan wasn’t simply a one off and the form can continue.

7. George Russell (-)

The beneficiary of a late crash that gets him on the podium. Drove an otherwise invisible race that was set to net him some solid points before the crash.

6. Franco Colapinto (+4)

After not really knowing who he was only a few weeks ago, to having him as one of the stars of the field after only two races. Franco is showing why the risk to put him in the car ahead of some other more experienced hands is definitely paying off.

5. Alexander Albon (+3)

Consecutive points finishes for Alex for the first time in 2024. A great race by a driver in great form.

(Photo by Getty Images)

4. Max Verstappen (-)

Keeps doing what he can with the car underneath him. An extremely rare weekend in which he was outpaced by his teammate, but ultimately he was the driver who didn’t end up in the barrier. Solid points which is what he needs to keep bringing home if he is to hold on to his Championship lead.

3. Lando Norris (-2)

Harsh to drop him two spots? Maybe. But given those ahead of him drove such a great overall weekend in Azerbaijan, it’s hard not to. Did fantastically to go from the back of the field to the points, and managed to leave Baku with more points than Max Verstappen. Overall, that’s a win for Lando.

2. Charles Leclerc (-)

Roles reversed from Monza, Charles very nearly made it back-to-back wins for Ferrari. Drove great all weekend but just couldn’t find a way past Piastri to take the win. Still in amazing form and a real smokey for the Championship.