Round 2 F1 driver power rankings: Doing the Papaya shuffle as a tight pack emerges behind

Two race wins for two different McLaren drivers make the top two a fairly straightforward battle, but how are things shaping up behind the Papaya pair?

Before we get to that, the usual disclaimer. If you’ve read these before, 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 all that in mind, let’s get to the rankings.

10. Lance Stroll (-3)

He may have dropped down a few spots but still showing a great start to the season to be two from two when it comes to main race points. Has also beaten his teammate in every race so far this season, which I feel is important to note.

9. Ollie Bearman (+11)

From an absolutely awful weekend to an amazing one, Ollie Bearman showed why many people predicted him as the rookie to beat in 2025. Some outstanding drives across the weekend netted him so well deserved points, and right back up there when it comes to his reputation.

8. Yuki Tsunoda (-3)

With whispers of him finally getting that Red Bull nod he so thoroughly deserves, perhaps he won’t accept it and would prefer to stay with Racing Bulls right now? He’s driving great, and with a few more things going his way on a Sunday, will be even better.

7. Kimi Antonelli (+2)

Driving well so far to start his F1 career and netting some solid points, you feel it’s only a matter of time until we see him on the podium and challenging his teammate a bit more in future races.

6. Charles Leclerc (+4)

A very 2024 drive from Leclerc, keeping out of trouble and just doing what he can with what he has. Unlucky to get disqualified and have his hard work not fully shown.

5. Lewis Hamilton (+7)

Seeing Hamilton in red and winning is just a joy to see. Drove a solid race on the Sunday too, and unfortunate to get disqualified for it. More of the Saturday visuals moving forward please.

4. George Russell (-1)

Shows up, does what he needs to, ends with another podium. He’s doing exactly what is expected of him and getting rewarded for it.

3. Max Verstappen (-1)

Another mix of showing how bad that Red Bull perhaps is and how good Max Verstappen is. Gets the maximum out of a bad situation and somehow leaves only eight points behind in the Championship. How very Verstappen.

2. Oscar Piastri (+2)

A near perfect weekend for him. First career pole. Third career win. Nearly another sprint victory. Keep this up Oscar and we’ll be talking more about you and the Championship later in the season.

1. Lando Norris (-1)

Fought his way back from a bad start in the sprint to scrape a point before doing what he could with a bad situation in the race to get second. Driving much more mature and looking very much like a Championship contender.

What do you think of this list? Which order would you currently rank the drivers in? Let me know your thoughts below!