The conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season has brought about a dramatic revelation in the driver rankings from RacingNews365, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and intrigue. Each race saw meticulous assessments from the team, tracking the performances of every driver throughout the season. As the anticipation builds, the rankings are split into two segments, with the top ten drivers set to be unveiled tomorrow. Today, however, we dive deep into the analysis of the drivers who finished between P11 and P20, revealing the struggles and triumphs of some of the sport’s most renowned names, including a world champion who labeled his season a “nightmare.”
Starting with Fernando Alonso, who secured 11th place with a score of 6.5. His season was a rollercoaster, marked by a stellar performance that included a high score of 9 in both Hungary and Singapore. However, Alonso’s journey wasn’t without its pitfalls, as he faced disappointing outings in Australia and Belgium, where he scored just 4 points. Despite a rough patch, he managed to rally in Abu Dhabi, clinching sixth place and finishing strong, showcasing his undeniable speed against his teammate, Stroll, whom he out-qualified 24-0 throughout the season.
In 12th place, Nico Hulkenberg earned a score of 6.1. This season will be remembered for his long-awaited podium finish, achieved under the challenging conditions of Silverstone. Though he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, his performance fluctuated, leaving fans yearning for more consistency. Nevertheless, it was a promising year for him as Audi gears up for its entry into the sport.
The legendary Lewis Hamilton found himself at a surprising 13th position with a score of 6.0, a stark contrast to his illustrious career. His season began with a bang, securing pole position and victory in the Chinese GP Sprint, but a series of misfortunes, including three consecutive Q1 exits to end the year, left him reeling. Hamilton candidly expressed his struggles, stating he felt “useless” during a particularly challenging weekend in Hungary. Despite flashes of his raw talent post-summer break, the inconsistency in his performances raises questions about his future in the sport. The upcoming 2026 season is crucial; if he can’t turn things around, his time in F1 may be numbered.
Esteban Ocon followed closely behind in 14th position with a score of 5.8. His season was solid, highlighted by a peak score of 8.5 in both China and Monaco. However, his campaign took a hit after the Italian GP as he grappled with brake issues, struggling to keep up with his teammate, Bearman. Nevertheless, Ocon finished the season on a high note, securing points in three of the last five races.
Liam Lawson also received a score of 5.8, landing him in 15th place. His breakthrough moment came in Austria, where he scored an impressive 9.5, showcasing the potential that many had hoped for. However, inconsistency plagued him, with lackluster performances in China and Australia dragging down his overall rating.
Pierre Gasly, sitting in 16th with a score of 5.7, was a standout in a disappointing year for Alpine. His remarkable drive in Bahrain, scoring 9.5, highlighted his talent, even as the team struggled overall. With the 2205 project seemingly abandoned, Gasly’s resilience as a team leader may be the beacon of hope for Alpine’s future.
Gabriel Bortoleto, an unassuming rookie, claimed 17th place with a score of 5.2. His season began slowly, failing to score points until Austria, but he then surged impressively, even outperforming the experienced Hulkenberg. Unfortunately, his campaign ended on a sour note with a crash in Sao Paulo and a mistake in Las Vegas, dimming what was an otherwise solid rookie year.
In 18th place, Lance Stroll also scored 5.2. He delivered sporadic brilliance, notably overtaking Bearman in Abu Dhabi. Yet, his season was marred by inconsistency, particularly in qualifying, where he suffered a staggering defeat to Alonso, ending 24-0 in qualifying sessions.
Yuki Tsunoda found himself in 19th with a score of 5.2, grappling with the struggles of the second Red Bull seat. His performance peaked in Azerbaijan, but a disastrous incident at Imola set him back, affecting his ability to compete at the same level as Verstappen.
Finally, Franco Colapinto rounded out the rankings at 20th with a score of 4.3. His performance was hampered by the limited number of races he participated in, failing to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him. While he showed signs of potential, particularly in Canada, his inability to secure consistent results left fans wanting more.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, the stakes are higher than ever for these drivers. The road ahead is filled with uncertainty, and only time will tell who will rise to the occasion and secure their place in F1 history.
