POWER RANKINGS: Who dazzled our judges with a perfect performance during…
Formula 1 kicked off the first triple-header of the 2025 season with the Japanese Grand Prix, a race where Max Verstappen of Red Bull claimed victory for the fourth year in a row. As the weekend unfolded, a number of drivers showcased impressive performances, but who left the judges most impressed? Below, we take a closer look at the latest power rankings, highlighting the standout performances from the weekend and providing an overview of the current leaderboard.
The Japanese Grand Prix was a thrilling contest, with intense battles on track and strategic maneuvers that tested both driver skills and team decisions. Verstappen’s dominance continued to shine, as he held off strong competition to secure the top step of the podium once again. His victory, however, wasn’t the only highlight of the weekend. The judges, who assessed drivers across multiple facets such as racecraft, qualifying, and overall performance, were particularly impressed by a few key performances.
Notably, Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, Sergio Pérez, showed significant improvement during the weekend, earning high praise for his consistent performance. Pérez’s strong results in qualifying, coupled with his strategic racecraft, contributed to his high rankings. Other drivers who dazzled included Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who, despite some challenges, showed resilience and skill in navigating through the field. His ability to manage tire wear and defend his position under pressure was recognized by the judges as a key strength.
Another notable mention went to McLaren’s Lando Norris, who impressed with his consistency and pace throughout the race weekend. Norris demonstrated excellent racecraft, moving up the order with calculated overtakes and maintaining his position despite intense competition. His adaptability to various track conditions was another reason why he was considered a standout driver of the weekend.
However, it wasn’t just the usual frontrunners who received high praise. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon also garnered attention for his stellar performance, particularly in qualifying where he maximized the car’s potential to secure a strong grid position. His race pace was commendable, and despite being in a less competitive car compared to some of his rivals, Ocon displayed determination and skill in keeping himself in contention for points.
As for the overall leaderboard, Verstappen’s dominance at the top continued, with Red Bull maintaining their stronghold in both the driver and constructor standings. However, the gap between him and his competitors is tightening, with several drivers like Leclerc, Norris, and Pérez making significant progress in closing the distance. The power rankings reflect the tightly contested nature of the 2025 season, with performances fluctuating as teams work to maximize their cars’ potential in each race.
In conclusion, the Japanese Grand Prix provided thrilling action and a clear indication of the fierce competition ahead. Max Verstappen’s continued success was the highlight, but the performances of drivers like Pérez, Leclerc, Norris, and Ocon were also pivotal in shaping the overall rankings. With the first triple-header of the season complete, the stage is set for more dramatic battles as the championship race intensifies.
