As a fan of both F1 and IndyCar and their respective feeder series, for fun I put together a list of how I personally rate the top 20 open-wheel racing drivers in motorsport currently. There’s definitely more F1 drivers on this list, but I think there’s actually more IndyCar drivers than folks would expect. A few of them I think are knocking on the door of the very best, and just as a fan of motorsport if you love racing and want more then don’t limit yourself to just one series!
For the most part I feel I’m pretty unbiased here. Only active or reserve drivers in an open-wheel series for the 2025 season are considered:
1st – Max Verstappen
2nd – Lewis Hamilton
3rd – Charles Leclerc
4th – Fernando Alonso
5th – George Russell
6th – Lando Norris
7th – Carlos Sainz
8th – Álex Palou
9th – Oscar Piastri
10th – Colton Herta
11th – Pierre Gasly
12th – Pat O’Ward
13th – Josef Newgarden
14th – Scott Dixon
15th – Scott McLaughlin
16th – Esteban Ocon
17th – Lance Stroll
18th – Yuki Tsunoda
19th – Nico Hülkenberg
20th – Alexander Rossi
??? these drivers could be in the top 20, but I’m not sure about and/or just don’t have enough information for me to rate yet:
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Liam Lawson
Franco Colapinto
Jack Doohan
Oliver Bearman
Gabriel Bortoleto
Kyle Kirkwood
Felipe Drugovich
I don’t watch enough Formula E or Super Formula beyond the occasional race and highlight to gauge if I’d rate any of those drivers up there. From what I’ve seen and know of the drivers I think only a few would possibly sniff around 15-20th on this list. Like Vandoorne and Wehrlein. Vergne and Buemi definitely back in the day, dunno if they’re still as high tier though after so many years outta high level open wheel racing. Formula E is only just now starting to get performance and competitiveness that I’d consider enough for me to rate at this level. Legacy talents in that series are a question mark for me. Especially if they aren’t fighting for wins and championships the last couple seasons.
While past results do influence my decision, it’s not the main factor. It’s why Dixon is a bit lower on the list despite having the best record in IndyCar, as I just think he’s a bit down on his prime, he was actually edged out by Franchitti back in the day, and today Palou is comfortably beating him. And Hamilton is statistically the goat, but Russell (who I rate a few spots below him actually as he’s consistent, but I don’t think has outshined the best of what Hamilton is capable of) has edged him out at Mercedes. I still think he’s got it in him and is impressive on his day, so we’ll see how the Ferrari move goes, but if he’s unsuccessful he might drop a few spots for me. I also try to keep in mind their team either holding them back or flattering them when considering the ranking. In IndyCar a “Penske Perfect” seat can elevate even a mediocre driver into contending for wins. Same goes for top teams in F1. Yes these teams attract top talent, but that doesn’t necessarily determine their ranking for me. Overall I think Verstappen is the greatest active open-wheel racer right now. While I can see debates for the rest of my list play out, I think at least that is pretty much agreed upon.
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Here’s a handful of honorable mentions that I’d totally understand arguing for, but this is my list so kick rocks and go make yer own:
21st – Alexander Albon
22nd – Will Power
23rd – Valtteri Bottas
24th – Romain Grosjean
….aaand now you can complain about how your opinion is correct and mine is wrong.
-K
