Max Verstappen has topped Sky Sports’ driver ratings for 2024, landing another achievement in what’s been an incredible year for the Dutch champion. It’s his fourth straight title from the broadcaster, matching his dominance on the track.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
For the first time since his initial championship in 2021, Verstappen faced real pressure – this time from a surprisingly quick McLaren and a fired-up Lando Norris. The challenge came about a quarter way through the season, when McLaren’s pace suddenly matched and even beat Red Bull’s.
Verstappen’s response? He dug deep and pulled off crucial wins at Imola, Montreal, and Barcelona.
Things got even tougher when McLaren’s MCL38 showed even more speed. But that’s when Verstappen really proved his worth – his consistent second-place finishes were actually more impressive than his early-season dominance.
The highlight of his year came at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Starting from way back in 17th place, Verstappen fought through the rain to take an amazing victory that pretty much locked up his title.
He followed that up with a win in Qatar – his first dry-weather victory since June – sending a clear message to his rivals about 2025.
It wasn’t a perfect season, though. Sky Sports pointed out one notable slip-up in Mexico, where they felt he was “reckless” and “unsporting” in his battle with Norris.
The rest of the field? Nobody really came close.
Lando Norris grabbed second place in the ratings with an 8.5, tied with Charles Leclerc. Oscar Piastri impressed with a 7.5, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton managed just a 6.5.
At the bottom end, Sergio Perez‘s tough year earned him a disappointing 3.5. Only Logan Sargeant scored lower with a 3, before being replaced at Williams midway through the season.
