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It’s time to talk about motorsport – and more specifically, Formula One. As the excitement around the sport continues to skyrocket, more and more fans are being drawn into the adrenaline-pumping action that defines F1.
And as you race through our article, we’ll spotlight the top 10 Formula 1 drivers in 2024 – from those who are making waves to those who are setting new benchmarks in the sport. We’ll share their best photos, capturing the essence of what makes these drivers the elite of the grid. Get ready to meet the faces behind the helmets in this thrilling look at the best of Formula 1 today!
All Drivers
1. Lando Norris
The British driver has shone since his debut season, but unlike his McLaren teammate Piastri, he needed time to sharpen his talent. While it took a while for him to settle in F1, Lando Norris has finally found his drive and showcases the best form of anyone in the grid right now.
His thirst for victory has led to criticism, as he’s occasionally questioned team orders. His rebellious spirit contrasts with his modest and artistic attitude outside the car. It’s well known that he enjoys designing his own gear as a hobby.
IMAGO / PanoramiC / Antonin Vincent | Lando Norris celebrates winning the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix during the 2024 World Championship.
2. Max Verstappen
Three consecutive F1 titles (2021, 2022, and 2023) support the claim that Verstappen is currently the best driver in Formula 1. At 17, he became the youngest driver in F1 history and the youngest to score points and win a race (at 18 years and 228 days).
He currently leads the F1 Drivers’ Championship – and if this continues, he will secure his fourth consecutive title, leaving him just one away from matching the F1 legend Michael Schumacher (5 consecutive titles).
He also holds the record for the most consecutive wins (10) as well as the most wins in a single season (19).
His "cold" and direct attitude has sometimes put him in the spotlight, but his performances and results have silenced his critics. As long as the titles keep coming, his attitude will always be a secondary issue.
IMAGO / ANP / Sem van der Wal | Max Verstappen celebrates his 3rd Formula 1 World Championship.
3. Oscar Piastri
This young Australian driver has performed well despite his limited experience. Moving to Europe and leaving his home behind to succeed in this sport clearly shows determination and commitment.
In his debut season (2023), he managed to score 97 points, finishing 9th in the overall standings. This included two podium finishes, with 63 points coming after the summer break, following improvements to the car by his team, McLaren. For some, this is considered the best rookie season since a certain Lewis Hamilton.
He secured his first victory in just his second season, proving that he’s a worthy successor to his fellow Australian drivers Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo. There’s still a lot of history to be written by the 2001-born driver.
IMAGO / AFLOSPORT / no name / Oscar Piastri of Australia and McLaren F1 Team on the podium
during Formula One Hungary Grand Prix.
4. Charles Leclerc
"Leclerc, Leclerc... Charles Leclerc." You probably know it, even if you’re not a huge F1 fan. That’s how sensational the driver from Monte Carlo, Monaco, is—what a place to learn the ropes in F1!
Son of Hervé, a prominent F3 driver, and a native of Monaco, Leclerc was practically born into motorsport royalty. But this also meant he faced immense pressure from a young age. He's managed to handle these factors with talent and character, something he demonstrates at every circuit.
Leclerc’s performance is impressive despite the car, as many believe Ferrari is far from its best. In 2022, he secured 2nd place overall, only behind Max Verstappen. In a year where Ferrari was able to provide him with a competitive car, he proved that when on equal footing, he has enough talent to fight toe-to-toe with Verstappen.
IMAGO / PanoramiC / Paul Vaicle | Charles Leclerc and team Ferrari celebrate after winning the Monaco Grand Prix of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship.
5. George Russell
Russell is a driver of undeniable quality, but his inconsistency has kept him from fully establishing himself as the future leader of the Mercedes team. He’s not afraid to take risks, as shown by his tendency to attempt difficult overtakes, sometimes pushing the limits.
His motto seems to be: "When in doubt, go full speed." While he might want to reconsider this approach given his repeated mistakes, it’s possible that it could pay off in the future—only time will tell.
IMAGO / Panoramic / | George Russell celebrates after the 2024 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix.
6. Lewis Hamilton
Is he the greatest F1 driver of all time? For many, the answer is yes, and statistically, it's impossible to say otherwise. From his rookie season, there was no doubt we were witnessing a driver for the ages, achieving second place with a total of 109 points.
Lewis is a living legend. Not only is he the driver with the most victories in F1 history, the most podiums and pole positions, but he’s also tied for the most Formula One world titles (seven each) with none other than Michael Schumacher.
Off the track, he is also an example. In recent years, he has used his influence to advocate for the environment and has actively participated in campaigns against racism. The title "Sir" suits him well.
"Still I Rise" is inscribed on his helmet and tattooed on his shoulders. Few would argue against the idea that he might be the greatest driver of all time.
IMAGO / Hoch Zwei | Lewis Hamilton in the Formula 1 British Grand Prix 2024.
7. Carlos Sainz
This Madrid-born driver shows us that in Formula 1, Spanish is definitely spoken. You just need to look at the teams he’s been part of and the drivers he’s succeeded to confirm that he’s one of the best on the grid.
Sainz already has significant experience. He has defended the colors of two of the most important teams, McLaren, where he followed in the footsteps of his idol and fellow countryman Fernando Alonso, and Ferrari, where he took the seat of another all-time great, Sebastian Vettel.
There’s no doubt that he’s a driver with great talent, though unfortunately, that talent has yet to translate into titles.
IMAGO / Panoramic | Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz celebrating during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix.
8. Sergio Pérez
It’s hard to have a conversation about Formula 1 these days without mentioning the driver from Guadalajara, Mexico. Sergio Pérez has undoubtedly earned his place in F1 through sheer hard work and dedication. He’s known for his great tier management , which give him an advantage when planning races and add a bit of spice to his driving style.
Pérez is definitely not at his best right now, but the combination of his experience, skill, and the car he drives (Red Bull, a dominant team in recent years) keeps him among the drivers to watch.
Perhaps Pérez hasn't fully established himself as a great champion, but it is well-known that his contribution to his teammate's success has been invaluable. Everyone remembers his brilliant defense against Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Surely, we are witnessing the final laps of this sensational driver.
IMAGO / PanoramiC | Sergio Pérez celebrates winning the 2022 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
9. Fernando Alonso
Two Formula 1 drivers' world championships are more than enough to include Alonso among the best current F1 drivers. At 42 years old, he’s the veteran driver on the circuit, but instead of diminishing his qualities, his age only adds to the merits of this legend.
Even without a decent car, he always finds a way to stay competitive. We can’t forget that Alonso was the driver who broke the dominance of none other than Michael Schumacher; there’s no doubt that we’re talking about a very special driver in the world of Formula 1.
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Daisy Facinelli | Fernando Alonso celebrates with his trophy after the 2023 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort Circuit.
10. Nico Hülkenberg
One of the oldest and most experienced drivers on the circuit, Hülkenberg is one of the most valuable drivers in the business. The only thing he’s missing is a seat in one of the top teams, as he has more than enough talent. He’s a tough but clean driver when it comes to wheel-to-wheel racing.
It seems we'll be able to enjoy his driving talent for a while longer, as Audi's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 positions Hulkenberg as one of the team's two drivers. A German driving a German car; all that's missing is the return of an F1 race in Germany for the “formula” to be complete.
From 2020 to 2022, he served as a reserve driver, but in 2023 he returned as a full-time driver with the Haas F1 team. The "Hulk" of F1 is always worth keeping an eye on, as he can show his strength at any moment.
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS / no name | Nico Hülkenberg arrives at the 2024 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest.
These are currently the best Formula 1 drivers right now, but just like in any race, this can change quickly. The competition is fierce, and new talent is always emerging, ready to challenge the established stars.
To keep up with all the latest developments in photos, from driver performances to team dynamics, make sure to keep visiting IMAGO's website. We offer the best and latest images from the current season and beyond, capturing not only the action on the track but also the most iconic moments in F1 history.
