OPINION: After the first part of the ASN driver rankings has been revealed, it is time to take a look at the top 10 drivers of the 2022 F1 season so far.
The rules are the same. The position of a driver is based on an average mark given by the ASN editorial staff. In the event of a tie, the driver with a higher position in the Drivers’ Championship gets a better position in the rankings.
10. Fernando Alonso – 7.25/10
Luciano Calamante: One of the most legendary drivers in Formula 1 that still delivers to this day – Alonso had a poor start to the season, but he is not to blame in its entirety.
9. Sebastian Vettel – 7.5/10
Anton Hreskiv: Though he has missed the first two races of the season due to COVID, Vettel outscored his teammate Lance Stroll. The German is certainly set to end his F1 career on a high.
8. Lewis Hamilton – 7.5/10
LC: Unfortunate start to the season by a team heavily affected by the new regulations. Hamilton has had some lows -like in Jeddah- but is on his way up to recovery and to fight for that desired 8th world title.
7. Lando Norris – 7.75/10
LC: One of the rising stars in the sport of another team who’s suffered in contrast to 2021.
6. Kevin Magnussen – 8/10
LC: Asked to be back in a rush after Nikita Mazepin’s ban, Magnussen was already delivering since race 1 in a very promising Haas.
5. Valtteri Bottas – 8/10
LC: He’s not driving a Mercedes, but sure has the relief of not feeling the pressure of racing alongside a world champion. Though he’s not in race-winning machinery, he’s done some great performances.
4. Carlos Sainz – 8.5/10
AH: Sainz scored his first pole position and race win in Britain which was a remarkable achievement for the Spaniard. At the same time, the impression of Sainz’s performance was affected by blunders in the early stages of the season.
3. George Russell – 8.5/10
AH: Russell made a strong start to his stint at Mercedes. The 24-year-old was in the top 5 in every race he had finished and is currently ahead of Hamilton in the standings.
2. Charles Leclerc – 8.5/10
LC: A champion in the making who still needs to grow further, but the potential is there – although his team has been of no big help so far.
Winner. Max Verstappen – 9.75/10
LC: Verstappen is determined to win another world championship this year and has shown more maturity in contrast to 2021, though he’s not facing the same pressure as last year.
