2025 F1 Qatar Grand Prix - Driver Ratings

The Qatar Grand Prix marked the penultimate round of the 2025 F1 season, and ensured that the season finale in Abu Dhabi will consist of a three-way title fight.

There was yet another dramatic twist, as a shocking McLaren strategic decision impacted both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, handing the race win to Max Verstappen. 

Check out our driver ratings from Qatar below, and make sure to let us know what you rated the drivers in the comments!

The top five

Oscar Piastri - 9.5

Oscar Piastri has every right to feel furious with McLaren's major strategic mistake on the seventh lap at the Lusail International Circuit. Deciding not to pit under the safety car robbed Piastri of a flawless weekend, where he was comfortably the quickest driver in every session. Finishing second leaves him 16 points behind Norris, and in need of a Abu Dhabi miracle.

Max Verstappen - 9

Max Verstappen said ahead of the Las Vegas GP that he needs "luck" to win the title, and that is exactly what he is getting. First McLaren's disqualification in Sin City, not a strategic mistake. The door was open to Verstappen to win, and he ran through without bother. He was not the quickest in Qatar, but he left with the 25 points and now sits just 12 behind Norris. 

Carlos Sainz - 9

Carlos Sainz is quickly becoming one of the stars of the second half of the season, following yet another podium for Williams secured on merit. Whilst the lap seven pit lane chaos worked in Sainz's favour, he made the most of the oppportunity and had the pace to comfortably hold on to third.

Fernando Alonso - 8.5

Fernando Alonso showed great pace throughout the Qatar GP, and perhaps deserved more than sixth in the race. He was comfortably clear of Lance Stroll and kept Aston Martin in the fight for sixth in the standings. 

Kimi Antonelli - 8

After a difficult start to the weekend, Antonelli's pace quickly improved from the Sprint race onwards, with him once again being able to match George Russell. A mistake in the closing stages of the race ended his podium chances, but it was another fine example of the rapid progression Antonelli has made since his European horror show.

The bottom five

Alex Albon - 5

Alex Albon just missed out on the point-scoring positions, but looked adrift of his team-mate across the weekend. It was a continuation of his recent struggles, which has weirdly come right as Sainz has shown considerable improvement.

Esteban Ocon - 4

For Haas in general it was a weekend to forget in the Lusail International Circuit, but Esteban Ocon did look weaker than Oliver Bearman. The Briton has dominated the Frenchman for much of the season, creating an interesting dymanic ahead of 2026.

Lance Stroll - 4

Lance Stroll had a majorly underwhelming performance in Qatar, particularly has Alonso proved the potential the AMR25 had at the circuit full of medium and high-speed corners. Stroll was eliminated in both SQ1 and Q1, before retiring from the race.

Lewis Hamilton - 3.5

Lewis Hamilton's horror maiden season with Ferrari cannot end soon enough, following yet another miserable weekend for the seven-time world champion. Like Stroll, Hamilton was eliminated in both SQ1 and Q1, before recovering to 12th in the race.

Franco Colapinto - 3.5

After showing recent signs of progress, it was back to the rear of the field for Franco Colapinto. He had no pace throughout the weekend and was significantly slower than Pierre Gasly who made it into Q3.