F1’s Unsung Heroes: The Most Underrated Drivers on the 2025 Grid!
- therookiereporters
- May 7
- 5 min read
An article about the current most underrated drivers in F1 in my opinion, exploring unnecessary hate, stellar performances and those getting less credit than they deserve
In the high-speed, high-stakes world of Formula 1, praise often focuses on race winners and world champions. Yet beneath the spotlight, a group of exceptional talents consistently deliver performances that deserve far more recognition. Whether it's through quiet consistency, flashes of brilliance, or sheer resilience in difficult machinery, these drivers prove week after week that they are the backbone of the grid. Here’s a look at six drivers whose true value often goes underappreciated: Lando Norris, George Russell, Alex Albon, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly.
Lando Norris
Lando Norris has faced more off-track criticism in 2025 than ever before in his career. Some have been quick to judge his struggles in qualifying, pointing to them as signs of underperformance. In reality, Norris has simply been wrestling with a tricky McLaren package that hasn’t suited him straight out of the box — a challenge that would trouble even the very best. But when the lights go out on Sunday, Norris shows exactly why he remains one of F1’s most valuable talents. Through smart race management, fearless overtaking, and an unshakable determination, he’s fought back again and again, turning tough Saturdays into spectacular Sundays. He has finished inside the top five at every race so far this season, and has only missed the podium once — an extraordinary record that deserves far more recognition than it’s getting, which is why I think Lando has been one of the most underrated drivers so far.
George Russel
With Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, the leadership baton at Mercedes has firmly passed to George Russell in 2025. No longer the rookie under Hamilton’s shadow, Russell now leads the team through a rebuilding phase, and he’s stepped into the role with impressive maturity. As Mercedes works to regain its competitive edge, Russell has become the team's most consistent performer, regularly securing the best positions behind the dominant McLaren and Red Bull cars. He’s often the one to fend off challenges from other drivers, consistently finishing in the top five — and at times even edging close to Max Verstappen’s pace. Russell’s ability to maintain focus and deliver strong results, despite the team’s struggles with outright speed, has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable and skilled drivers on the grid. As Mercedes continues to search for the key to unlock their potential, Russell’s steady presence and leadership make him the cornerstone of their future success.
Alex Albon
Alex Albon has been one of the standout performers in Formula 1 this season, consistently outperforming the expectations set by his Williams car. In 2025, his performances have been a clear step up from last season, with Albon regularly finishing in the points and often managing to outpace cars that should be faster. His improvement is undeniable — he’s become more confident in his driving, with a better understanding of the car's limitations and how to maximize its potential. His ability to adapt to difficult conditions and extract the most from every race is a testament to his growth as a driver. Now, with a new partnership alongside Carlos Sainz, Albon has even more opportunity to show just how much he’s improved. Together, this pairing could help Williams continue to punch above their weight, with Albon leading the way as one of the most impressive and underrated drivers on the grid.
Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc’s speed and raw talent have never been in doubt, but in 2025, he continues to find himself battling not only the fierce competition but also the limitations of his Ferrari car. Despite the team’s ongoing struggles with consistency and reliability, Leclerc has managed to extract impressive performances, regularly outperforming the car and keeping Ferrari in the hunt for podiums. However, 2025 has also seen a series of setbacks for Leclerc and Ferrari, most notably the controversial double disqualification at the Chinese GP that handed them a significant blow in the Constructors' Championship. The setback has left Ferrari with a steep uphill climb if they hope to close the gap to their rivals, and Leclerc has been left to pick up the pieces in what is becoming a more challenging season. Despite these hurdles, Leclerc’s skill and potential remain undeniable — if Ferrari can sort their reliability issues and avoid further missteps, there’s no reason he won’t be back at the front fighting for wins and championships.
Kimi Antonelli
At just 18 years old, Kimi Antonelli is the youngest driver on the 2025 F1 grid, but he’s already proving himself as one of the most reliable rookies. Despite being new to the sport, Antonelli has shown impressive skill and maturity. His strong performances in testing set the stage for his debut season, and he quickly adapted to the challenges of Formula 1. The Australian Grand Prix was a standout moment for him — Antonelli was one of the few rookie drivers to avoid a DNF, which shows his ability to stay calm and focused, even in tough situations. While other rookies struggled in their first race, Antonelli kept his composure, finishing well and showing he has what it takes to succeed in F1. His consistency, especially in a tough opening race, has made it clear that he’s a driver to watch. With his talent and calm approach, Antonelli is proving that age isn’t a barrier, and his future in Formula 1 looks very promising.
Pierre Gasly
Pierre Gasly’s 2025 season has been one of his best yet, showcasing his exceptional talent and often going underappreciated. His one-lap pace has been impressive, with Gasly frequently making it into Q3 — a clear sign of his skill in qualifying. He’s also been consistently at the top in practice sessions, demonstrating that his speed is no fluke. Despite Alpine's overall struggles in terms of race pace, Gasly’s ability to extract everything from the car on a single lap has been a standout feature this season. His performance in qualifying and practice is a testament to his natural speed and technical ability. Though he may not always get the headlines, Gasly's ability to consistently deliver on Saturdays sets him apart as one of the most talented drivers on the grid. If Alpine can give him a car that offers better race pace, Gasly’s strong qualifying performances could translate into even better race results.
Formula 1’s most underrated talents often go unnoticed, but they’re the drivers who consistently deliver impressive performances despite facing challenges. Lando Norris, George Russell, Alexander Albon, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Pierre Gasly. From Norris’s impressive race recoveries to Russell’s status as the “best of the rest,” from Albon’s incredible consistency at Williams to Antonelli’s rapid development in his rookie year, these drivers have shown their abilities in every corner of the grid. Leclerc continues to push Ferrari despite their struggles, while Gasly’s exceptional one-lap pace often sees him outshine his competitors on Saturdays. These drivers may not always be in the spotlight, but they are undoubtedly among the most talented on the grid. As the season progresses, it’s clear that their contributions will only grow, and with more consistent performances, they’ll continue to prove that the future of F1 is in capable hands.
Article by: Sophie English