F1 Power Rankings | Verstappen closes the gap

After retiring in Australia, Max Verstappen gets the highest mark from the judges for his performance in Japan. The number one ranked driver, Carlos Sainz, gets the second-highest mark.

After each Grand Prix, a Formula1.com panel consisting of five members grades the drivers based on their performance. This grade is independent of the drivers' cars. A ranking is also maintained, from which the best driver eventually emerges at the end of the season.

Who gets the highest grade after the Japan GP?

Max Verstappen gets the highest mark from the judges, a 9.6. With his race win including the fastest lap and pole position, his weekend was pretty much flawless. This explains his high mark. Carlos Sainz gets an 8.8. The Spaniard has been on the podium in every race he has competed in so far.

In shared third place are Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda with an 8.4. Tsunoda managed to score a point during his home race. Charles Leclerc, despite his overtaking race, is only in sixth place with an 8.0. In the final ranking, Sainz is still above Verstappen.

Source: Formula1.com