Verstappen sees his lead shrinking in the F1 Power Rankings

Fernando Alonso received the ultimate score in the Formula 1 Power Ranking After the Grand Prix of Qatar. The Spaniard is followed by Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who are also battling it out in this ranking.

Alonso the best in Qatar

A panel of six members gives a weekly grade from one to ten to the twenty drivers on behalf of Formula 1. This is based on the car the driver drives and therefore it is not about the best package, but purely about the best driver. After the GP in Qatar, only one driver could be designated as the best.

With his first podium since 2014, Alonso pulled off a stunt. The Spaniard saw his teammate drive to a surprising victory in Hungary earlier this year but now gets a ten in this ranking after his own podium in Qatar. On that podium he stood together with Hamilton and Verstappen and with them he now shares the podium.

Excitement at the top

The Briton received a 9.8 for his dominant performance, which is more than one point higher than Verstappen. The Dutchman's main fault was driving through yellow flags, which resulted in him scoring 'only' 8.7. He is just better than Esteban Ocon (8.5), Lance Stroll (8.3) and Lando Norris (8.0).

Carlos Sainz and Alonso move up a place in the standings. Sainz is now joint fifth with Pierre Gasly and Alonso is now joint seventh with George Russell. Nothing changes at the top. Verstappen still leads with an 8.9, but Hamilton comes closer with an 8.3. The Brit is now on par with his fellow countryman Norris.