McLaren Stars Outraged as 2025 Driver Ran..read more

McLaren Stars Outraged as 2025 Driver Ran..read more

The release of the much-anticipated 2025 Formula 1 best driver rankings has sent shockwaves through the paddock, and nowhere is the backlash louder than at McLaren. Despite enjoying one of their strongest seasons in recent years, both McLaren drivers have been conspicuously overlooked in the upper tiers of the rankings, a decision that has left fans, pundits, and even rival teams questioning the credibility of the list.

Throughout the 2025 campaign, McLaren emerged as a consistent threat at the front of the grid. The team regularly challenged the traditional powerhouses, delivering podium finishes, bold race strategies, and flashes of genuine race-winning pace. Their resurgence was widely seen as a defining storyline of the season, making the exclusion of their drivers from the elite bracket of the rankings all the more controversial.

Many observers argue that the rankings appear heavily skewed toward drivers operating in dominant machinery, rather than those extracting maximum performance from less consistently competitive cars. McLaren’s drivers were frequently praised during the season for their racecraft, tyre management, and ability to capitalise on limited opportunities. Yet, when the final list was revealed, those efforts seemed to count for very little.

One of the main criticisms centres on consistency. Over the course of the year, McLaren’s drivers repeatedly finished ahead of rivals who ultimately ranked above them. In several races, they outperformed more fancied names in equal conditions, executing clean starts, decisive overtakes, and damage-limiting drives on difficult weekends. For many fans, these performances epitomise what a “best driver” ranking should reward.

Social media reactions were swift and unforgiving. McLaren supporters accused the rankings of favouritism, branding the list “predictable” and “out of touch.” Even neutral fans expressed disbelief, pointing out that McLaren’s progress up the constructors’ standings was driven largely by the quality and reliability of its driver lineup. Without that contribution, the team’s revival would not have been possible.

Former drivers and analysts have also weighed in, suggesting that McLaren’s drivers may be victims of outdated perceptions. While the team endured years in the midfield, its recent competitiveness has not yet translated into the same level of respect afforded to drivers from Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes. According to some experts, the rankings reflect reputation more than reality.

From McLaren’s perspective, the snub could become a powerful motivator. The team has spoken openly about its long-term ambitions to return to championship-winning form, and internal belief in the drivers remains unshaken. Insiders suggest that both drivers view the rankings as noise rather than a true reflection of their abilities, preferring to let their performances on track do the talking.

There is also a broader debate emerging about how driver rankings should be assessed. Should they focus purely on race results, or account for context such as car performance, strategic calls, and reliability issues? McLaren’s case highlights the flaws in simplistic evaluations that ignore the complexities of modern Formula 1.

As the sport looks ahead to the next season, the controversy surrounding the 2025 rankings is unlikely to fade quickly. If McLaren’s drivers continue their upward trajectory, this perceived injustice may soon be rewritten by undeniable results. For now, however, the message is clear: despite delivering some of the most compelling performances of the year, McLaren’s stars have been left on the outside looking in, victims of one of the most shocking snubs in recent Formula 1 history.