Max Verstappen’s domination of F1 continues with him likely to rule the sport for another season at the very least, but there are a number of Formula 1 World Champions in waiting with a raft of young up-and-comers.
Formula 1 World Champions: Next 5 Kings of F1
Despite a downturn in form, three-time World Drivers’ Championship winner Max Verstappen remains the favourite to win this year’s title, but there is every chance we could see a 35th champion crowned in Abu Dhabi in December.
Formula 1 World Champions: Lando Norris
Sitting 52 points adrift of Verstappen and in what looks to be the dominant car on the grid, Lando Norris is primed to become the next maiden champion in the world of Formula One.
The 24-year-old Briton claimed his first Grand Prix win in his 110th race in Miami and has won a further two races since then, first in the Dutch Grand Prix and then, most recently, in Singapore. With Verstappen in the midst of an eight-race winless run and Norris the clear number-one driver – for this season at least – he has every chance of taking the championship this season.
Formula 1 World Champions: Oscar Piastri
Norris may be the favourite for the crown this year, but team-mate Oscar Piastri has been equally impressive considering this is just his second season in F1. The young Australian sits fourth in the standings, only 42 points adrift of his more experienced colleague and has been on the podium in seven of the last nine Grands Prix, including race wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan.
Piastri has shown impeccable composure behind the wheel and clearly has the mindset of a champion. If McLaren have a similarly dominant car next season, it would not be a surprise to see the Aussie challenge, and perhaps surpass, Norris for the top spot.
Formula 1 World Champions: Charles Leclerc
It is incredible that, in his seventh season in Formula One and with 141 race starts under his belt, Charles Leclerc has just seven victories to his name. His talent is unquestionable, illustrated by his 26 pole positions, but so far Ferrari have not given him a car capable of winning a World Drivers’ Championship.
He came closest to tasting success in 2022, when he ended up second in the standings, but still 146 points adrift of the dominant Verstappen. The arrival of Lewis Hamilton next season may throw a spanner in the works for the Monegasque driver, but the seven-time world champion has to retire at some point and Leclerc has plenty of years left in the tank at the age of just 26.
Formula 1 World Champions: Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli announced his arrival in Formula One with a high-speed crash in Free Practice on his home turf of Italy last month, but hopes remain sky-high for next season’s debutant. The 18-year-old will replace Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025 and is touted as one of the best young talents in racing, drawing plaudits from Toto Wolff, Hamilton, Verstappen and George Russell.
His talent prompted him to skip Formula 3 and jump straight from Formula 4 to Formula 2 this season, where he has picked up wins at Silverstone and the Hungaroring. It may be a few years in the making, but Antonelli clearly has the talent to challenge if the Silver Arrows can regain their form.
Formula 1 World Champions: Gabriel Bortoleto
Gabriel Bortoleto has taken advantage of Isack Hadjar’s issues to take the lead in the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship and the 19-year-old Brazilian is hoping to replicate drivers such as Leclerc, Russell and Piastri by winning titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in successive years.
Part of the McLaren young driver programme, Bortoleto may have to wait until either Norris or Piastri move on to get his chance at a title, but when he does move up he could make waves.
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