New F1 power rankings leader as perfect score awarded

The Formula 1 Power Rankings have been released after Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix, and a new leader has headed to the top of the standings, backed up by a perfect ten score.

Max Verstappen received a ten from the F1 judges for his performance at Suzuka after a perfect weekend, according to the five-member jury on the platform.

The Dutchman took a stunning pole position with the challenging RB21, shocking many to get in front of the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. He then raced a tactically brilliant race, never letting the papaya-coloured cars within a second to get DRS and ever challenge him.

Verstappen congratulated on his "craftsmanship" that took him to victory

"Pole position and a controlled, yet stunning, victory – Max Verstappen didn't put a foot wrong at Suzuka and extracted the absolute maximum from his Red Bull. The fact that he never appeared under serious pressure from either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri behind is a testament to his skill, as he delivered an understated drive that deserves to live long in the memory. Our judges were suitably impressed with the reigning World Champion earning a perfect score," wrote the jury about Verstappen's performances.

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Behind Verstappen, two rookies were the next highest scores, with Isack Hadjar in second place, ahead of Oliver Bearman in third. The Racing Bulls driver received a 9.0 for his race weekend, while the Englishman in the Haas received an 8.8 for his performances, both of them finishing in the points.

Norris, who finished second in the race, followed in fourth place with a score of 8.4, with Charles Leclerc and Alexander Albon achieving the same score as the Brit in fifth and sixth, respectively.

Verstappen leading the way overall

For the overall standings, the perfect score for Verstappen means he is now undisputedly leading at the top. The Dutchman may be one point behind Norris in the world championship title race after three races, but in the Power Rankings, only Albon comes close to the Red Bull driver.

Verstappen currently sits on an average score of 9.1 over three races, while the Williams of Albon is close behind with an average of 8.9. Norris follows with 8.5, and Piastri is in P4 with an average score of 8.4.

This article was written in collaboration with Estéban den Toom