Liam Lawson’s stellar performances nearly edged out Lewis Hamilton in F1 2025 driver ratings, but he missed by a whisker.
Introduction
Formula 1 has always been a sport defined by fine margins, and in the latest driver rankings, that truth could not be clearer. Liam Lawson, the young New Zealander making waves in his debut full season, has narrowly missed out on surpassing seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton in the mid-season driver ratings. With Lawson sitting just 0.1 points behind Hamilton in average scores across the first 14 races, the comparison has sparked plenty of discussion.
So how did this happen? And what does it really mean for the Racing Bulls rookie and the Ferrari legend? Let’s break it down.
Liam Lawson’s Surprising Rise in 2025
Few expected Liam Lawson to make such an impact so early in his career. After being given the full-time seat with Racing Bulls, Lawson has steadily improved and proven that he is more than just a placeholder in the Red Bull system. His current average of 6.0 across 14 races places him in the middle of the pack, which is a strong achievement for a rookie.
Lewis Hamilton’s Rocky Start with Ferrari
Hamilton’s much-anticipated switch to Ferrari was meant to be the story of the season. Instead, it has turned into a tale of struggle. With an average of just 6.1, Hamilton finds himself only a hair ahead of Lawson. Ferrari’s inconsistent car performance, coupled with Hamilton’s adjustment period, has prevented the seven-time champion from showing his full potential.
Why Lawson’s Austria Performance Stole the Show
If there’s one race that defines Lawson’s season so far, it’s Austria. Finishing sixth, he achieved an incredible 9.5 rating, which remains one of the highest individual scores of the year. That single performance lifted his overall standing and proved he can deliver against the best when everything clicks.
Think of it like a student acing one big exam—suddenly, the whole grade average looks better.
The Role of Consistency in Rankings
While Lawson’s Austria heroics stand out, consistency is where Hamilton still edges ahead. Despite his struggles, Hamilton has managed to keep his scores steady, avoiding dramatic lows that could have dragged him below Lawson. In contrast, Lawson’s early-season outings before his suspension upgrade showed more fluctuation.
How Rookie Lawson Overtook F1 Regulars
Perhaps the most impressive part of Lawson’s rise is that he has already outscored big names like Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, and rookie Oliver Bearman. Each of these drivers has shown flashes of brilliance, but Lawson’s high individual score keeps him ahead in the tie-breaks.
The Significance of the 0.1 Margin
It’s almost poetic—just 0.1 separates Lawson from Hamilton. In sporting terms, it’s like losing a marathon by the length of a shoelace. The margin is so fine that it highlights just how impressive Lawson has been, while also showing Hamilton’s ability to hold his ground despite a difficult season.
Comparing Lawson’s Aggression with Hamilton’s Experience
Lawson’s aggressive style has drawn comparisons to young Max Verstappen, while Hamilton’s driving this season has leaned more toward caution and strategy. In many ways, this clash of styles explains why the two drivers are so close in the rankings—Lawson thrives on bold moves, while Hamilton leans on decades of racecraft.
Suspension Change: The Turning Point
A key factor in Lawson’s rise has been the suspension upgrade Racing Bulls introduced in Austria. From that point onwards, Lawson has scored consistently higher, including a pair of eights in Belgium and Hungary. It’s proof of how much car development influences a driver’s performance in modern F1.
Drivers Ranked from 21st to 11th
In the rankings list covering positions 21st to 11th, Lawson finds himself comfortably mid-pack. Jack Doohan and others populate the lower end, while more seasoned names like Ocon and Sainz hover around him. This middle section of the rankings highlights just how competitive the midfield battle has become in 2025.
Lawson vs. Sainz, Ocon, and Bearman
The tie-break system has worked in Lawson’s favor. With all four drivers averaging 6.0, the deciding factor comes down to highest individual scores. Lawson’s 9.5 in Austria means he edges ahead of Sainz, Ocon, and Bearman, despite them having equal season-long averages.
Why Lawson’s Ratings Mean More Than Just Numbers
It’s easy to dismiss these ratings as “just numbers,” but they reveal deeper truths about the sport. Lawson’s rise is not simply about stats—it’s about momentum, adaptation, and confidence. These qualities matter just as much as raw pace when building a successful career in Formula 1.
Can Lawson Break into the Top 10?
Given his current trajectory, breaking into the top 10 by the end of the season looks realistic. If he maintains form and keeps delivering solid results, Lawson could very well leapfrog Hamilton and others as Ferrari’s struggles continue.
What This Says About Hamilton’s Future
For Hamilton, these rankings are more symbolic than defining. Still, they raise questions: can he adjust to Ferrari’s unpredictable car? Will he bounce back in the second half of the season? The pressure is growing, and the comparisons with a rookie like Lawson only intensify the spotlight.
The Bigger Picture for Racing Bulls
For Racing Bulls, Lawson’s progress is a massive positive. He is not just holding his own but actually outperforming expectations. His success provides a solid foundation for the team as they continue to grow and carve out a stronger identity on the grid.
Conclusion: The Narrow Gap That Tells a Bigger Story
The battle between Lawson and Hamilton may only be separated by 0.1 points, but that razor-thin gap carries a powerful story. It reflects a rookie’s hunger to prove himself and a veteran’s battle to adapt to new challenges. Lawson may have missed out on overtaking Hamilton—for now—but the signs are clear: he is here to stay, and he is coming for the sport’s biggest names.
FAQs
1. How close was Liam Lawson to beating Lewis Hamilton in the rankings?
Lawson finished just 0.1 points behind Hamilton, making it one of the closest comparisons in the rankings.
2. What was Lawson’s best race performance in 2025 so far?
His standout race came in Austria, where he finished sixth and earned a rating of 9.5.
3. Why has Lewis Hamilton struggled at Ferrari in 2025?
Ferrari’s inconsistent car performance and Hamilton’s adjustment period have made his season difficult.
4. How does Lawson compare to other midfield drivers?
Lawson has outperformed Sainz, Ocon, and Bearman due to his higher individual race score despite having the same season average.
5. Can Lawson make it into the top 10 rankings by the end of the season?
Yes, if Lawson maintains his current form, breaking into the top 10 is a realistic possibility.
