F1 experts name the most overrated drivers of 2024 including Max Verstappen and Mercedes target

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Formula 1 is regularly touted to have the 20 best drivers in the world, yet some of the stars on the exclusive grid proved during the 2024 season they are actually overrated.

The Grand Prix paddock is often a driver’s dream destination when they start their careers in go-karts and rise the junior ladder. IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship are also great series to claim professional seats but still lack the allure of Formula 1 for many drivers.

Even some of the best drivers never make it to Formula 1 with so few places available in the pinnacle of motorsport. So, when those on the grid show themselves up, it shows the talent thriving elsewhere. It also makes F1 a cut-throat business that saw Logan Sargeant get axed.

Williams fired Sargeant after his FP3 crash at the Dutch Grand Prix as he needlessly ruined the American’s car by driving onto the wet grass. Red Bull also switched Daniel Ricciardo for Liam Lawson at Visa Cash App RB as the Australian failed to prove he deserved a promotion.

So, with that in mind, our expert team of writers at F1 Oversteer have taken a look at which drivers in Formula 1’s Class of 2024 we believe are the most overrated now the year is over.

Max Verstappen cannot be one of F1’s all-time greats with his wheel-to-wheel deficiencies

Kyle Archer: “He might now be a four-time Formula 1 world champion after fending off the emergence of Lando Norris as a title contender in 2024, but Red Bull racer Max Verstappen remains the most overrated driver on the grid – even despite his amazing win at Interlagos.

“No pilot seemed willing to resist the Dutchman’s charge as Verstappen won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from P17 on the grid in horrendous rain, albeit helped by a free change of tyres under the red flag. Yet, when challenged, the real Verstappen comes to the fore each time.

“Verstappen may be a modern-day rain master but his wheel-to-wheel race craft leaves so much to be desired that he cannot be rated as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. It is impossible to rank him amongst the greats when he cannot race wheel-to-wheel.

“The 2024 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas and the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriquez were ideal examples of why Verstappen is the most overrated F1 driver. Not for the first or last time, the cracks in his talent came out.

“McLaren’s Norris gave Verstappen too much space at the start of the US Grand Prix to dive down his inside into Turn 1. But the Red Bull racer simply ran his rival off the road – and got away with it, despite the Briton falling from pole position to fourth place at the first corner.

“Their controversial tussle on Lap 52 when Norris drew a five-second penalty for overtaking Verstappen off the circuit in the US Grand Prix also showed the Dutchman at his worst. The Red Bull racer again run his rival off the road by easing off the brakes after losing a position.

“Then, penalties flew for Verstappen’s petulant driving in the Mexico City GP when he once again eased off the brakes to twice force Norris off the track. Verstappen lost the corner at Turn 4 so just ran deep, and then lamentably divebombed the Briton off again into Turn 7.”

Alex Albon dented his reputation after emerging as a target for Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton

Ben Evans: “Going into the 2024 season, Alex Albon’s reputation was at an all-time high having singlehandedly led Williams to seventh in the constructors’ championship. However, while he finally saw off Logan Sargeant, it was a far from convincing campaign from Albon.

“He crashed too often, putting a team already under pressure closer to the cost cap and new teammate Franco Colapinto started life in F1 very close to the Thai’s level.

“Albon was touted as an option for Mercedes earlier in the year when Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari. Next season, he faces his toughest test since racing for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen when Carlos Sainz arrives. If the Spaniard continues his fine form at Williams, then Albon’s reputation could end up taking another hit.”

Liam Lawson does not deserve a promotion to Red Bull amid a dysfunctional system

David Comerford: “This seems harsh because Liam Lawson has done a reasonably good job. Just like in 2023, he’s been close to Yuki Tsunoda – and occasionally ahead – without the benefit of winter testing and most of the season itself.

“But Lawson should not be in contention for a seat at Red Bull. Carlos Sainz is glad Red Bull overlooked him, or so he says at least, but the Spaniard was the perfect option.

“His partnership with Charles Leclerc was tetchy at times but Sainz is exactly the driver you want alongside one of the F1 elite – a constructors’ championship cheat code. Lawson, on the other hand, has only competed in 11 Formula 1 rounds.

“If the Red Bull system was functioning, Lawson would have at least one full season at RB under his belt before he was even in the conversation. Unfortunately, it isn’t, and it’s led Christian Horner and Helmut Marko to overhype a driver who’s still raw.”

Liam Lawson must manage his temper and improve in qualifying

Luke-John Buckle: “Liam Lawson has put in some very impressive performances since replacing Daniel Ricciardo at RB from the United States Grand Prix. An impressive drive to ninth place was the perfect start for the New Zealander at the Circuit of the Americas.

“Lawson has since been involved in duels at some races, particularly at the Mexico City Grand Prix when he was involved in a brutal battle with Sergio Perez. The RB driver clashed with Perez in Mexico before the pair finished in 16th and 17th.

“He could be an option for Red Bull heading into 2025 if the Austrian team part ways with Sergio Perez but Lawson needs to improve his qualifying.

“If Lawson does race for Red Bull next year, he will have to be calmer in the car after he swore at Perez in Mexico. It would be a very difficult task to manage against four-time world champion Max Verstappen.”