5 worst F1 drivers of the 2024 season
The 2024 F1 season is very close to coming to an end as we head towards the last three races of the season. The season has had its fair share of ups and downs. We've had drivers put together impressive performances, while at the same time, there have been others who have struggled.
The problem with a 24-race calendar is not only the length of it but the fact that the season ends up being very packed. As a result, for these seasons, momentum is a big thing. If a driver has the momentum, then he can go on a roll and continue to put together impressive performances.
At the same time, if there is a scenario where the driver finds himself struggling with something, unfortunately, there's not enough time to turn things around before the next race. We've had 21 races this season already, and only 3 are left. Who have been the 5 worst drivers this season? Let's take a look.
Note: To rank these drivers, we've taken their average driver ratings for every race and then arranged them accordingly. Also, we've only kept the drivers who are on the current grid and excluded the ones that have been dropped.
Bottom 5 drivers of the 2024 F1 grid
#5 Kevin Magnussen (Average rating: 6.37)
At no. 5, we have Kevin Magnussen. The Danish driver has had a slightly better run off late, but if we look at the entire season, he's struggled to keep up with his teammate Nico Hulkenberg. The Danish driver has not had the consistency or the overall performance to keep up with the German, and as a result, we see a huge gap in the points standings as well.
#4 Valtteri Bottas (Average rating: 6.07)
At P4, we have Valtteri Bottas, who might be bidding adieu to an F1 career where he did accomplish a lot. The problem for Bottas in the last three seasons has been the fact that he's teamed up with Zhou Guanyu, a driver who is on the F1 grid because of the funding he brings and is not rated very highly. When that happens, it's very hard to truly shine, especially if the car under you is not that good either.
Sauber saw what Bottas had to offer in the last 3 years and chose not to keep him. That should in essence tell you where the Finn lies in the pecking order this season as well.
#3 Sergio Perez (Average rating: 5.69)
Sergio Perez has had a poor season, and it shows in the ratings as well. The driver has not finished ahead of Max Verstappen even once this season, and one of the biggest reasons behind Red Bull losing the Constructors' championship would be this.
With an uncertain future ahead for the driver, he finds himself as the third-worst driver in F1.
#2 Lance Stroll (Average rating: 5.62)
Lance Stroll has been a bit of a liability for Aston Martin since forever but this is something that has been talked about for far too long. The Canadian has to take another step forward if he has to warrant a place in the team because for now, it does appear that he just struggles to match up to the standards set by his teammate.
#1 Zhou Guanyu (Average rating: 5.26)
Zhou Guanyu is the worst driver in F1 for the 2024 season. The Chinese driver has had a horrible run this season and in the sport in general, where he's found it hard to justify his place. He's in what should be the last three races of his career now, as the Chinese driver bids adieu to the sport.