In contemporary Formula 1, teams rarely structure their lineups around a single lead driver, unlike the Max Verstappen teammate domination observed at Red Bull. Instead, most teams aim to field two equally strong drivers who can maximize the car’s potential throughout the season. This shift means that both teammates tend to receive similar resources, making intra-team battles more intense and revealing when one driver truly outperforms the other.
Identifying the Season’s Most Dominant Teammates
Among the 2025 F1 grid, a few drivers have emerged as clear leaders over their teammates, showcasing not only raw speed but also consistent results. Notably, Pierre Gasly stands out as a solitary figure leading a team with an unsettled future. Over the season, Gasly has already seen two teammates, starting with Jack Doohan and later replaced by Franco Colapinto.
Despite the pressure shifting from Doohan to Colapinto, Gasly has remained a steadfast performer. Once known as a former teammate of Max Verstappen who was dropped mid-season, the French driver has reinvented himself by showing grit and consistency, eventually becoming the sole flagbearer for Alpine’s campaign.
Max Verstappen’s Unmatched Mastery Over His Teammates
Max Verstappen unsurprisingly remains at the pinnacle of in-team dominance. His history of outperforming teammates—from Pierre Gasly in 2019 to Yuki Tsunoda in 2025—has only intensified. This season, Verstappen has contributed 96% of Red Bull’s points, underscoring the vast gap between him and his teammate. Red Bull’s entire operation revolves around Verstappen, with car upgrades, strategies, and development all favoring the Dutch driver’s strengths.
This disproportionate contribution to team points is a testament to Verstappen’s exceptional ability to extract performance from the car, despite teammates receiving comparable machinery. His dominance is not merely a product of team focus but reflects his superior driving skill and racecraft.
Esteban Ocon’s Strong Showing Amidst a Challenging Transition
The presence of Esteban Ocon in this list may come as a surprise given his ongoing adjustment after moving from Alpine to Haas. His new teammate, Ollie Bearman, is a young and fast talent who has claimed multiple race weekend wins this year. Nevertheless, Ocon has amassed the majority of points for Haas, proving his mettle as a reliable lead driver during weekends where peak performance is crucial.
Ocon’s handicap of adapting to a new car and power unit has not prevented him from being a benchmark within the team. As the last driver to challenge Max Verstappen for a championship, Ocon still commands respect for holding the lead role at Haas and consistently delivering results amid significant change.
Significance of Teammate Performance in F1’s Competitive Landscape
The dynamic of having two well-matched drivers has drastically altered how teams function in Formula 1, placing greater emphasis on individual performance within identical machinery. The stark differences in point contributions—highlighted by Max Verstappen’s overwhelming dominance—reflect not just the drivers’ skill levels but also their adaptability, consistency, and capacity to handle pressure.
Looking forward, observing how drivers like Esteban Ocon continue to evolve in new environments will be crucial for understanding shifts in team hierarchies. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s dominance sets a high bar for his rivals and teammates alike, reinforcing his role as the defining driver of this era.
