F1 25 Driver Ratings Revealed: Surprises, Snubs & Debates

Every new F1 game brings drama—and F1 25 is no exception. Codemasters has just lifted the lid on its official driver ratings, and, true to form, the numbers are already fueling heated debates across the paddock and fan forums. While Max Verstappen’s near-unbeatable 95 overall was all but guaranteed after his storming 2024, it’s the unexpected mid-grid choices and rookie placements that are really setting tongues wagging.

For the uninitiated, Codemasters uses a four-attribute system to convert on-track heroics into game stats: Experience (EXP), Racecraft (APT), Awareness (REA), and Pace (RYT). Pace carries the most weight—bad news for anyone who’s more tortoise than hare. The studio says these initial scores are based on 2024 expectations, so if your favourite driver’s rating seems off, blame the crystal ball (or, more likely, some pre-season guesswork).

Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

Verstappen’s 95 overall is a lock, but the real drama is further down the order. Oscar Piastri sits 8th with an 87, trailing some established names despite a breakout 2024. Isack Hadjar clocks in at just 68, which has fans scratching their heads—especially after his steady rookie campaign. Yuki Tsunoda edges out Liam Lawson by a slim two-point margin, a gap that doesn’t quite reflect their real-life duels. And then there’s Kimi Antonelli: the rookie sensation lags behind Jack Doohan, despite plenty of paddock hype.

These stats matter. Not just for bragging rights, but because they directly shape how drivers perform in-game—whether you’re battling through career mode or taking on friends in online lobbies. Here’s a quick primer on what each rating means:

• Experience (EXP): Career race starts—think mileage, not age.
• Racecraft (APT): Overtaking prowess and finishing higher than you started.
• Awareness (REA): Avoiding penalties and keeping it clean on track.
• Pace (RYT): All-out speed, especially against teammates.
• Overall: The weighted sum, with Pace tipping the scales.

Room for Redemption

Codemasters promises that these ratings aren’t set in stone. Regular updates are planned post-launch, so real-world surprises and underdog stories can shake up the leaderboard. If your driver’s been hard done by, there’s hope yet—once the racing gets underway for real.

And let’s face it: turning living, breathing drivers into stats is always going to cause some controversy. But one thing’s certain—these ratings will keep the banter going all season long. Just ask Alex Albon, who couldn’t resist ribbing Carlos Sainz: “You got replaced, AND you’re rated higher.” Let the debates begin!

Where do you stand in the great F1 25 numbers game? Let us know your hottest (or most controversial) takes as the countdown to launch begins.