Our Methodology
Our comprehensive study spans from 1973 to 2023, encompassing decades of thrilling races and remarkable performances. We set a minimum threshold of 50 races for inclusion to ensure accuracy, excluding drivers with limited data.
While our analysis takes changes in the scoring system into account (as seen in Schumacher's standardized score chart), the modern racers still have an advantage with more races in a season, providing increased opportunities to score points and improve their ranking.
Our standardized scoring system gives the 1st place finisher '10', 2nd place '6', 3rd place '4', 4th place '3', 5th place '2', and 6th place '1'; this ultimately reduces the bias on the scoring system that has been changed several times throughout the history of formula1.
Through rigorous analysis, we've identified five key factors that provide valuable insights into evaluating the performance of Formula 1 drivers over time. These factors include winning percentage (P1), head-to-head score, compared to teammate score, against nearby +1/-1 score, and average finished race ranking. Each element has been carefully chosen for its relevance and fairness in assessing a driver's prowess.
The winning percentage (P1) factor counts the number of race victories, serving as a testament to a driver's success. Meanwhile, the head-to-head score delves into the intricate dynamics of victories and defeats for each driver. For instance, in Lewis Hamilton's debut race in 2007, he garnered a commendable '19' score, finishing third, so he missed out on a potential two additional points.
The compared-to-teammate score employs a head-to-head algorithm, focusing exclusively on performance against the teammate in each race. This factor levels the playing field, as both drivers have nearly identical cars and fewer variables stemming from team strategies. Similarly, the against-nearby-drivers score also employs the head-to-head algorithm, but it evaluates a driver's record against opponents starting within +1 or -1 positions. This factor illuminates a driver's ability to navigate through competitors who are in close proximity, showcasing their skill and ability to outmaneuver rivals.
To gauge the consistency of drivers' performances throughout their careers, we turn to the average race ranking. This factor provides invaluable insights by comparing each driver's record against their own achievements.
In pursuit of the most balanced and reasonable results, we have assigned specific weights to each factor. The P1 winning percentage carries a weight of 10%, while the head-to-head winning percentage and the compared-to-teammate percentage each hold a weight of 15%. The against-nearby-drivers score is assigned a weight of 10%, and the average race ranking takes the lion's share with a weight of 50%.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufony4tM5moKxlpJ2ybrPRnpitnaOpeqe70aaspZldZnqlvsivnKtln5t6orjLZquipZU%3D