Franco Colapinto's performance in his first full season in Formula 1 once again became a talking point. The specialized outlet Motorsport published a speed ranking based on real on-track data, and its methodology sparked debate in the paddock.
The study took as its basis the internal comparisons between teammates, considered the most reliable parameter to measure a driver's individual level, since both have the same car. Based on those direct references, the ranking was then linked together with previous matchups of drivers who changed teams in order to establish equivalences.
As an example, the pace difference between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing Ferrari in 2025 was measured, which then made it possible to extrapolate comparisons with George Russell at Mercedes, thanks to previous records between the Briton and the seven-time champion.
