F1 News: Verstappen named best driver in world 3rd year in row

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has won the 2025 ESPYS (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) Best Driver award for the third time in a row.

Verstappen beat out NASCAR driver Joey Logano, IndyCar driver Alex Palou, and fellow Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri by defeating Lando Norris of McLaren despite having an inferior Red Bull RB20 race car.

Verstappen won the best driver award in 2023, 2024 and now in 2025. The award recognizes achievements from the previous year.

Despite having to drive such an inferior race car, the Dutchman claimed nine wins, eight pole positions, and 14 podiums. He won the 2024 F1 World Championship title by a margin of 63 points.