Sportscar365's Drivers of the Year: A Comprehensive Review of the 2025 Season
The Core Issue: A Year of Unpredictable Racing and Memorable Performances
The 2025 sports car racing season was a rollercoaster of emotions, with unexpected victories, record-breaking performances, and intense rivalries. In the final article of the series, Sportscar365's staff takes a look back at the year's best drivers across all categories, from prototypes to GTs, and highlights the top performers and moments that defined the season.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The rankings were not without controversy, with some drivers and teams pushing the boundaries of performance and strategy. The debate over the best driver of the year will continue, with fans and experts alike weighing in on the discussion.
And this is the part most people miss...
While some drivers dominated the track, others made their mark through consistency and strategic decision-making. The article also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in sports car racing, with some drivers and teams rising to the top through their collective efforts.
The Top 10 Drivers of the Year
Kelvin van der Linde (Overall and GT Driver of the Year): The South African driver had a remarkable year, winning every major headline GT3 endurance race he entered, except for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. His performance with BMW M4 GT3 EVO was exceptional, and he nearly pulled off a podium finish in his first race with the car.
Laurens Vanthoor: Last year's overall Driver of the Year falls one spot on this year's list. Vanthoor had an excellent campaign, winning four appearances in the WeatherTech Championship and showcasing his versatility with different teams and cars.
Robert Kubica (Prototype Driver of the Year): Kubica's performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans was truly remarkable, holding off a relatively fresh Estre to seal Ferrari's third consecutive Le Mans victory. His triumph was a brilliant story in its own right, and he defied gravity in the championship battle.
Antonio Giovinazzi: Giovinazzi's 2025 WEC season did not get off to the most auspicious of starts, but he recovered strongly, winning back-to-back races at Imola and Spa, and delivering a fantastic drive at Fuji and Bahrain.
Kevin Estre: Estre emerged as one of the year's star drivers, with his virtuosity on display in the wet at the Circuit of The Americas. His high-profile errors in qualifying at Fuji and Bahrain did not detract from his overall performance.
Kenton Koch: Koch had a remarkable season, winning championship titles in two series and showcasing his talent behind the wheel of three different GT3 cars. His performance with Ferrari outfit Triarsi Competizione was exceptional.
Matt Campbell/Mathieu Jaminet: The 'Cam-Jam' duo delivered Porsche another GTP drivers' crown, with Campbell and Jaminet showcasing their skills and consistency throughout the season.
Philip Ellis: Ellis had another memorable year, particularly in North America, where he and co-driver Russell Ward claimed back-to-back IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD titles.
Alex Lynn: Lynn had a strong season, with his exceptional one-lap speed and consistent performances across the WEC.
Jordan Pepper: Pepper's final season as a Lamborghini factory driver was solid, with his victory in the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa being the highlight of his year.
Best Bronze Driver: PJ Hyett
PJ Hyett's first season in LMP2 machinery was impressive, and he showed remarkable progress, setting the benchmark amongst Bronze-rated drivers in global prototype racing this year. His victory at Le Mans alongside Cameron and Deletraz was a breakthrough moment.
Thought-Provoking Questions for the Audience:
Who do you think should have been ranked higher or lower in the list? What were the most memorable moments of the season that you would like to see highlighted? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
