McLaughlin leads Australian and Kiwi drivers in global list

IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin is the leading the list of Aussies and Kiwis who have made the prestigious Autosport global Top 50.

Four Australians and one New Zealander have been included in the top 50 that is once again headed by F1 world champion Max Verstappen.

McLaughlin is the standout, securing a berth in the top five after another impressive year in IndyCar.

The three-time Supercars champion finished an equal career-best third in the IndyCar standings, but more importantly scored a breakthrough first oval win and seven podiums.

However, had it not been for Team Penske’s infamous push-for-pass disqualification at the St Petersburg opener, McLaughlin could have been contending for the title once again taken by Alex Palou.

Oscar Piastri was one of the standout drivers of F1 in 2024.Photo by Steven Tee / LAT Images

Unsurprisingly the highest Aussie is Oscar Piastri having taken another mighty step in his F1 career.

Following an impressive rookie campaign, Piastri showed even further progression by taking his first two Grand Prix wins in stunning style at Hungary and Azerbaijan.

A strong fourth place finish in the championship from the Aussie helped McLaren to a first constructors title since 1998.

In a reflection of his rise, Piastri climbed 13 spots on the Top 50 from last year to 13th.

He is the sixth highest F1 driver on the list, behind Verstappen (1) Charles Leclerc (2) Lando Norris (3) Carlos Sainz (6) and George Russell (11).

Will Brown celebrates winning the 2024 Supercars Championship. image: Mark Horsburgh / Red Bull Content Pool

Impressively new Supercars champion Will Brown has thrown himself onto the list at a strong #22.

Brown has leaped into calculations following his stunningly consistent journey to a maiden title in his maiden Triple Eight season.

Brown is in good company with Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg either side of him.

Rounding out the top five is Australia’s Penske IndyCar star Will Power.

Power was back to his best in 2024, finally scoring that elusive race win since his 2022 title.

Will Power celebrates victory at Road America. Photo by Josh Tons / LAT Images

He ended up with seven podiums and three wins to be equal with McLaughlin in those measures to be fourth in the championship, which at one point could have been so much better as he was in title contention.

However, Power still was rewarded with a return to the top 50 list.

Sitting at position #35, the final Australian on the list was Matt Campbell.

Matt Campbell celebrates Daytona glory. Photo by Michael L. Levitt / LAT Images

Few drivers enjoyed a more successful start to 2024 than Campbell as he won the Daytona 24 and Bathurst 12 Hour.

Having ended up fifth in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Porsche Penske Motorsport, Campbell stayed in the top 50, albeit being 10 places lower than last year.

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