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The 2021 F1 season will go down in history as one of the most controversial, yet thrilling seasons in the history of the sport.
The Belgian Grand Prix broke the record for the shortest race in history, given the strangest race ending this generation of drivers have witnessed. The insane last lap drama at the finale in Abu Dhabi will go down in history as one of the most disputed moments in F1.
A new world champion in Max Verstappen, a new race winner at Esteban Ocon, a maiden pole position for Lando Norris and George Russell's first podium made for a phenomenal season.
Five young, exciting drivers in specific had the most impressive season of their careers so far in 2021.
This analysis keeps in mind the progress each driver has made within their own journey, given the competitiveness of their car. The analysis does not have much to do with the total number of points scored at the end of the season.
For example - Daniel Ricciardo finished the season in eighth, ahead of twelve drivers, but certainly had a less impressive year compared to his previous ones.
On that note, let's check the 5 drivers who had their best F1 season so far in 2021
#1 Max Verstappen
In 2021 Max Verstappen became the first Dutchman to pick up the world championship trophy. He won his title after an intense and exhausting battle with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
His true potential was reflected in what would have been the most sensational qualifying lap at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix until, in a disappointing turn of events, he hit the wall and qualified in third.
Despite several moments of sheer bad luck in Baku, Hungary and Silverstone that created significant set-backs, the Red Bull driver has one of his better seasons on the track. He finished first or second in every single race he completed, barring Hungary, where he scored two points from ninth place.
Verstappen made little to no mistakes throughout the season and delivered some solid drives, especially at the United States Grand Prix and his home race.
#2 Lando Norris
Lando Norris came out as one of the most exciting talents in F1. He seems to be the first racer in many seasons who has the potential to take McLaren back to its glory days.
Norris demonstrated brilliant consistency, especially in the first half of the year and ended the F1 season with a total of four podiums. He clinched his maiden pole at the Russian Grand Prix.
He was set to take his first race win from the front row at the Sochi Auditorium. However, after holding off Hamilton in a much less competitive car, the win slipped through his fingers because of a change in weather conditions and a bad call with the tires.
Despite this, the Briton came out on top of his team-mate and a Ferrari in the drivers' standings. He has convinced everyone in the paddock that he's made of championship material.
#3 Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz parted ways with McLaren to partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari for the 2021 F1 season. Most expected the Spaniard to play more of a supporting role in the team, given that Leclerc is visibly poised to become Ferrari's next world champion.
However, Sainz has delivered the best season of his career so far with four podiums and a sensational streak of 14 consecutive points finishes. Despite some disappointments, such as in Monaco, the 27-year-old finished the season in fifth place.
He finished behind two Mercedes and Red Bull drivers but ahead of his team-mate and both McLarens. Sainz took the year to prove the potential he has and is expected to come back even stronger in a more competitive Ferrari in the upcoming season.
#4 George Russell
Despite racing with one of the least competitive cars on the grid, George Russell had a solid final year with Williams. He has moved to Mercedes for the 2022 season.
He is labeled "Mr Saturday" for his exceptional qualifying performances. Russell took his Williams to the podium after delivering one of the strongest laps on Saturday in the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Briton outqualified team-mate Nicolas Latifi in 20 out of 22 weekends and helped his team finish in eighth, their best finish since 2017. With arguably the strongest car on the grid now, Russell is expected not just to fight for wins but even be a real contender for the championship title in the years to come.
#5 Pierre Gasly
Pierre Gasly led his team in 2021 with a glorious podium very early on in the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and nine top-6 finishes. The Frenchman's consistency played a major role in Alpha Tauri's fight against Alpine for fifth in the constructors' standings.
He outqualified rookie team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in every race of the season except the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He finished the season a mere five points behind Daniel Ricciardo in the drivers' standings despite having an unquestionably slower car than McLaren. Gasly's ultimate goal will be to win with a competitive car and take back his seat at Red Bull once again.
