How the Formula One Drivers Performed

The 2017 Formula One season was a thrilling year for motorsport fans, marked by intense rivalries, dramatic races, and standout performances from some of the world’s best drivers. With new technical regulations introducing faster and more aggressive cars, the season tested the skill, adaptability, and resilience of every driver on the grid. Here’s a look at how the top Formula One drivers performed in 2017.

Lewis Hamilton: A Champion’s Dominance

Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, delivered a masterclass in consistency and speed throughout the season. Securing his fourth World Championship title, Hamilton won nine races and claimed 11 pole positions. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in key moments, such as his victories in Spain, Canada, and Italy. Hamilton’s rivalry with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was a highlight of the season, with the two trading blows in one of the most closely contested championships in recent years.

Sebastian Vettel: A Valiant Effort

Sebastian Vettel, representing Ferrari, emerged as Hamilton’s primary challenger in 2017. Vettel started the season strongly, winning three of the first six races, including a dominant performance in Monaco. However, reliability issues and strategic errors, particularly in Asia, cost Ferrari valuable points. Despite these setbacks, Vettel’s five race wins and 13 podium finishes showcased his skill and determination, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s elite drivers.

Valtteri Bottas: Stepping Up

Valtteri Bottas, in his first season with Mercedes, proved to be a valuable asset to the team. While he initially struggled to match Hamilton’s pace, Bottas found his rhythm mid-season, securing his maiden Grand Prix victory in Russia. He added two more wins in Austria and Abu Dhabi, finishing third in the Drivers’ Championship. Bottas’ consistency and teamwork were crucial in helping Mercedes secure the Constructors’ Championship.

Daniel Ricciardo: The Smiling Assassin

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo continued to impress with his aggressive driving and overtaking prowess. Although Red Bull’s car was not as competitive as Mercedes or Ferrari, Ricciardo maximized every opportunity, claiming one victory in Azerbaijan and nine podium finishes. His charismatic personality and daring moves, such as his stunning pass on Kimi Räikkönen in Italy, made him a fan favorite.

Max Verstappen: Speed and Misfortune

Max Verstappen, Ricciardo’s teammate, demonstrated his immense talent with several electrifying performances. However, his season was marred by reliability issues and incidents, including collisions in Hungary and Singapore. Despite these challenges, Verstappen claimed two victories in Malaysia and Mexico, showcasing his potential as a future world champion.

Kimi Räikkönen: Steady but Unspectacular

Kimi Räikkönen, in his second stint with Ferrari, had a solid but unremarkable season. While he secured seven podium finishes, Räikkönen struggled to match Vettel’s pace and failed to win a race. His consistency, however, played a key role in Ferrari’s strong Constructors’ Championship campaign.

Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon: Force India’s Dynamic Duo

Force India enjoyed their best season in 2017, finishing fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, thanks to the efforts of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. Both drivers delivered consistent performances, with Perez securing a podium in Azerbaijan. However, their rivalry sometimes boiled over, most notably in a collision in Belgium.

The 2017 Formula One season was a showcase of talent, determination, and high-stakes competition. Lewis Hamilton’s dominance, Sebastian Vettel’s resurgence, and the rise of young stars like Max Verstappen made it a year to remember. While some drivers faced challenges, their performances added to the drama and excitement of one of the most memorable seasons in Formula One history.