Baku was a wild race. Cars in the wall, an unpredictable top-three, and all sorts of tensions to go with it. Baku impressed us, and so do our top four:
Honorable Mention: Fernando Alonso
The old man's still got it. After a 50+ lap dogfight, it became clear that experience reigns supreme. His car was slower than those around him, but Alonso held his nerve well. The run to the line must have been so satisfying. Welcome back into the top five.
4. Charles Leclerc
If this were a qualifying and a race award, he'd be near the top. But, the Ferrari was a different car on Sunday. Securing a top four became a mighty challenge. If Ferrari can continue this trend of improvement though, it will be a treat to see Verstappen and him battle it out at the front for 2022.
3. Pierre Gasly
Gasly once again manages his way onto this list. It's become impossible to tell where the AlphaTauri should be because Gasly is often miles above it. Once again seeing him on the podium reminds us all of the impeccable job he has been doing. It's unclear if there is any other driver as in-form as Gasly. Some other team has to want him now.
2. Sergio Perez
If drivers had super-powers, Perez's would be 'consistency'. This must be what Red Bull envisioned when they signed him. Picking up points on Mercedes' worst days. A whole 25 points more than your rival means an incredible boost towards the finish line. End of season awards are going to have to include this drive as a turning point. In 2021, the Red Bulls really do fly.
1. Sebastian Vettel
A major redemption arc of 2021 is clearly in Vettel's hands. His early races suggested he was the Vettel of 2020, But as we've seen, he's getting back to 2018 levels. It's a joy to watch him. The green Aston streaking across the finish line is a legendary sight. Maybe a race win could be in his near future. Who's to say?
Forever F1 Championship:
1. Pierre Gasly - 67 (+13)
2. Lewis Hamilton - 55
3. Lando Norris - 45
3. Max Verstappen - 45
5. Sebastian Vettel - 34 (+21)
6. Charles Leclerc - 32 (+11)
7. Sergio Perez - 30 (+17)
8. Esteban Ocon - 26
9. Carlos Sainz - 17
9. Daniel Ricciardo - 17
11. Antonio Giovinazzi - 11
12. Fernando Alonso - 7 (+7)
12. George Russell - 7
12. Mick Schumacher - 7
12. Lance Stroll - 7
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 7
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