Picture Credit: Twitter
The Formula One 2021 season has kicked off with some major surprises this year. After 7 absolutely mouth-watering races, 7-times constructors' champions Mercedes find themselves 37 points behind Red Bull, who are sitting comfortably at top of the standings with 215 points. Meanwhile, McLaren have also come out all guns blazing this season and are currently placed at third spot with 110 points ahead of their competitors - Ferrari, Alpine and Aston Martin.
While there are so many people involved behind the success of F1 teams with engineers, technical supervisors, pit-crew and so many others, the person who has the responsibility to finally deliver on the track is always the driver. Looking at how things have panned over the first seven races of the new season, let us have a look at the list of five most impressive drivers in F1 2021 so far.
1. Sebastian Vettel
The 33-year-old veteran driver joined Aston Martin from Ferrari and was one of the drivers to watch out for this season. After having a slow start to his season, Sebastian Vettel produced a masterclass of driving in Baku as he went on from P11 to finish at P2, getting his first podium finish in a dramatic Azerbaijan Grand Priz. He had another fantastic drive in France to finish at P9 earning two more crucial points for his team. With 30 points already in the bag in 7 races, the fans have started to see the best of prime Vettel this season and he could be in for another few fantastic performances this year.
Vettel's season so far:
Bahrain GP - P15
Emilia Romagna GP - DNF
Portuguese GP - P13
Spanish GP - P13
Monaco GP - P5
Azerbaijan GP - P2
French GP - P9
2. Pierre Gasly
The Frenchmen has been a completely different driver altogether since getting demoted from Red Bull to Alpha Tauri. After some brilliant performances last year, Pierre Gasly has had a strong start to this season as well and was another one who stood on the podium in Baku. The 25-year-old held on to the third position after an epic battle with Charles Lecrerc to take his first podium of 2021. With 37 points already to his name, there is no doubt that Gasly has once again been the top driver in the early part of the season.
Gasly's season so far:
Bahrain GP - DNF
Emilia Romagna GP - P7
Portuguese GP - P10
Spanish GP - P10
Monaco GP - P6
Azerbaijan GP - P3
French GP - P7
3. Sergio Perez
Not many drivers have succeeded in that cursed second seat of Red Bull but the experience of Sergio Perez has turned the tables as well as fortunes for everyone in the team. The Mexican driver has emerged as the perfect candidate that Red Bull needed to challenge Mercedes. After claiming a terrific win in Baku, Perez got another podium finish in France. With 84 points, he is currently at third spot in the drivers' standings and has certainly impressed everyone with how early he has settled in the new car.
Perez's season so far:
Bahrain GP - P4
Emilia Romagna GP - P11
Portuguese GP - P4
Spanish GP - P5
Monaco GP - P4
Azerbaijan GP - P1
French GP - P3
4. Lando Norris
The 21-year-old McLaren prodigy has been flying in the Papaya car so far. Lando Norris has already got two excellent podiums, finishing third in Emilia Romagna GP and Monaco GP. He has been one of the most improved drivers on the grid and has certainly outperformed his experienced teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Norris is currently at 4th spot in drivers' standings with 76 points to his name and is notably the only driver on the grid to get points in all races so far.
Lando's season so far:
Bahrain GP - P4
Emilia Romagna GP - P3
Portuguese GP - P5
Spanish GP - P8
Monaco GP - P3
Azerbaijan GP - P5
French GP - P5
5. Max Verstappen
There are certainly no doubts in deciding who has been the best driver in the grid so far in 2021. Max Verstappen has seriously matured as a driver this season and has won 3 out of 7 races (6 podiums) this season. The recent victory in French GP took him 12 points clear off defending champion Lewis Hamilton and the battle between the duo is surely going down the wire. With Verstappen aiming to win his first-ever F1 Championship, the fans can surely hope to see some more scintillating drives from the Red Bull driver in the coming races.
Verstappen's season so far:
Bahrain GP - P2
Emilia Romagna GP - P1
Portuguese GP - P2
Spanish GP - P2
Monaco GP - P1
Azerbaijan GP - DNF
French GP - P1