2021 Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has topped the Top 10 Drivers list, voted for by drivers and team bosses for the first time. The Dutchman beat seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton at the Yas Marina circuit to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, giving him his first world championship title. Hamilton was voted second-best by the drivers, while Lando Norris came third.

Both lists by drivers and bosses had Verstappen, Hamilton, and Norris as the top 3, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc came, were the last two in the top 5. Valterri Bottas, who was voted ninth by the bosses, failed to appear on the drivers’ list.

Drivers were allowed to vote for themselves if they wanted. The voting pattern used the current F1 points system, awarding 25 points to the top drivers and one point to the 10th driver. Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, Esteban Ocon, Mick Schumacher are 6th – 10th on the drivers’ list.

Verstappen had a very good year, crowning it with the World Championship title. But he has now been judged as the best driver by both drivers and team bosses, which beats witness to how good he was in the sport this season. Verstappen’s win was a bit controversial as he claimed the lead with just a lap remaining in the race after a restart. Mercedes had tried to seek a review after the race, but it was dismissed. The other teams had no problem with Verstappen being crowned champion. Mercedes has since accepted the result and has recognized Verstappen’s win.

The 2021 F1 season was the most intense and competitive in years, fueled by Mercedes-Red Bull rivalry, a rivalry that transcended the drivers. We would just have to wait and see what the next season holds for us.

Written by:  Leon Osamor