Formula 1 driver power rankings for 2021 after Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Lewis Hamilton — Mercedes Raised his level of performance to probably the highest of his career in the face of the challenge posed by Verstappen and Red Bull, and managed to take eight wins in the most hardly-fought season of a generation. Sergio Perez — Red Bull Did not come near to matching Verstappen’s pace in qualifying and was often unable to put the sister Red Bull on the second row of the grid either, but did manage both the temperamental nature of the car and the pressure of supporting the Dutchman far better than predecessors Gasly and Alexander Albon. Daniel Ricciardo — McLaren Scored a stunning victory at Monza, McLaren’s first in nine years, but otherwise endured a difficult transitional season in which he simply could not Norris’ results and speed. Lance Stroll — Aston Martin Finished in the points more often than his team-mate but finished no higher than sixth all season long and seemed to take a step backwards in qualifying performance.