Ranked: 2017 Formula 1 drivers
- Michael Oliver
- @MichaelOIiver
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As we edge closer to the 2017 curtain raiser in Melbourne, every team will be full to the brim with confidence and excitement that they can enjoy a great and successful season.
While not every team can achieve success, the drivers can come away with all the plaudits for their efforts, which could earn them big moves in the future.
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, we’ve ranked all the current Formula 1 drivers from best to worst in ascending order.
20) Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso
Kvyat drives right on the edge which often leads him to making some dangerous moves on the circuit, ultimately costing him his seat at Red Bull
19) Lance Stroll, Williams
The teenage rookie driver will need to prove himself in Formula 1 early on after some shaky outings during testing and practices.
18) Marcus Ericsson, Sauber
Ericsson finished dead last in the drivers’ championship last season of drivers who competed in every race.
17) Kevin Magnussen, Haas
Magnussen has flashed great potential during his time with McLaren but the time has come to prove himself as a steady driver.
16) Jolyon Palmer, Renault
One of only two British drivers on the grid, Palmer has been handed a second chance to impress after an uninspiring first season with Renault.
15) Pascal Wehrlein, Sauber
Once tipped to be a replacement for Nico Rosberg at Mercedes, Wehrlein could be on the move in 2018 if he impresses again with Sauber.
14) Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren
Vandoorne has an excellent mentor alongside him in Fernando Alonso who could help develop his driving skills.
13) Romain Grosjean, Haas
Failed to replicate the form he showed during his early days with Lotus, Grosjean risks dropping even further down the ranks if he doesn’t rediscover that pedigree.
12) Esteban Ocon, Force India
Ocon’s rise through the ranks has been remarkable and he now has a chance to impress as a premier driver for Force India.
11) Carlos Sainz, Toro Rosso
Touted by Alain Prost as a future Ferrari driver, Sainz impressed as the 2016 season went on, finishing with two sixth placed finishes in the final three GPs.
10) Nico Hulkenberg, Renault
Hulkenberg is yet to match his talent with his performances in Formula 1 just yet but taking a punt with Renault could give him a platform to impress.
8) Sergio Perez, Force India
Perez enjoyed a great season with Force India, amassing 101 points, and is primed for another solid campaign providing he can make the weight.
7) Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
It’s no small task filling the seat vacated by the reigning world champion, but that’s the task Bottas has. A consistent and reliable driver needed alongside Hamilton.
6) Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
The Formula 1 veteran could be entering his final season in the sport but still has the capability to be in the thick of it.
5) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
The teenager is the brightest young talent in Formula 1 right now and could very well be the greatest challenger to Lewis Hamilton.
4) Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
Ricciardo has risen to becoming one of the sport’s best drivers, handing Red Bull arguable the best pair on the grid.
3) Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
The four-time world champion will hope his Ferrari can close the gap on Mercedes this season.
2) Fernando Alonso, McLaren
A generational talent behind the wheel, Alonso could be challenging for the title if he was in a better car.
1) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
With Rosberg out of the picture, Hamilton is the man to beat in Formula 1 in 2017 and the hot favourite to win the world title.