The 2016 Formula One World Championship has come to an end, and after Rosberg shocked us all by becoming the third driver to announce they’re leaving the grid, it’s fair to say that this season has been eventful. From the very first lights out unexpected things have been presented to us. In Australia, we saw Fernando Alonso’s frightening collision with Esteban Gutierrez, and in Abu Dhabi, we saw the Nico Rosberg’s title under threat in the final laps of the race. I think we all need and deserve a break!
After looking back on the year and each of the drivers’ performances I’ve chosen my star driver of the 2016 F1 season. It may not surprise you to hear that I’ve selected none other than 19-year-old Max Verstappen.
Max was my star driver of 2015 and at the mid-season this year. Each time I choose him it’s because he’s grown. Once again, this is the case. For a while Max seemed to become very frustrated as he felt his results didn’t reflect his work. Determined as ever, Max did get himself back on track and before long he was making his manoeuvres look easy.
Since Verstappen arrived on the grid and began pulling his risky moves, I have said he’s a joy to watch. As a fan of motorsport, nothing pleases me more than seeing a driver dive in and out of other cars, trying every trick in the book to get past the car in front of them. There’s something special about Max. He doesn’t just use every trick in the book; he writes new ones.
Some people put Max’s success down to his lack of experience or recklessness. I put it down to bravery and a hunger for victory. Max shows incredible amounts of determination when he drives his car. Sometimes, if his attempts at passing aren’t successful, this determination turns to frustration, but as we’ve learnt throughout this year, frustration is something that strikes all the drivers when their work doesn’t seem to pay off.
When Max was promoted to Red Bull people were shocked and some were angry. They doubted Max’s abilities and said it was too early for him to make the move. Proving them wrong, Max Verstappen ends the 2016 season as a Red Bull racing driver and the youngest ever F1 Grand Prix race winner after crossing the line of the Spanish GP in first place.
We look forward to the 2017 Formula One season with high hopes. With rule changes and new talent gracing the grid we have a lot to look forward to. There are many things we are unsure of for next season but one thing I am certain of is that Verstappen will continue to grow and learn from his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. He drives with increasing maturity and skill. He is an asset to the grid.
I wish each of the teams and drivers the best of luck as we venture forward into next season. Who was your star driver of the 2016 season?
