---
title: "Driver Ratings: 2018 French Grand Prix"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2018/06/25/driver-ratings-2018-french-grand-prix/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Kyran Gibbons"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2018-06-25T09:56:26Z"
modified: "2018-06-25T09:56:26Z"
---

# Driver Ratings: 2018 French Grand Prix

Formula 1’s first French Grand Prix in a decade was somewhat of an unexpected success, as the Paul Ricard circuit delivered a racing spectacle far exceeding initial expectations.

Lewis Hamilton’s third race victory of the 2018 season may have been a canter, but the racing behind was thoroughly entertaining on a circuit billed to be non-conducive to overtaking.

Of course, the race was provided an injection of excitement on the opening lap when Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was pitched into a spin by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

Both pitted at the end of the opening lap. Their respective recovery drives featured several blockbuster overtakes and a demonstration of high-level racecraft.

Vettel and Bottas’s early elimination from the lead battle opened the door for Red Bull to scoop a rostrum, with Max Verstappen claiming a second consecutive podium finish.

Kimi Raikkonen ensured that Ferrari was represented on the podium, securing third place late-on after passing Daniel Ricciardo’s wounded Red Bull.

Here are our DRIVER RATINGS for the 2018 French Grand Prix.