F1: Top 10 Overtakes in 2011 [Videos]

In my opinion, the 2011 F1 season was one of the most exciting seasons in F1 history. Though it lacked the thrill till the final race à la 2010, it was very exciting. The renewed KERS, newly introduced DRS and the enigma of the Pirelli’s, ensured that racing enthusiasts were on the edge of their seats. DRS and KERS gave a new dimension to overtaking and defending during the races, and hence there were so many breathtaking passes throughout the season. Though it was tough to pick only 10 of them, I have made a list of overtakes which were highly difficult, yet smoothly executed by the driver. Here are the top 10 overtakes of this season.

10. Mark Webber passes Fernando Alonso

Where: Turns 21 & 22, Marina Bay Circuit

When: Lap 34, 2011 Singapore Grand Prix

Mark Webber finally passes Alonso after several laps of trying to do so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfKqv4whJqI&feature=player_embedded#t=60s

9. Lewis Hamilton overtakes his teammate Jenson Button

Where: Turn 1, Shanghai International Circuit

When: Lap 36, 2011 Chinese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton drives past Button in the tough first turn of the Shanghai circuit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yZdn983VTw&feature=player_embedded

8. Jenson Button capitalises on Vettel’s mistake

Where: Turn 6, Giles Villeneuve Circuit

When: Last Lap, 2011 Canadian Grand Prix

Coming in the last lap of the most amazing race of this season, Jenson Button succeeded in his pursuit of Vettel by capitalizing on his mistake at turn 6. Button had an unbelievable race, being last at one point. But Button did the unthinkable by winning the race on the last lap and this overtake helped the most in his victory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=91-6l8KgxIs

7. Sebastian Vettel overtakes Nico Rosberg

Where: Blachimont, Spa

When: Lap 10, 2011 Belgian Grand Prix

Not many would have a go at blanchimont, but Sebastian Vettel did so and successfully passed Nico Rosberg in lap 10 of the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gs37bM6AnHc

6. Fernando Alonso’s Unbelievable start, overtaking 3 cars

Where: Pit Straight, Catalunya

When: First Lap, 2011 Spanish Grand Prix

If there was something that you would like to call a ‘dream start’, then this will certainly fit the bill. Fernando Alonso starts from 4th spot on the grid only to find himself cornered by the frontrunners. How he managed to get out of that, and take the lead is what forced me to place this at sixth in the top 10 overtakes of 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nEfIomu4IM&feature=player_embedded

5. Michael Schumacher pulls off a double overtake on Felipe Massa and Kamui Kobayashi

Where: Turns 8 & 9, Giles Villeneuve circuit

When: Lap 51, 2011 Canadian Grand Prix

Michael Schumacher shows his driving finesse in this move, where he overtakes both Massa and Kobayashi in one move.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM9P6oKJOwk&feature=player_embedded

4. Lewis Hamilton takes the lead from Fernando Alonso

Where: Turns 1, 2 & 3, Nurburgring

When: Lap 33, 2011 German Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton surges past Alonso, who overshoots at turn 1 while coming out from the pits. Hamilton went on to win the race, which highlights the importance of this pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBPLXes3PM0&feature=player_embedded

3. Fernando Alonso zips past Jenson Button

Where: Turn 4 and 5, Interlagos

When: Lap 11, 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix

If an overtake makes David Coulthard say ‘unbelievable’, then its worth featuring in the top 3 right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnbI4BTbycc&feature=player_embedded

2. Sebastian Vettel takes the lead from Fernando Alonso

Where: Turns 4 and 5, Monza

When: Lap 5, 2011 Italian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel pulled off a great move over Fernando Alonso in turns 4 & 5 to take the lead, and also silence the Tifosi guys. Vettel also silenced his critics who doubted his overtaking skills, through this pass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eQ1L9PT04Uw

1. Mark Webber surprises Fernando Alonso at Eau Rouge

Where: Eau Rouge, Spa

When: Lap 37, 2011 Belgian Grand Prix

Considered to be one of the most dangerous sections in Formula 1, Eau Rouge is a section where a driver would hope to finish without any mistakes. But Mark Webber had different plans. In lap 37, he pulled off an unbelievable pass over Fernando Alonso, who had just exited the pits, which not only surprised him, but also left the crowd awestruck.

Video: Webber overtakes Alonso at the 2011 Belgian Grand Prix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WYcHVTPLYmQ

What do you think about this list? Post your comments below.