F1 2018 Brazil GP Driver Ratings: Verstappen on Top Form as Leclerc Quietly Impresses

#3 Red Bull

Verstappen was fuming with his race result.

Max Verstappen – 2nd

Max Verstappen is a polarising figure in Formula 1. The Red Bull driver possesses incredible speed and is now getting more consistent as he matures in the sport and as a man. He started from fifth place, but quickly overtook both Ferraris on his faster Supersoft tyres before eventually passing Valtteri Bottas into second place. Verstappen was still behind Lewis Hamilton after the pit-stops, but fresher rubber aided him in powering past the world champion and from there, the race seemed to be done and dusted for Max. Nobody predicted what happened next…

Esteban Ocon was already a lap down, but was one of the fastest cars on the track thanks to fitting new Pirellis. Nothing can excuse the Dutchman’s actions after the race, though, physically confronting and repeatedly pushing Ocon in the weighing room. Although, this doesn’t affect his overall rating for the weekend.

Driver’s rating: 9/10

Daniel Ricciardo – 4th

It was always going to be challenge for Ricciardo to make the podium, something he hasn’t done since Monaco, but the Honey Badger nearly managed it after a respectable recovery drive. The Aussie initially qualified sixth but had to start in P11 thanks to a new turbocharger being fitted. The Red Bull man wasted no time in climbing the order, though, and was soon on the back of the rest of the top 6. Stopping later benefitted Daniel, surpassing Vettel and Bottas thanks to decent moves and climbing all over the back of Raikkonen at the end, but the Finn held him off to the finish.

Driver’s rating: 8/10