F1 2021: Top 5 qualifying performances of the season

Top 5 qualifying performances of the F1 2021 season (cont.)

#3 Max Verstappen, Pole at Belgian Grand Prix

It might seem a bit unfair to put the pole position lap behind the lap that was P2, but the fact that George Russell did that in a Williams F1 car gives him the nod. That, however, doesn't take away Max Verstappen's driving prowess in clinching pole at Spa in treacherous conditions.

Throughout the sessions, the Red Bull driver trailed Mercedes and seemed less confident than Hamilton in his Mercedes. On his last lap of Q3, however, Max flipped the script entirely and left the Mercedes behind.

---

#2 George Russell, P2 at Belgian Grand Prix

George Russell's surprise podium at Spa was a result of a spectacular qualifying lap

George Russell had quite a few stunning drives throughout the F1 2021 season. His weekend in Belgium, however, made everyone stop what they were doing and focus on this young driver.

On a drenched track with conditions that could be described as marginal at best, Russell slotted his Williams into P2. In the process, he beat seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to the grid. The Belgian GP weekend bore enough evidence of Russell's ability in an F1 car to disprove his critics.

---

#1 Max Verstappen, Pole at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen went into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix equal on points with seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton. On a track where Hamilton was faster throughout the weekend, coupled with the pressure of the last race of the season, Verstappen would be forgiven if he were to qualify behind his rival.

The young Red Bull driver, however, pulled off a sensational lap to not only beat Hamilton to the pole but do so by more than half a second. Even with its controversies, the subsequent race would not diminish the Dutchman's blazing lap.