6 best athletes in the world for the week 11 April - 18 April

Daniil Kvyat

At only 22-years-old, Daniil Kvyat has proven his mettle in Formula One, and despite not having a race win under his belt, has displayed the ability to race like those much older and more experienced than himself.

After winning his career-first podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2015 despite a problematic Renault engine with serious reliability issues, Kvyat repeated the feat at this year’s Chinese Grand Prix. Qualifying in sixth at the Shanghai International Circuit, Kvyat was not expected to finish ahead of teammate Ricciardo, who had qualified on the front row in 2nd behind eventual winner Nico Rosberg.

On the first lap, Kvyat immediately pushed to move forward down the grid; swerving to avoid him, Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was involved in a shunt with teammate Kimi Raikkonen, although both drivers were eventually able to continue the race.

Moving to P2 after momentary leader Ricciardo saw a tyre blowout and P3 qualifier Raikkonen was impeded, Kvyat managed to hold on to it until 35 laps into the 56-lap race, pitting at the same time as Scuderia Ferrari’s Vettel.

It was only at that point that he lost second spot, down not to driver error but a miniscule difference in the pit times at Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull.

He would go on to finish in third, but showed talent, quick thinking in taking advantage of the opportunity available to him, and pushed his car to the limit in China; he was also adjudicated Driver of the Day at the race.