F1 driver power rankings: Max Verstappen challenges Hamilton after breathtaking drive in Brazil

ByEurosport

Published 14/11/2016 at 22:15 GMT

The Brazilian Grand Prix was tense, dangerous and extremely wet. The 16 drivers who saw the chequered flag all deserve praise simply for keeping their cars on the track.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain is sprayed with champagne by third placed Red Bull Max Verstappen of the Netherlands during the victory ceremony

Image credit: Reuters

F1 Fanatic editor Keith Collantine runs the rule over the field:

1. Max Verstappen

Red Bull's racing prodigy heads this list once again and just as in Mexico it was his combative racecraft which set him apart. On a set of fresh tyres at the end of the race he tore through the field, exploring the edges of the track where few others trod in pursuit of more grip. It was a breathtaking drive - particularly his near-spin on lap 38.

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2. Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton appeared to be a match for Verstappen on outright pace and, unlike his rival, did not put a wheel wrong. However nor did he have to fight his way through the pack, which is why Verstappen gets the nod for the top spot. However this was a true champion's drive from Hamilton, who blew his team-mate away.

3. Nico Hulkenberg

Another day when Hulkenberg should have had a podium. He would certainly have been fourth had he not pitted due to a puncture, and he would have had a chance of resisting Vettel for third. His pass on Magnussen was mighty.

4. Esteban Ocon

Deserved points for a superb drive in his first wet F1 race on a track he hadn't raced on before. Force India may be losing Hulkenberg but in Ocon they're gaining another star.

5. Valtteri Bottas

A brave effort on intermediate tyres did not pay off but he did well to hang on to them as long as he did.

Felipe Massa of Brazil wears his country's flag over his shoulders and is followed by his wife and son as he is greeted by members of the Ferrari team after he had to withdraw from the race due to car problems.

Image credit: Reuters

6. Felipe Nasr

Bottom of this list two weeks ago, Nasr deserves credit for ending Sauber's point-less streak with a ninth place which could be worth millions for them.

7. Sergio Perez

Lost a place to Alonso early on and Verstappen took the final podium place from him at the end. But he kept his eyes on the team's championship objective and delivered a crucial points haul for Force India.

8. Carlos Sainz Jnr

Made the right call on tyres but was too soft on Vettel at the end - fifth was possible. This was also one of the rare occasions when Kvyat out-qualified him.

9. Daniel Ricciardo

Visor trouble meant he couldn't keep up with Verstappen but he made some progress at the end. His pace was good but passing Hulkenberg proved beyond him.

10. Fernando Alonso

He timed his first rolling start perfectly, passing Perez before the start line. A late spin prevented a better finish but he raced brilliantly through the pack over the final laps.