Driver Ratings - Portimao Grand Prix

The Portuguese Grand Prix may not have been a classic, but it delivered some classy driving and charges through the field. Here's how I rated the drivers... Lewis Hamilton - 9 A disappointing start after getting beaten to pole position by Bottas, but a fantastic drive from the Brit meant he had superior pace compared to the other front runners. Max Verstappen - 7 He ruined his chances of pole due to track limits but had a solid race that was nearly topped off with fastest lap. He had good pace but couldn't put it together on the hard tyres. Valtteri Bottas - 7 The first time he's looked like a title challenger, Bottas got off to the perfect start but didn't have an answer to his team-mate. Unlucky to lose P2, after struggling for grip out of the pit lane, Bottas would have left Portugal feeling like he could have come away with more. Sergio Perez - 7 After a poor race in Imola, Perez had the most to prove, and he made a big step forward in Portimao. After being passed at the start, he got his head down and put in a solid drive, making his tyres last a whopping 50 laps before settling for the softs and crusing home in P4. Lando Norris - 9 One of the stand-out performers so far this season, Norris turned up to Portugal and continued to impress. He was passed at the start but pulled it back with moves on Sainz and Perez at the restart. After that, he managed his tyres for 44 laps and finished with a massive gap ahead of the midfield. Charles Leclerc - 8 A poor Saturday by Leclercs standards was followed by a managing both his pace and tyres to hit the sweet spot and finish P6. Esteban Ocon - 8 A second straight top-10 finish for the Frenchman was well deserved, especially in a season where everyone thought he could struggle. He struggled at first, but managed to keep composure to secure a points scoring position. Fernando Alonso - 7 Going out in Q2 was shocking to see, but a superb recovery drive secured Alpine a double points finish in what will be a tight race in the midfield. Daniel Ricciardo - 7 An awful Saturday was followed by some amazing overtakes to secure a solid points finish. It'll take time for him to get fully up to speed, and he needs to act fast before his team mate gets too far out of reach. Pierre Gasly - 7 A quiet and effective race that secured a point for a team that may struggle to hit the heights they did in 2020. Carlos Sainz - 5 P5 on Saturday. Out of the points on Sunday. It was a tough weekend for Sainz but he should be encouraged by his qualifying performance. Antonio Giovinazzi - 7 A solid weekend overall for Gio. He won't score big points regularly, but will often put himself in the position to pick up odd bits here and there. Sebastian Vettel - 6 The old Vettel was back for Saturday before we were brought back to reality. Far slower than everyone around him, it was a tough race and he will want to get some points on the board soon. Lance Stroll - 6 A poor Saturday was followed by a tyre masterclass on the Sunday. 39 laps on the soft tyres won't make the headlines, but people should pay attention to this uncanny ability the Canadian is quietly developing. Yuki Tsunoda - 4 Tsunoda needed a strong weekend to show the hype is real, but things were not to be for the Japanese youngster. He struggle to find grip and couldn't match those around him in a car that could score points. George Russell - 6 A six may seem harsh after qualifying P11, but that Williams was a complete joke. He dropped down to P15 at the restart and couldn't get the car to pick up any pace. Mick Schumacher - 7 Another steady race for Schumacher. He passed Latifi on track with a solid move and finished well ahead of his teammate. Nicholas Latifi - 4 Latifi looked strong at one point but couldn't keep it together before being passed by Schumacher in the closing stages. Nikita Mazepin - 3 Half a second slower than Schumacher. Picked up a penalty point. At least he didn't spin, I guess? Did not finish Kimi Raikkonen - N/A A moment of madness from Kimi, but he held his hands up and admitted his mistake, which is good to see.