Which Formula One driver made the most of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend?

It’s time to give your verdict on which driver did the best with the equipment at their disposal over the last three days.

Review how each driver got on below and vote for who impressed you the most at Red Bull Ring.

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2019 Austrian Grand Prix: Unforgettable Performances at the Red Bull Ring – Who Was Driver of the Weekend?

The 2019 Formula One season delivered a memorable spectacle at the breathtaking Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the Austrian Grand Prix. As the dust settled on another thrilling race weekend, fans and pundits alike were left pondering a crucial question: Which driver truly extracted the maximum from their machinery and shone brightest under the Austrian sun? This article invites you to reflect on the standout performances, dissect the key moments, and ultimately cast your vote for the Driver of the Weekend.

The Austrian Grand Prix, a staple on the F1 calendar, is renowned for its short, punchy lap and elevation changes, offering a unique challenge to drivers and engineers. From the intense qualifying sessions to the strategic battles and daring overtakes on race day, the 2019 edition was packed with action. It was a race that saw fortunes swing, raw talent on full display, and a passionate crowd witnessing history. Evaluating driver performance in such a dynamic environment requires looking beyond just the final result, considering factors like qualifying prowess, race craft, strategic execution, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Evaluating Driver Excellence: Key Factors for “Driver of the Weekend”

Choosing the Driver of the Weekend is more than just picking the race winner; it’s about identifying who truly maximized their potential and delivered an exceptional performance relative to their car and circumstances. Several key factors come into play when making this crucial decision:

• Qualifying Performance: Did a driver consistently extract pace throughout practice and deliver a flawless qualifying lap, perhaps outperforming their car’s natural speed or decisively beating their teammate?
• Race Craft and Overtakes: How skilled were they in wheel-to-wheel combat? Were they making bold, clean overtakes, or defending masterfully under pressure?
• Strategic Acumen and Execution: Did they manage their tires effectively, respond well to team instructions, and adapt to changing race conditions?
• Consistency and Error-Free Driving: A true standout performance often involves minimizing mistakes across all sessions, from practice to the checkered flag.
• Overcoming Adversity: Did a driver make a remarkable comeback from a grid penalty, an early incident, or demonstrate resilience in challenging situations?
• Performance Relative to Equipment: Crucially, a driver who performs exceptionally well in a midfield car can often be more impressive than a front-runner simply winning as expected. Who truly punched above their weight?

With these criteria in mind, let’s delve into some of the prime contenders for the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix Driver of the Weekend.

Contenders for the Crown: Who Impressed at the 2019 Austrian Grand Prix?

The 2019 Austrian Grand Prix delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, with several drivers staking a strong claim for the ‘Driver of the Weekend’ title. While only one could ultimately lift the winner’s trophy, the Red Bull Ring witnessed a collection of truly outstanding individual efforts.

Max Verstappen: The Home Hero’s Redemption and Electrifying Victory

Without a doubt, Max Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially given the context. After a challenging start to his race weekend, qualifying on the second row and then suffering a poor getaway from the lights, dropping him down the order, many might have written off his chances. However, Verstappen, driving his Red Bull-Honda, mounted an astonishing comeback drive. He meticulously picked off competitor after competitor with a combination of raw speed, daring overtakes, and impeccable tire management. His late-race charge, culminating in a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with Charles Leclerc for the lead, showcased his tenacious spirit and aggressive yet precise race craft. The controversial but ultimately upheld overtake on Leclerc for the victory ignited the crowd and marked a triumphant home win for Red Bull, proving Verstappen’s ability to win against the odds and deliver under immense pressure. His ability to turn a challenging start into an electrifying victory firmly places him at the top of many lists for Driver of the Weekend.

Charles Leclerc: Pole Position Prowess and a Valiant Fight

Charles Leclerc, in his Ferrari, demonstrated immense talent and maturity throughout the weekend. He secured a brilliant pole position, showcasing his blistering single-lap pace and extracting every ounce of performance from his car. On race day, he started strongly and commanded the lead for much of the race, appearing to control proceedings with a serene composure. Despite facing relentless pressure from Verstappen in the closing stages, Leclerc defended valiantly, demonstrating excellent car control and strategic thinking. While he ultimately lost the lead and the race win in a contentious on-track incident, his performance was a clear testament to his formidable skill, consistency, and his ever-growing potential as a future world champion. Leclerc proved he had the pace, the race craft, and the mental fortitude to challenge at the very front.

Lando Norris & Carlos Sainz Jnr: McLaren’s Rising Stars Shine Bright

The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jnr also put in truly impressive performances, highlighting the team’s significant progress. Lando Norris continued to impress in his rookie season, securing a strong qualifying position and battling with the likes of Lewis Hamilton in the early stages of the race. His confident, mature driving style and ability to hold his own against more experienced rivals earned him valuable points and further solidified his reputation as a star in the making. Carlos Sainz Jnr, on the other hand, delivered a masterclass in recovery. Starting from the very back of the grid due to a power unit penalty, the Spaniard drove an absolutely brilliant race, systematically carving his way through the field with a series of clean and decisive overtakes. His relentless pursuit of points saw him cross the finish line in eighth place, a truly remarkable achievement that underscored his race craft and determination. Both drivers contributed significantly to McLaren’s best team performance in years.

Other Notable Performances: Beyond the Podium

While the spotlight often falls on the front-runners, several other drivers delivered performances worthy of recognition. Antonio Giovinazzi, for Alfa Romeo, scored his first-ever Formula 1 points, a significant milestone for the Italian driver after a challenging start to his season. Daniil Kvyat, despite starting from the pit lane, managed to navigate the chaos and bring his Toro Rosso home in 15th, showcasing his resilience. Even at the back, George Russell, in the struggling Williams, often outqualified his more experienced teammate Robert Kubica, extracting the maximum from an extremely difficult car and reaffirming his raw potential. These performances, though not always resulting in podiums, underscore the depth of talent within Formula 1 and the constant battle for every tenth of a second and every championship point.

Driver performance summary

• 2019 Austrian Grand Prix interactive data: lap charts, times and tyres

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Vote for your driver of the weekend

Which driver do you think did the best job throughout the race weekend?

Who got the most out of their car in qualifying and the race? Who put their team mate in the shade?

Cast your vote below and explain why you chose the driver you picked in the comments.