Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Driver Ratings

Abu Dhabi GP

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Driver Ratings

Who got top marks?

Matthew Scott

Monday 2 December 2019 08:00

Abu Dhabi GP Driver Ratings Part 2

Carlos Sainz (Qual: 9th - Race: 10th) 7/10

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Sainz made a bold call to come into the pits with 14 laps to go, taking fresher tyres, but giving up track position on a circuit notorious for its lack of overtaking opportunities. The smooth operator made it work, though, passing Hulkenberg on the last lap to secure the point he needed to secure sixth place in the drivers' championship ahead of Gasly.

Daniil Kvyat (Qual: 14th - Race: 9th) 7/10

An extended opening stint was the key to getting Kvyat into the points at the end of a rehabilitative 2019 campaign for a driver that has become more tranquil than torpedo.

Lando Norris (Qual: 7th - Race: 8th) 7/10

Norris chided himself for getting passed on the final lap, but he had suggested following Sainz's lead and taking a late pit-stop as his tyres began to wear down. It's unlikely he would have made it back so high.

Sergio Perez (Qual: 11th - Race: 7th) 8/10

A great drive from Perez, who has ended the season in superb form, with eight top-10 finishes and a solitary DNF since the summer break. This race was typical Perez, as a monstrous opening stint put him in the position to benefit from fresh tyres right at the end and finish 'best of the rest' for the fourth time this season.

Alexander Albon (Qual: 6th - Race: 6th) 7/10

Albon ends 2019 as the only Red Bull-contracted driver not to secure a podium, and struggled to match the front-runners' pace throughout the weekend. Once he's got to grips better with Red Bull, success will surely come the Thai driver's way in 2020.