Video. Top 5 best overtakes of the season

5. Max Verstappen on Sebastian Vettel, Brazil

Fell into his faults at the start of the season (clashes, flagrant fouls), the darling of Red Bull remobilized throughout the campaign. As in the rain in 2016, his festival of attacks at Interlagos (Brazil) amazed more than one, starting with Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari).

Certainly, the Dutchman was equipped with more efficient tires than his German counterpart. But on the third lap of the Grand Prix, the Ferrari still had the means to defend itself since it had DRS, but instead it left the door wide open for Senna's S braking. The enfant terrible of F1 threw himself in, even if it means biting generously on the interior vibrator.

4. Lewis Hamilton on Sebastian Vettel, Russia
To be a world champion, you need consistency, speed, success, but also a pinch of anger. It is this clever mixture that Lewis Hamilton was able to produce (Mercedes) in 2018. The spearhead of the Silver Arrows, after a narrowly aborted attempt in a straight line, delivered the blow again in the demanding turn 3, an endless curve on the left.

Note the trajectory of Sebastian Vettel, who adapts almost instantly to that of his rival. Lewis Hamilton drifts towards the outside of the track, the Ferrari follows the movement, too late: Lewis Hamilton holds the rope for braking. Great job.

3. Kimi Räikkönen on Lewis Hamilton, Monza
The old man (38 years old at the time) still has beautiful remains! His pole position in front of the spectators stirred up the crowds at Monza (Italy) while the next day, the Finn imposed himself against the future five-time world champion. In this high-speed fight, his delayed braking at the start of the Variante della Roggia chicane is a model of its kind, especially against an opponent of the caliber of Lewis Hamilton:

Kimi Räikkönen also appears in this ranking thanks to its ability to negotiate the chicane well from the outside, and to keep the upper hand over Lewis Hamilton coming out of the corner. However, the Englishman, placed on the inside, had perfectly negotiated the enfilade to obtain better speed on the restart!  

2. Sebastian Vettel on Lewis Hamilton, Austria
An overrun that the TV production almost missed live as it occurred in an unusual area: flat out! In what was then the first direct battle between the two favorites for the title, Sebastian Vettel dared to keep his right foot together as Lewis Hamilton took him towards the dusty part of the Red Bull Ring circuit.

Maliciously, the German then widened his entry into the corner, forcing his rival to lose time on the outside of the track.

1. Daniel Ricciardo on Valtteri Bottas, China
What do you want ? The king of late braking deserves the two pass! On a motorcycle, we call it “a trapper’s braking” and in the field, Daniel Ricciardo knows a lot about it. Best example? His unstoppable attack on Valtteri Bottas to take the lead in the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai last spring.

What did the most smiling drivers in the paddock say? “Of course, with the soft tires I had an advantage during braking phases compared to the others. We often only have one chance (to overtake cars, particularly due to aerodynamic disturbances and overheated tires. Editor's note), I focused on maximizing my opportunities. »
What does he think of his overtaking to win? “It was cool!” Tight but fair, and it's great fun for both the pilots and the TV. It’s still more enjoyable than quietly overtaking in the middle of a straight line…” This top 5 is proof!

Special mention: Lewis Hamilton on Valtteri Bottas, Russia
This maneuver is as unstoppable as it is unclassifiable. Look at how easily the Briton gets rid of his teammate with equal equipment, what superiority! Joking aside, this overrun is undoubtedly the most controversial of the year, consequence of a team instruction given by Toto Wolff to the Finn.