Best F1 pass of 2010: make your nominations
2010 F1 season review
Lewis Hamilton lines Fernando Alonso up for a pass in Montreal
What was the best overtaking move of 2010?
I’ve picked ten of the best passes for position this year and your nominations are needed to complete the shortlist.
Make your nominations and the most popular suggestions will be voted on to select the best F1 pass of the year.
Lewis Hamilton, Australia – It’s not often you see cars passing around the outside of the high-speed turn 11 but Hamilton made the move stick on Nico Rosberg.
Lewis Hamilton, China – Double pass on Adrian Sutil and Sebastian Vettel at the hairpin.
Fernando Alonso, China – Controversial but quick-thinking pass on team mate Felipe Massa on their way into the pits.
Adrian Sutil, Valencia – Squeezed around the outside of Sebastien Buemi on a track usually regarded as an overtaking-free zone.
Nico Rosberg, Silverstone – Passed Jaime Alguersuari around the outside at Brooklands.
Sebastian Vettel, Silverstone – Barged his way past Adrian Sutil in an unsubtle, arms-and-elbows fashion.
Rubens Barrichello, Hungary – Braved some excessively tough defensive driving from Michael Schumacher to thread his Williams through an impossibly narrow gap.
Kamui Kobayashi, Japan – Launched his Sauber at Jaime Alguersuari at the hairpin and scrabbled past.
Fernando Alonso, Brazil – Patiently prised third place out of Nico Hülkenberg’s hands – and with the championship hanging in the balance he had to take care passing the Williams.
Robert Kubica, Abu Dhabi – In a race that was short on passing Kubica proved it could be done with a well-judged move on the outside of Kobayashi.
What do you think were the best passes of the year?
List the passes you think should be in the shortlist below and we’ll vote for the best pass of the year in two weeks’ time.
F1 Fanatic pass of the year: Previous winners
2009: Kamui Kobayashi on Jenson Button at Yas Marina
2008: Felipe Massa on Heikki Kovalainen and Rubens Barrichello at Montreal
2010 F1 season review
- The complete F1 Fanatic 2010 season review
- Lewis Hamilton voted best driver of 2010
- The best guest contributions of 2010
- F1 Fanatic’s 50 best articles of 2010
- The 2010 F1 season in 100 pictures
- 2010 F1 driver rankings part four: the top three
- Vote for the best F1 driver of 2010
- 2010 F1 driver rankings part three: 8-4
- 2010 F1 driver rankings part two: 17-9
- 2010 F1 driver rankings part one: 27-18
Image © Bridgestone/Ercole Colombo
M said on 25th November 2010, 0:32
No Kubica on Sutil in Singapore?
JT19 (@jt19) said on 25th November 2010, 0:36
Or Kobayashi on Alonso in Valencia?
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 25th November 2010, 0:41
I’m not saying neither of these belong on the list. Rather than attempt to put every single pass that happened during the season I’ve made a few suggestions and will use your nominations to draw up a shortlist.
JT19 (@jt19) said on 25th November 2010, 0:46
Ahh, yup, I am going for Kobayashi on Alonso if it comes up. It just simply made me laugh because Alonso was really having a bad day and then that happened near the end.
BBT said on 25th November 2010, 8:56
It was only good from the point of view it was a mid runner against a front runner.
When you take into account the circumstances new tyres against totally knackered it no as good as it first appears. Although it was very good.
Dizzy-A (@david-a) said on 25th November 2010, 12:24
And that’s why Barrichello’s Hungary move shouldn’t be number 1- he was on fresh rubber, running 3 seconds a lap faster than his rival.
Brian Baum said on 27th November 2010, 18:51
Clearly Lewis on the Safety Car had the most impact of any pass this year.
Andy W said on 25th November 2010, 8:24
I understand that, but I do think Kobi should have more than one on the list… and probably deserves an award for the simple amount of great overtakes he has made this season.
Daniel said on 26th November 2010, 21:13
He could have 4 just from the hairpin at Suzuka (which is not supposed to be a passing spot!). In fact the one Keith actually mentioned wasn’t as good as at least 2 of the others IMO.
henry said on 25th November 2010, 9:53
Hamilton on alonso in Montreal.
Hamilton around Rosberg in Melbourne.
Button around alonso in malaysia…
JonZ said on 25th November 2010, 12:44
Hamilton on SC. The best of the year.
kazumi said on 25th November 2010, 1:38
sutil pit early and his tyres were in bad condition
and kubica pit twice and tyres were much faster and also renault is much faster car than FI
Macca25 said on 25th November 2010, 5:29
I am definatly not Lewis Hamilton’s number one fan, far from it in fact, but that move he made on Nico Rosberg around the outside of turn 11 at Melbournewas incredible. Sitting in the stands, everyone around including us just said “WOW that was amazing.
BBT said on 25th November 2010, 8:58
Heart was in my mouth on that one. I thought it was going to end in tears, it was scary, one of the bravest of the year for sure.
F1 Novice said on 26th November 2010, 20:11
That move gets my vote
Jason said on 29th November 2010, 17:40
Mine too. Brilliant.
TommyB said on 25th November 2010, 14:44
Alguersuari on Hulkenberg in Malaysia.
Good run into the hairpin.
Switch back in the hairpin.
Round the outside into the quick left hander. Beauty!
I actually prefered Vettel’s move on Schumacher, almost being pushed onto the grass.
Hamilton on Nico Rosberg was also brilliant.
gabal said on 25th November 2010, 18:57
My pick would be Barrichello on Schumacher, it is definitely the one that will keep showing in 2010 season montages.
Kobayashi on Alonso (and on Alguersuari in last corner of that very last lap) was also great.
Ricky said on 25th November 2010, 20:27
L.Hamilton vs SC
johnno said on 25th November 2010, 22:19
whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,
what about alonso on massa at hockenheim?
Speed Damon said on 29th November 2010, 20:29
Glock or DiGrassi on Schumacher in Australia. Suprised no other votes for this.
f1ellen said on 1st December 2010, 12:33
I was just about to put this…
All of his overtaking at singapour
karan01 (@karan01) said on 25th November 2010, 0:36
Barrichello on Schumacher definitely.
Toby Bushby said on 25th November 2010, 0:44
Agreed. By far the ballsiest move of the year by Barrichello on Schumacher. Put against the wall, then put on the grass, but still got the job done. The Rosberg on Alguersuari move at Silverstone was probably my second fave.
What about the worst move, Keith? Webber on Kovalainen at Valencia? Or Vettel on Webber in Turkey? Nope, neither. It must go to Alonso and Massa in Germany. :P
karan01 (@karan01) said on 25th November 2010, 0:47
Worst goes to that pile up at monaco between the Lotus and HRT :D
JT19 (@jt19) said on 25th November 2010, 0:47
Vettel and Webber move wasn’t bad, it was great! Sorry, just still can’t get over it.
jose said on 25th November 2010, 10:40
Vitali Petrov on Nico Hulkenberg, Japan lap one
karan01 (@karan01) said on 25th November 2010, 0:46
Second best will go to Petrov on Rosberg at Spa lap 11
Todfod (@todfod) said on 25th November 2010, 6:44
Yep… Barrichello on Schumacher at #1
Lewis on Rosberg at #2
Fernando on Hulkenberg at #3
MightyMac said on 25th November 2010, 0:43
Schumacher on Alonso in monaco.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 25th November 2010, 0:46
Given that Alonso was under the impression that Schumacher wasn’t allowed to pass him at that point (and as it turned out Alonso was correct), it wouldn’t be fair to include that one.
Had it been the case that both drivers had been racing for position going into the corner it would definitely make my top ten.
bananarama said on 25th November 2010, 6:16
No matter what the team ordered blabber after the race was: every single one of these drivers put the hammer down for the last corner and run to the finish line. Otherwise the redBulls could have cruised home for example, but no, they all went for it. Alonso did too, that was why his car (on the very old tyres) was sliding a bit and allowed Schumacher to have a go at him and make it wor.
I’m not saying that this should be considered for the list, I just want to mention that none of the drivers were sure what was going on.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 25th November 2010, 12:09
On the contrary, Alonso was told (correctly) that drivers were not allowed to pass after the safety car line and Schumacher was told (incorrectly) that drivers were allowed to pass after the safety car line.
The Monaco race edit is still up on F1.com, you can hear the messages in it:
http://www.formula1.com/video/race_edits.html
matt90 said on 25th November 2010, 14:12
Massa had no idea he wasn’t safe from Alonso when he got passed in the pits. It isn’t all that different.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 25th November 2010, 22:40
Why would Massa have thought Alonso couldn’t pass him there?
glue (@glue) said on 10th December 2010, 7:32
because there is only a car’s width within those white lines, which are theoretically not to be crossed
Ed Hunter said on 25th November 2010, 0:43
Hmmm…. not much to choose from, but if u take all in count maybe not best overtake but most risky definetly, Alonso on Hulk brazil my vote. Shame we didnt saw Alonso vs Petrov pass, and then Alonso vs Rosberg. That two would def got my vote :)
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 25th November 2010, 0:47
Well, it did happen in Istanbul.
Vico said on 25th November 2010, 0:46
What about Alonso on Massa @ Hockenheim????
J_LH (@j_lh) said on 25th November 2010, 0:54
Lewis on the saftey car in Valencia?
Ricky Bobby said on 25th November 2010, 1:51
Of course, that’s the one. Where’s the black flag when we need it?
An honorable mention for Hamilton’s attempts on Massa in Monza and on Webber in Singapore. Got a perfect DNF on both. Awesome.
The attempt on Alonso in Melbourne with Webber’s assistance was also pretty good, looked like a DNF for a moment but only a position was lost.
DJ said on 25th November 2010, 3:06
yes this one ;)
J_LH (@j_lh) said on 25th November 2010, 0:49
Lewis on Vettel in turkey. First lap, turn 3, round the outside.
JB round Alonso in Malaysia.
Both of these are particularly impressive as they are both round the outside and both on cars of similar or better performance.
can’t say I thought Vettels pass on Sutil at Silverstone was very good, clear car advantage yet nearly mucked it up.
BBT said on 25th November 2010, 9:01
Agree, Vettels overtake at Silverstone was awful, such a meal of it.
Mads said on 25th November 2010, 9:35
With the Vettel vs. Sutil you have to remember that Vettel’s tires was from lap one. The others had at least 20 laps less on their tires, and Vettel had driven aggressively to overtake people, which also wears your tires.
JT19 (@jt19) said on 25th November 2010, 0:49
Button on Hamilton, then Hamilton on Button in Turkey. My body shivered when that happened!!
J_LH (@j_lh) said on 25th November 2010, 0:53
Definately the best battle of the season. Don’t think you can count Jenson’s as a good move considering Lewis was under the impression there was no way Jenson would try and pass, but Lewis’ reply was pretty impressive.
LAK said on 25th November 2010, 1:34
Oh yeah! That was heart stopping, specially after seeing the RBRs crashing! And they were heading for a 1-2.. It was too stressful to watch though as a McLaren fan… So for me I’d rather nominate Lewis passing Schumacher in China, that was exciting to see :)
Ned Flanders (@ned-flanders) said on 25th November 2010, 0:55
Oh wow that’s actually a pretty good selection. Reminds me what a great season 2010 was.
Off the top of my head my Top 3 is this:
1. Alonso on Massa at Shanghai
2. Barrichello on Schumi at Budapest
3. Hamilton on Rosberg at Melbourne
Oh, and I daresay perhaps the Vettel move on Sutil was just a token mention for the champion, given that everyone says he can’t pass? It was a good move but he did have a huge car advantage that day, and he still made a bit of a meal of it
Guilherme (@the_philosopher) said on 25th November 2010, 0:59
I think you selected most of the good overtaking moves this season Keith. I’d just add Kobayashi move on Buemi on the last corner at Valencia. Of course he was on much better tyres, but he way he launched himself on that corner, which is by no means an overtaking spot, was awesome.
Gurpz said on 25th November 2010, 1:07
Schumacher on Alonso – Monaco.
Schumacher on Barrichello – Suzuka.
Kobayashi on Alonso – Valencia.
Kubica on Button and everyone else – Valencia.
Take a look for yourselves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSval75GTq4
Victor. (@victor) said on 25th November 2010, 1:49
Regarding the link, great minds indeed think alike!
Sandman said on 25th November 2010, 6:09
That Kubica vs Button fight was amazing. Especially considering there was Webber there in the mix but they didn’t seem to bother much.
Also, Kubica’s Singapore 7 overtakings (was that 7? i think so) late rush was spectacular.
Adam Tate said on 26th November 2010, 10:13
Yes! Kubica in Singapore was fantastic! That and Kobayashi in Japan. To me that was one of the most inspired drives of the year.
Lewis on Nico in Australia definitely makes the list for me as well.
Todfod (@todfod) said on 25th November 2010, 7:52
Schumacher on Alonso?!? Expect Schumi fans to be proud of an overtaking move when the driver in front wasn’t even aware that they were racing.
Ali said on 25th November 2010, 8:07
If Schumacher-Alonso think would be considered as an overtaking maneouvre to be listed, then it should be regarded as Mercedes-Ferrari battle as it occured due to different team instructions, not racing lines or breaking points.
bananarama said on 25th November 2010, 9:30
Yes, Alonso wasn’t racing, he was only for fun pressing the throttle so hard that the backend came to him and Schumacher got his chance.
(again I don’t think it belongs on the list, i’m just saying…)
LosD said on 25th November 2010, 11:15
He slided because he jumped the throttle hard when he unexpectedly got attacked by Schumi.
Sanjay said on 25th November 2010, 14:26
Yes, Alonso choked …ooopsie
Luis said on 26th November 2010, 0:19
Gurpz thanks for finding it! Brilliant. Robert overtook both!
Victor. said on 25th November 2010, 1:07
Vettel on Webber in Turkey! Definitely the most spectacular.
To be honest though, it’s not far off from Vettel on Sutil. I fail to see why that is nominated – he almost took out another driver.
Also, if Alonso on Massa is nominated, why isn’t Hamilton on Vettel at the same spot? I also liked Hamilton on Schumacher on the long straight in that race. I don’t understand why Kubica on Sutil in Singapore or Kobayashi on Alonso in Valencia is not nominated, considering that Hamilton also had new rubber in Australia.
All in all it is difficult to say if I am honest. I can narrow down the above to four.
4) Barrichello on Schumacher was spectacular, but it was rather Schumacher’s defence than Barrichello’s attack that I remember.
3) Despite Hamilton on Vettel and Sutil being fantastic, it was down to opportunity rather than great skill – Sutil outbraked himself, blocked Vettel and Hamilton slipped past.
2) Kobayashi on Alguersuari was great, but I for some reason I cannot label it as the best overtake of the season. I loved that his rear kicked out and he did it on opposite lock, but somehow I just don’t see it as the best overtake.
1) Hamilton on Rosberg in Australia around the outside was brilliant. Best overtake at the best race of the season gets my vote I think. Reminded me a bit of Alonso on Schumacher at 130R – despite the fact turn 11 is much slower, he did at a time when everything but the racing line was damp. Fantastic.
Victor. said on 25th November 2010, 1:20
If I think about it, this might be the best ‘overtake’ of the season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSval75GTq4
trulli dead09 said on 25th November 2010, 10:21
that was brilliant-what happened to Webber?
Lenny said on 25th November 2010, 11:27
weird…webber goes behind and kubica pops up. only a second or two later. A lot happens in F1.
Victor. said on 25th November 2010, 14:22
While Button overtook him on the outside, Kubica overtook him on the inside.
scott said on 26th November 2010, 2:37
webber got hit by someone if you watch the race review on f1.com you will see he cops a big hit to the right rear of the car probably form kubica.
Samuel said on 25th November 2010, 1:08
Lewis on Fernando in Canada. Opportunism at it’s best.
sumedh said on 25th November 2010, 1:47
Yes, I was about to mention this one.
Strange that none of Keith’s nominations are from Canadian GP, which was the best race of the season.
TomD11 said on 1st December 2010, 11:59
Me too, especially as that’s the picture for this article.
Electrolite said on 25th November 2010, 1:08
Kobayashi > Alguersuari
Barrichello > Schumacher
Luis said on 26th November 2010, 0:24
I vote for all 4 from Kobayashi in Suzuka:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfEDK3pCfGg
f1yankee said on 26th November 2010, 4:56
yep, kobayashi takes the eel cake!
plushpile (@plushpile) said on 25th November 2010, 1:16
Lewis Vs Jenson in Turkey, great overtaking by both.
plushpile (@plushpile) said on 25th November 2010, 11:12
Honorable mention to Webber @ Monza, ballsy overtakes when almost no one else was able to make them stick with a WDC lead on the line.
Stephen said on 25th November 2010, 1:18
The only reason Hamilton’s pass on Rosberg stuck was because there were yellow flags into turn 13 where Vettel went off. Rosberg had track position and probably would have taken him back. Credit to Hamilton though, it was ballsy stuff.
My vote probably be for Button passing both Massa and Vettel into turn 1 on lap 2 at Spa after he was the only on to make an effort to get back on the track after they all ran wide at the last corner.
Ben Everard said on 25th November 2010, 10:17
+1 on the Hamilton thing, whilst it was an amazing overtake it certainly didn’t set him up for the next corner well… Rosberg would have had him back into turn 13 had yellows not been out.
Louis said on 25th November 2010, 20:26
Maybe this is giving too much credit to him, but maybe he knew that Rosberg can’t get him back there because of the yellows, and that’s why he made that pass a few turns before, to take advantage of the yellows restriction so he’d stay ahead… That would mean the overtake is even more genius.