Sebastian Vettel named Driver of the Weekend for Monza

2011 F1 season

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Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, Monza, 2011

Sebastian Vettel was voted the Driver of the Weekend by F1 Fanatic readers for the first time this year following the Italian Grand Prix.

The race saw his eighth victory of the season, won from pole position following a thrilling pass on Fernando Alonso.

Driver of the Italian Grand Prix Weekend poll – top three

1. Sebastian Vettel – 38.2%
2. Michael Schumacher – 29.6%
3. Jenson Button – 18.2%

Girts summed up why these drivers made the top three:

Schumacher again had a superb start, then drove a great race and was definitely the entertainer of the day.

Button proved once again that, in F1, calmness and maturity often count more than the raw speed. If he goes on driving like that, I wouldn’t bet against him winning the second title (not this year, of course).

But it’s Vettel who gets my vote. His pace was fantastic and he didn’t make any obvious mistakes.

His pass on Alonso was one of the most impressive overtaking manoeuvres that I have seen since the end of 1996 when I started watching F1. I guess Vettel has now silenced some of those critics who have previously pointed at his “inability to overtake”.
Girts

Vettel had never won the poll before this race. After the Italian Grand Prix, many readers were certain that his performance would finally earn him the top spot. They were right:

If Vettel doesn’t get this then I have no idea what he has to do?
Icthyes

If Vettel doesn’t win this one he’ll never win a driver of the weekend.
TommyB89

Sebastian Vettel

Vettel was once again untouchable in qualifying where he was faster than second Hamilton by nearly half a second.

His performance and overtaking manoeuvre on Alonso won over some of his doubters:

Has to be Vettel. I have to admit to not being 100% convinced he was the good but the last two races have confirmed his position as not just in the top three drivers but perhaps right at the top.

His pass on Alonso was special, very brave and vital at that stage of the race. Pretty much secured his second championship. Well done!
adamf184

I won’t deny that I have been sceptical of Vettel’s race craft and bravery, but that would have to be one of the overtakes of the year, only behind Webber’s pass on Alonso in Spa.

Alonso made it very clear that he wasn’t going to let Vettel through, and the only reason he didn’t push him any further onto the grass was the fact it would have almost definitely caused an accident. But it surprised me that Vettel, with two wheels on the grass at over 300kphh, didn’t even think about lifting, and then managed to out-brake Fernando into the chicane.

For me, his last two races have cemented him as the driver of the season, and a very worthy double world champion.
Damon Smedley

After Saturday, Vettel firmly established himself in the very top tier of drivers over a single lap in the sport’s history. He didn’t get a brilliant start – but that’s literally the one single thing he can be criticised for. His move on Alonso was sheer brilliance as well.

Special mentions for Alonso, Jaime Alguersuari and Button too. Alguersuari’s race was very impressive once again, but he should’ve been higher up on the grid after Saturday so he can’t really get my vote for ‘driver of the weekend’.

It’s all about Vettel. The kid’s making it look easy. Two world championships in no time at all. It’s frightening.
Magnificent Geoffrey

Michael Schumacher

Schumacher had a good start to the race and then fought a long and entertaining battle with Lewis Hamilton. He evoked controversy with his defending moves, but also gained many votes:

Schumacher’s drive was incredible. Yes, he was faster on the straights, but to keep Hamilton behind for so long was really impressive.

The old Schumacher (both good and bad) is back this year. I’ve never been a fan before, but all I can say is bring on 2012!
Lin1876

Jenson Button

Button overtook Hamilton and Schumacher with great moves in a single lap to catch Alonso and get third podium finish in a row.

I voted for Button. His overtakes are just perfectly smooth. Just like his driving. I really enjoy watching his moves as they are almost always very clean.
Toxic

[…] Voted Button on his spectacular move on Schumacher and then his equally impressive move on Alonso.
modtl

2011 Driver of the Weekend results so far

FirstSecondThird
AustraliaSergio Perez (36.3%)Vitaly Petrov (32.5%)Sebastian Vettel (12.0%)
MalaysiaNick Heidfeld (38.4%)Sebastian Vettel (16.0%)Jenson Button (12.1%)
ChinaMark Webber (47.8%)Lewis Hamilton (42.4%)Felipe Massa (2.5%)
TurkeyFernando Alonso (37.8%)Kamui Kobayashi (25.8%)Sebastian Vettel (22.1%)
SpainLewis Hamilton (39.6%)Sebastian Vettel (23.9%)Fernando Alonso (13.3%)
MonacoJenson Button (33.1%)Fernando Alonso (18.8%)Sebastian Vettel (17.0%)
CanadaJenson Button (61.0%)Michael Schumacher (27.8%)Sebastian Vettel (2.2%)
EuropeFernando Alonso (32.6%)Sebastian Vettel (27.6%)Jaime Alguersuari (25.7%)
BritainFernando Alonso (53.0%)Lewis Hamilton (22.3%)Mark Webber (8.0%)
GermanyLewis Hamilton (76.6%)Adrian Sutil (9.8%)Fernando Alonso (5.6%)
HungaryJenson Button (50.7%)Paul di Resta (14.4%)Lewis Hamilton (11.8%)
BelgiumMichael Schumacher (45.1%)Jenson Button (28.2%)Sebastian Vettel (14.7%)
ItalySebastian Vettel (38.2%)Michael Schumacher (29.6%)Jenson Button (18.2%)

The results mean that Vettel has won the poll for the very first time this season and for the first time since last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Yet, he has appeared most frequently in the top three of the poll – this is the ninth time this year he is there.

Vettel, Schumacher and Button were chosen top three drivers for the second consecutive race. It is also the third time this season, they have appeared in the top three together – each time in a different order.

Button was in the top three for the third time in a row.

The voting is still open for your choice of Driver of the Weekend for the Singapore Grand Prix. Cast your vote and add a comment here:

2011 Italian Grand Prix

    Browse all 2011 Italian Grand Prix articles

    Image © Red Bull/Getty images

    32 comments on “Sebastian Vettel named Driver of the Weekend for Monza”

    1. Yes, I think the voting really got a fair result for great drives in Monza. Those 3 all stood out, with Vettel on top.

    2. Looking back… Button has quite a few appearances in the DotW top three. 6 as of Monza and looking very likely for a 7th at Singapore. I get the feeling he’s been winning over more and more people (possibly former critics?) this year.

      1. It may be that he’s proven that he indeed does have the ‘raw speed’ and doesn’t just depend on being smooth. He’s been setting some impressive times this season.

    3. About time he won driver of the weekend.

      1. Too true.

    4. Meh. He’s still only ever won from the front row. Everyone’s going on about his move on Alonso – great move though it was, it was also totally unneccesary, he’d have looked a fool if he had stuffed it, and it was only a matter of time before he was past anyway. At least this shows his weakness; he’s worried about not being percieved a racer. I’m sure his competitors have taken note.

      1. He won the 2010 Malaysian GP from third, so you’re wrong.

      2. At least this shows his weakness; he’s worried about not being percieved a racer.

        No, he passed a car to win a race and you’re desperately trying to put the most negative spin on it you can.

        1. Wow, it’s got pretty clicky and negative here since I last visited. It was better when you did it part time.

          @MGriffin90 I stand corrected.

          1. Wow, it’s got pretty clicky and negative here

            Hmm, interesting interpretation of who’s being “negative” in this post about Vettel being named Driver of the Weekend.

            1. he’d have looked a fool if he had stuffed it

              But he didn’t so why mention it?

          2. it’s got pretty clicky and negative

            The only negative comment on this thread so far is the one from you.

          3. Have some respect buddy

          4. So in your opinion you can insult and belittle someone in a positive place? Are we negative because we proved your comment was wrong and completely biased? I don’t think so.

      3. You do realise he drove a Toro Rosso in 2007 and 2008, right? His more impressive drives there, were 4th from 17th at Shanghai in ’07 and 5th from 17th at Monaco in ’08. He must have actually done some racing to get to there.

        Then you have to look at 2010. Silverstone. He went from 24th and almost lapped all the way up to 7th.

        2011: Winning at Spain after overtaking 2 cars in 3 corners, and Rosberg shortly after. He actually had to RACE to win. Same again at Italy.

      4. Everyone looks pretty silly when they botch a pass. That’s kind of a given. I’m not a Vettel fan and even I acknowledge it as a great move. Italy was the first time I voted him as DotW and I think you’re really clutching at straws to find reasons not to.

      5. Vettel’s been outside front row only once this season, so it’s not like he’s had many chances to win from any other place than front row.

        As Massa would say, good job critizing Vettel at the same for not being able to get past cars in front of him and for overtaking Alonso

      6. Sort of agree, but that still was a gutsy move!

    5. Unstoppable.

    6. He may not win all F1fanatics polls but without any doubts he is the driver of the season personally i dont vote Vettel because he doenst surprise me.

    7. I have witnessed thrity five years of Grand Prix drivers and I now believe that Vettle has become one of the greatest drivers I have ever seen.

      History shows us that better drivers become the best drivers when the entire package comes together. So can it be said that REDBULL as a team is the reason for his success or is it Vettle who by his own nature is taking the REDBULL chassis into a zone where no one can touch him? Or is it the Newey who has designed a car that is at another level above the competition thus making Vettle seem better than the rest?

      When you win the World Championship it is because of having a complete package where all the parts to the puzzle have been solved. Good drivers become better drivers and the truly great drivers evolve into a level where their performance continues from race to race.

      This what we are seeing from Vettle. He continues to rise above everybody and so far has really taken advantage of what the REDBULL can offer. Even his own team mate , although good, simply can’t get the job done even in almost the same equipment.

      So we are witnessing a special moment in Formula One. A moment that appears with no end in sight and should go on for another 25 races or more. That kind of dominace is what makes Vettle a great driver, dare I say the greatest of this generation and he is still a young man.

      He is by far the absolute best driver bar none. Not since Schumacher or possibly Alonso have we seen anything like this.

      World Drivers Champion 2010, 2011 and 2012. His dominance should continue next year and for that reason I predict another title for Vettle and REDBULL.

      Is there any reason to think something will change this??

      1. Brilliant comment Ted

      2. Comment of the day. If only you didn’t misspell “Vettel…” :P

        1. How embarassing….sorry Seb.

      3. Is there any reason to think something will change this?

        Logic says no. Hopeless optimism says yes, McLaren and Ferrari will be better next year! :P

      4. Sorry but in spite of all the tributes to Vettel I still think he is massively overrated and flattered by being the de fact no1 driver in a team which has a dominant car.

        At least when Schumacher was dominating you knew that he was by and large the best driver in the field so in spite of his car advantage you could come to terms with the result.

        The travesty of Vettel’s domination is that truly great drivers like Alonso and Hamilton won’t win as many WDCs as they deserve thanks to the RB6, 7 (and no doubt RB8 and RB9..)

        Seeing Vettel cruise away to victory every week leaves me cold and frankly devalues F1.

        1. If Red Bull hire an immensely talented driver, and build the best car, it’s up to the other teams and drivers to up their game. There’s no travesty here.

    8. Vettel’s appearance on this seasons Rate the Race polls proves exactly what his season is about; consistency.

    9. Vettel, Button, Schumacher – top three drivers at Montreal, Spa and Monza, possibly my top three circuits. Goes to show that those three circuits really sort the great drivers from the merely good.

    10. Still can’t reply directly to other posters and don’t know why, but anyway…TED BELL…to answer your question, imho, no there is no reason to think at this point that something will change the SV/Red Bull WDC fight in 2012…other than of course the chance that Mac, Ferrari, or Merc comes out with a leap in performance with their 2012 effort that brings the fight to SV for every race starting from race one such that SV is put under much more pressure. Perhaps it will take another ‘double diffuser-like’ homerun or some other extreme thing that some teams think is illegal only for it to be given the ok by the FIA after which other teams have to play catchup.

      The rules are staying fairly stable from what I gather, so at least the Red Bulls should not be as dominant one would think, but then again with Newey I wouldn’t bet against them at this point.

      1. All teams hope that their next generation car will bring some kind of refreshing performance. Didn’t we hear the same thing at the start of this season??

        For a sport that is so secretive, especially in the off season I find it interesting how similar each car is at the start of the season.

        REDBULL certainly won’t sit back and should raise the bar again. This seems to be their nature. I would love to see Mac, Ferrari and Merc become even more competitive.

        Again somebody has to roll the dice on something different and innovative. The next logical time period where this kind of change will come when the cars go to the new turbo era. By then more rgulations should come into play and I think that generation of car will become interesting.

    11. Alfie not logged in
      1st October 2011, 3:51

      Australia must be the only time a driver who was disqualified got DotW (unless you were doing these at 2008 Belgium..?)

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