T

he final race of the 2011 Formula One World Championship has ended, and after the recent drama of races, overall, it has been an exciting end to the season. The last six visits to Interlagos, Brazil Grand Prix have closed historic 2011 Formula One Season. What a nice way to finish 2011!

I’d like to leave F1 fans some thoughts to summarize 2011 season:

Best rivalry

A perfectly conventional Formula One rivalry seems to have taken on a different shading this season. At one race after another the stewards have been required to examine incidents involving Hamilton’s McLaren and Massa’s Ferrari, handing out punishments to both men.

One collision is an accident. Two might be a coincidence. Six in a single season makes it look as though something unusual is going on between Hamilton and Massa, who have failed to avoid each other in Monaco, at Silverstone, in Singapore (twice), at Suzuka and in the inaugural race in Delhi, where twisted metal was again followed by harsh words.

Since Hamilton victory in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago, he is hoping to carry that over to 2012. Before his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win, Hamilton had endured a difficult string of races and admitted he was struggling with issues in his private life. However, the McLaren driver insists that period is now behind him and that he has learned some useful lessons for 2012.

Best track

The 2012 race has been set for March 18, but it seems already that inaugural race at Austin is in doubt. Until the track is finished, it is difficult to make an assessment. So far this season, the best track will be the Suzuka Circuit followed by Circuit de Spa-Francorschamps and Buddh International Circuit.

Best overtaking move

Overtaking has been a frequent topic throughout the 2011 season, since the advent of DRS (the Drag Reduction System). There have been 441 normal overtakes this season and 363 DRS overtakes. However, I still prefer the normal overtaking maneuver.

One particular good overtaking maneuver was when Sebastian Vettel overtook Fernando Alonso in Monza. And wow, what an overtaking move that was! I think it was one of his best overtaking maneuvers of his career, very slick and very bold.

Best pit crew

Red Bull has not only the fastest car, but also the fastest pit crew in Formula One this year. They’ve been the quickest team in the pits in six of throughout this year.

Slick pit work has always been important in Formula One, but the frequency with which the Red Bull pit crews have been in action this year has brought both speed and consistency to their races.

Best comeback race

Jenson Button has won three races and emerged as the most consistent challenger to Sebastian Vettel in the second half of the season, with nine other podium finishes leaving him to secure second place in the drivers’ championship.

His first win of the season in Montreal was most probably best victory of his career. Tenacity, determination, some brilliant driving and, without a doubt, a slice of luck brought Button his 10th career win.

Button worked his way up from last place and took advantage of Vettel’s last lap slide to pass the Formula One points leader and win the rain soaked Canadian Grand Prix. To fight his way through from last, it is definitely one of the best comeback races.

Best young driver to look out for in 2012

Throughout every Formula One season, talented young drivers have emerged to make their mark and impress. After a successful 2011 season, Paul di Resta has put himself firmly in the frame for further exciting next season. He had an impressive start to rookie F1 campaign with Force India, often out-pacing team mate Adrian Sutil in first half of season.

Predictions for 2012

To carry on into next season, it the constructor’s job to somehow make sure the car they carry over is better than this year’s car by quite a long way.

The consensus may be that Red Bull are the dominant force, but there have also been more than enough twists and turns already to make the 2011 Formula One season one of the most thrilling in the sport’s history. And whenever Red Bull do falter, it seems to be McLaren who are there to pick up the pieces.

I believe next year will be more competitive and there will be a lot more of race winner to expect in 2012 Formula One season.  

Former Jordan Grand Prix chief designer and technical director Gary Anderson provides unrivalled expertise and commentary during the live race on STAR Sports. Catch repeats and race highlights online on ESPN Player.