AUTOSPORT’S TOP 5 DRIVERS
1 Fourth in the total number of victories may be a stat you get hung up on, but in terms of how to win a championship Hubert is streets ahead. Uber-consistent in taking 11 podiums, he looked to maximise each weekend without taking major risks, and that paid off. Took two poles – as many as anyone – having not scored any in 2017. Qualifying was a big step forward in 2018 and also key to the title.
2 In a four-car team filled with talent, Mazepin appeared the outsider at the start of 2018. But although David Beckmann stole the spotlight after moving to Trident, it was Mazepin who scored highest over the second half of the season. Mazepin stays with ART for next season for his step up to F2.
3 What could have been? A switch to Trident made him an instant threat for victories and poles. Technical issues at Spa stunted his progress and he was taken out in the Abu Dhabi sprint race. A superb drive from 15th to fifth in the Sochi feature set up the sprint win in the following race and showed his ability to bounce back.
4 Victim of the worst and most bizarre piece of bad luck, when his car ingested a visor strip that blocked the radiator, Pulcini was dogged by ill fortune. There were a couple of mistakes, but he took two wins and was the top non-art driver in the points. The distance by which he outscored his teammates boosts his stock further.
5 Callum Ilott could have easily made this spot, but fellow Euro F3 refugee Mawson just pips him after some brilliant performances in what was a poor Arden car. Like Pulcini did at Campos, the Australian proved way ahead of his team-mates. With a bit more luck a couple of wins could have gone his way.