Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber7.5
9th | 37 points
If anyone had put money on a Sauber scoring a podium this season, there is little chance they would have publicly announced it. The Sauber looked like a tractor in pre-season testing, but somehow Hulkenberg, with his years of experience, has dragged it to places it has no right to be.
He’s finished in the points on five occasions, including in each of the last four races. Sure, there was some luck involved in his drive to third at Silverstone, but he had genuine pace at the back-end of the race and Lewis Hamilton behind was struggling to catch him.
His third place, the first of his career in his 239th race, was probably the feel-good story of the year, and again proves Hulk was probably deserving of a seat at a top team.
Keep an eye on him next year as Sauber becomes the factory Audi squad.