After just four races so far into the 2022 Formula One season, there have been a few drivers and teams who have exceeded expectations and a few who haven’t. Although there are still 18 races left on the schedule, some drivers should be panicked about either their job security, championship aspirations, or both.
For this column, the panic levels of all drivers will be assessed on a scale of one to ten. A score of one means the driver is having an amazing season and is exceeding expectations with no job security issues.
A score of ten means the driver should be having night terrors over whether he will be sitting in his car next year or on their couch and unemployed, as their season to date has been a massive disappointment already. Let’s begin!
Alexander Albon — Williams
Albon had a rollercoaster start to his Formula One career. He began the 2019 season at Torro Rosso and was promoted to Red Bull during the season. He struggled in 2020 with Red Bull, scoring 105 points, which was only 13 more than he had in a half-season with Red Bull in 2019. After his seventh place finish in 2020, Albon was left without a ride until this season. He is back on the grid, this time with Williams. Albon has done well, scoring a point for Williams at Melbourne. This was the team’s first point in 11 races. Albon is in no danger; he has been far better than his teammate and has had some great drives so far.
Panic Score: 3
Fernando Alonso — Alpine
The oldest driver on the grid (he turns 41 in July), Alonso is one of the all-time greats. The double world champion has 32 wins in his 20-year career. He has driven for Minardi, Renault, Ferrari, McLaren and now Alpine. Alonso returned to Formula One last year with Alpine, finishing tenth in the standings, highlighted by a podium finish in Qatar. The Spanish legend seat is not at risk, as he can still battle in the midfield and his experience is unmatched and needed at Alpine. Alonso so far is underperforming. He is currently in 15th position in the championship with two points, earned in the first race of the year at Bahrain. If he wants to fight in the midfield, he should start to panic.
Panic Score: 5
Valtteri Bottas — Alfa Romeo
Bottas has a wealth of experience, most notably with Mercedes, earning 10 wins in five years for the German automaker. Bottas has gotten off to a great start with Alfa Romeo, currently in eighth place in the championship. This is far better than either Alfa Romeo driver did last year, as they combined for 13 points. Bottas currently has 24. The Fin is getting the most out of his car and should be happy with how his season has started. He is in no danger of losing his seat right now with his results and the experience he gives his team and his rookie teammate.
Panic Score: 2
Pierre Gasly — Alpha Tauri
Gasly has gotten off to a rough start this year. He performed well in 2021, finishing ninth in the standings along with one podium. He is currently in 13th place with six points. He is also behind his teammate in the standings. Gasly should be panicked as his results so far aren’t as good as last year. He needs to beat his teammate as he has more experience and a better resume with his other stops at Red Bull and Toro Rosso. Gasly needs to step it up quickly.
Panic Score: 6
Lewis Hamilton — Mercedes
Hamilton is arguably the best Formula One driver of all time. The seven-time world champion has the most wins of all-time and has dominated at Mercedes. But he’s not driving like it this year. Hamilton is on pace for his worst finish in the championship in his career. He is currently in seventh place, with one podium and no wins so far. Hamilton and Mercedes are pounding the panic button. His job isn’t at stake with all the success he has had at Mercedes. But his championship fight is. Hamilton hasn’t shown the pace of the front runners and is…
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