Driver Of The Year - 6th to 10th

We have now entered the top 10 for the Driver Of The Year Awad. Here, we have 10th, 9th, 8th, 7th & 6th.

10th - Paul Di Resta
Team - Force India   Races - 19   Best Finish - 6th (Singapore GP)
Paul has easily been the best rookie this year. He has also produced performances where he has not only beaten team mate Sutil, but also fastest cars like Renault and Mercedes. The highlight of his first year has to be his 6th placed finish at Marina Bay, Singapore. Sixth put him one place behnid Lewis Hamilton, and ahead of Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg and Vitaly Petrov. This teamed with other results has given the young Scot some attention. Rumours are still circulating that he could be Schumacher's replacement at Mercedes. Not next year however, as he looks set to stay with Force India, and continue to help them grow.

9th - Michael Schumacher
Team - Mercedes   Races - 19   Best Finish - 4th (Canadian GP)
Schumacher's 2011 has certainly been a step-up to 2010. However, there still seems to be a question over his overall raw pace. There were many times he failed to make it into the final stage of qualifying. These poor Saturdays often leave him with a lot to do on the Sunday. Though, he has produced some great drives on these Sundays. The first one that comes to mind was at Canada. A fourth place that could have been so much more. Actually that fourth place as the closest that even Mercedes got to a podium, showing that Michael hasn't done too bad. A bit of consistency has started to come back to the Seven time World Champion. But, 12th at Turkey, 15th at Brazil and 17th at Valencia was surely not good enough for the fourth fastest car on the grid. Hopefully, Michael and Mercedes can improve next year. It is possible that 2012 could be Michael's last ever year in F1, but is also possible that we see him sign another contract, and race on into his forties.

8th - Adrian Sutil
Team - Force India   Races - 19   Best Finish - 6th (Germany & Brazil GP)
2011 has been the year that Adrian has grown up. He took the title of Force India's lead driver, and nearly pushed them to fifth in he Constructors Championships. Adrian's highlight of the year was at the final race of the year. A sixth place was a brilliant drive, and one that could have a massive affect on his future. At the moment, it looks unlikely that he will stay with Force India next year, with Mallya looking to go with Di Resta-Hulkenberg. If that is the case, then Adrian's options are either Williams or Lotus (Renault). Lotus has to be his best option, but there is a chance that he has already lost that battle to either Grosjean or Petrov. That leaves Sutil with just Williams, and on current standings, he is going wrong way. Williams finished ninth in the Constructors, and Adrian must have ambitions of podiums and race wins. It will be a very important winter break for Adrian, with many teams and fans keeping an eye on his moves.

7th - Nico Rosberg
Team - Mercedes   Races - 19   Best Finish - 5th (China & Turkey GP)
Unfortunately for Nico, 2011 wasn't what he hoped it would be. Mercedes were constantly the fourth fastest car, and they were never really close to either a race win, or podium. Nico has to turn to consistency then, to try and cast away any doubters. In the final 12 races, there was only one retirement, and 11 top 10 finishes. That was a better rate that Button, Hamilton or Schumacher. When compared to his team mate, the gap has shrunk. However, Nico still came out on top. That consistency really helped beat Michael. Also on his side was his qualifying pace, as he was often appearing in the Q3. Next year, Nico will again have high hopes. He will be very determined to get at least podiums, and will also be hoping for his very first win.

6th - Felipe Massa
Team - Ferrari   Races - 19   Best Finish - 5th (x6)
For the second year running, Felipe Massa takes the "Best Of The Rest" award. With his highest finish being 5th, Felipe must be very disappointed in 2011. His season hasn't been far off a Carbon Copy of last year. He was soundly beaten by Alonso, and he was never within touching distance of a podium. His year has also been surrounded by controversy. Mostly, his many battles with Lewis Hamilton. Clashes at Monaco, Singapore, and India were just a few. However, these still don't cast a shadow over a poor season. Felipe, and many fans, will be hoping for a huge improvement. It has now been three years since a race win, and if he does not improve, will he ever get another win. He is also under pressure from he team. 2012 could be Felipe's last year at Ferrari.