Five dissimilar drivers have led the championship so far – and one of five different drivers’ could be top it after the next round. It’s a far cry from this time last year, when Jenson Button could have taken two weekends off and still come back leading the world championship.At least five drivers in the running
The 2010 points scheme is not responsible for the closely-fought championship we are enjoying. The cause the title battle is so close is because in eight races, no-one has won more than two. While eight races into final year, Button had won six times.
Here’s how the top five would look under last year’s points scheme:
| Drivers | 2010 Points System | Previous Points System |
| L Hamilton | 109 | 44 |
| J Button | 106 | 43 |
| M Webber | 103 | 40 |
| F Alonso | 94 | 38 |
| S Vettel | 90 | 37 |
Have five drivers in a win of the championship lead at this stage in the season is really remarkable.
Even if Ferrari’s Felipe Massa may be behind in eighth place at the moment, it’s too soon to rule him out. But we expect Nico Rosberg and Robert Kubica won’t finally be in disputation for the title as their cars don’t seem to be fast enough, often enough.
Two years ago Kimi Räikkönen, Massa, Kubica and Hamilton were covered by ten points after eight races. But this year it’s even faster, with five drivers covered by seven points in ‘old currency’. In most championships over the last decade, the ultimate championship leader was typically top at this stage, usually with a two-win point’s benefit over his bordering competitors.
images © Sutton Images
