1) Carlos Sainz Jr
Carlos Sainz Jr replaced the F1-bound 2013 Champion Kevin Magnussen in the DAMS line-up, and was immediately on the pace, taking pole position in the opening round in Monza. Unfortunately his first race for the team did not go to plan, with the Spaniard’s car failing to get off the line for the formation lap, but he fought back fantastically in race two with a second pole and his first win of the season.
When Sainz was on fire, he was untouchable. His races in Spa-Francorchamps early in the season and Paul Ricard late in the year were simply outstanding. He was able to dominate from the front, but was not afraid to mix it up with the other drivers when things were not going his way.
Of course, like any driver he had his off days and off weekends – at both the Hungaroring and Moscow Raceway, Sainz and DAMS struggled, but even then he was able to secure points. Aside from race one at Monza and race one in Russia, the only time Sainz did not score points was in the season finale at Jerez, but by then all the hard work had been done and he became a very deserving series champion.
Formula 1 now beckons for the Spaniard, with a drive with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team having been confirmed. The Spaniard now has the opportunity to show to the world his skills, and the mature nature he drives.
