Not every star performer has a spotlight.
The motorsport world often focuses on champions and race winners. There are many household names like Verstappen, Marquez and more. However, under the surface there are many drivers who show great skill as well as improvement. These drivers are the backbone of the sport and make the race even more exciting at times.
Liam Lawson
After a less than impressive run with Red Bull Racing, he has made some huge improvements. His journey in F1 has been a rollercoaster.
After he was dropped from the Red Bull team, his place was given to Tsunoda, and he went back to VCARB (their sister team).
Although he didn’t score any points in the Red Bull car, this all changed when he went back to VCARB. He scored his first points of the season a few weeks after getting swapped out and also placed top 10 during many qualifying races.
Most recently, he finished P6. This is a career best for him, and he is now showing consistency, speed and skill.
He has shown that he can handle last minute decisions and he is slowly carving out his place in F1.
Alex Rins
Although he isn’t ranking the highest in the current MotoGP championship, there is so much potential.
Rins has faced several injuries, but his talent is undeniable. When healthy, he is one of the most technically skilled riders on the grid. Known for his smooth cornering as well as tactical racing style, his
unexpected 2023 victory at COTA on a satellite Honda really showed his skill and determination. Rins often flies below the radar because of the other racer’s dominance like Alex and Marc Marquez, but those in the know can recognise that on the right bike and with consistent health, Rins is a genuine contender.
Elfyn Evans
Yes, I know, he is currently 1st in the WRC leader board, but this doesn’t mean he is highly rated by fans.
He is calm under pressure and has the ability to bring the car home in tough conditions, often making the difference in close team battles. Despite this, other drivers like Ogier and Rovanpera frequently overshadow Evans.
He remains one of the most reliable and adaptable competitors in the World Rally Challenge. His smooth driving style, combined with excellent car control and pace on all surfaces from gravel, to tarmac, to snow
makes him a great threat for other drivers.
Callum Ilott
After a promising stint in Formula 2, Ilott was overlooked for an F1 seat. This worked out in his favour as he found a place in IndyCar. He has impressed many in the motorsport world with his adaptability to ovals, street circuits and more.
His smooth driving style, race intelligence, and ability to keep calm in chaos have helped him secure solid finishes. When up against high level competitors, his persistence pays off.
Motorsport careers don’t have to follow a straight line for them to be present.
Why they matter
Motorsport isn’t just about championships and having the top statistics. It is about passion, skill, and making the most of what you’ve got.
There is a narrative that only champions matter, however these drivers prove otherwise. Watching their careers unfold offers fans a deeper connection to the sport. It also highlights the diversity of stories in
motorsport.