Is This The Most Competitive Formula 1 Season Ever?

Formula 1 has had its fair share of dominant figures. From Fangio in the '50s, to Senna in the late '80s, all the way up to the most recent sovereignty of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.

But this season's randomness is becoming almost ridiculous.

Over the opening four races of 2012 we have seen Jenson Button end up at the top of the podium in Australia, Malaysia resulted in Fernando Alonso being victorious, Nico Rosberg won his first Grand Prix came in China whilst Vettel returned to supremacy in Bahrain.

But no one, and I mean NO ONE, predicted the victor of Sunday's race. Step forward please, Pastor Maldonado (He's a Venezuelan Williams driver).

Maldonado benefited from the punishment that was handed out to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who had originally qualified in pole position only to have it taken off him for running out of fuel on the way back to the pits after his fastest lap.

The Williams driver held off former Formula One Championship winner's Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen to expertly be the first driver past the chequered flag and he is now predicting that he'll be involved in the title race throughout the season.

You've got to admire his optimism and you never know. It'll take a brave man to bet money on who'll end up at the top of the standings come November.

Article by Gregory Wakeman
twitter@gjwakeman