Rate the season (post-2000)

[Kingshark]

In the Abu Dhabi GP race thread there was quite an argument/discussion revolving around how good or boring the 2014 season has been relative to other seasons in F1. Some people hated it, others (including myself) thoroughly enjoyed it.

How about having a "Rate the Season" poll, where we evaluate every season since 2000

2000: 8/10
We had a great fight for the championship between Michael and Mika (although it was decided in the penultimate race of the season). Plenty of classic races and tense moments. A very good season overall.

2001: 6/10
Although DC gave us a glimmer of hope early on, there was no real WDC fight as Schumi walked it. There were some great moments and brilliant races though, and the field was quite competitive.

2002: 2/10
Words fail me.

2003: 9/10
An absolute classic in every way imaginable. Ferrari vs McLaren vs Williams for the championship, Schumi vs Kimi vs JPM. A lot of memorable races and moments, and some surprise winners (Alonso, Fisi).

2004: 4/10
Not as bad as 2002 per se. Ferrari were just as dominant, but the fight behind was usually quite interesting with BAR, Renault, Williams, and McLaren often sharing the same tarmac.

2005: 6/10
Although Alonso didn't exactly dominate this season, his championship never really looked under threat. 2005 had the least overtakes of any season in F1 history. Most dry races were quite boring.

2006: 8/10
A compelling season long battle between Alonso and Schumi. Some memorable races (Hungary, China, Brazil), and the first wins for Massa and Button. A solid season all in all.

2007: 8/10
Now this one I found quite difficult to judge. The WDC fight was an absolute classic, but most races were awfully boring. The off-track politics was also pretty bad. Very mixed feelings about 2007.

2008: 9/10
A tight and closely fought championship battle, a lot of classic races, some surprise winners, memorable moments, and an unforgettable season finale. 2008 had it all.

2009: 7/10
Very mixed feelings about this season. Although JB didn't exactly dominate, his championship lead never really looked under threat. We had some boring races, but a lot of surprises too. The field was also closer than ever in 09.

2010: 9/10
The best championship fight I have ever seen. A lot of very good races, and some pleasant surprises. We had more championship leaders than ever before, and no one ever won a race while leading the championship. Classic.

2011: 6/10
There were some classic races like China, Canada, and Germany; but Vettel & RBR domination meant that we never got to see any WDC fight of some sort.

2012: 10/10
In terms of competitiveness of the field, good racing, close championship battle, and an exciting climax - nothing will likely ever top 2012 IMO. I mean, 2010 came close, but 2012 had a way more competitive field and better racing overall.

2013: 4/10
Appalling season. The first half of the season was ruined by the god-awful and almost dangerous tyres. Once Pirelli switched them, we saw some of the most tedious domination I've ever witnessed, only topped by 2002.

2014: 8/10
While one team might have been dominant, the season itself was anything but boring IMO. The rise of future stars like Ricciardo and Bottas, some classic races (BAH, CAN, HUN), and a compelling WDC battle between the Merc teammates.

[Kingshark]

About the poll, since I could only create 10 options, I filtered out the five seasons which had the virtually no WDC fight (2001, 2002, 2004, 2011 & 2013).

[Juzh]

As if the championship battles alone define if a season is good or not.

[Kingshark]

As if the championship battles alone define if a season is good or not.

Two things can make a season a classic;

1. A close championship battle
2. Exciting racing

2003 and 2012 are the two season that clearly had both, maybe 2012 shades it overall, although 2003 was less artificial.

[Harsha]

I feel 2010 is way better than 2012. 2012 gets a nod due to many winners 8 to be precise but the artificial gadzets and Cheese burger tires are made it competitive.
But 2010 is out and out old fashioned Racing and has every ingredient of spectacular season from team mate collision to team orders every thing is covered

[WaikeCU]

I would say 2007 and 2010.

2007 (8.5/10)
- Interteam battle Hamilton-Alonso at Mclaren
- Spygate
- Mclaren disqualified in Constructors Championship
- 3 way showdown in final race
- Kimi's first championship

2008 (9/10)
- Some fascinating drives by Hamilton
- Hamilton vs Kimi thriller @Spa
- 2 way showdown in final race
- Chaotic final race with changing conditions
- Last corner championship decider. Absolute thriller

2010 (9/10)
- 3 races to go and 5 title contenders
- 4 way showdown in final race for the WDC
- Vettel running away with the title with more favorable contenders missing out due to different strategies.

[Kingshark]

I wonder if the people who voted for 2007 actually watched any of the dry races that season? Almost all of them were beyond dreadful.

[Hail22]

I wonder if the people who voted for 2007 actually watched any of the dry races that season? Almost all of them were beyond dreadful.

You have your opinion, most of us would respect that and we have our own (Re: 2007 votes).

[SectorOne]

Agree with the poll, i´d say 07, 10 and 14 have been the best ones.

14 because of the battles
10 because it was just a really good season. Good tires, no DRS, still overtook each other, RBR reliability made season more interesting.
07 because rookie vs champion, the arrival of Vettel and Hamilton, the silent moves by Kimi, the great racing (like USA)

[Kingshark]

I wonder if the people who voted for 2007 actually watched any of the dry races that season? Almost all of them were beyond dreadful.

You have your opinion, most of us would respect that and we have our own (Re: 2007 votes).

OK.

Even though, objectively speaking, 2012 was probably the best, I gave a pity vote to 2003 because it doesn't seem to be very appreciated and is quite underrated compared to the more recent seasons.