[Jody Barton]

Leclerc was a step above in an F2 class full of averages and long term drop outs. That's not denigrating the lad, but it is true. He still beat what was put in front of him though, and you're right, he looked class. The same is true of Verstappen, the grid he was up against hadn't exactly produced much in the way of talent, but it was clear he was a step above, certainly on single lap pace. However, he still hasn't dropped his little League sit in the middle of the road and swerve tactics.

The group of drivers the likes of Vettel, Hulkenberg, Hamilton, Rosberg, Massa and Grosjean had to come through was a seriously tough group of drivers. But worse for them was the sorts of drivers already on the grid were also damn good, so forcing their way into the grid was stupidly tough. It's why I have a lot of time for that generation of drivers (Moanjean aside, although I admit grudgingly he's quick over a lap).

The generation just at below them never really produced much. Stofel Vandorne and Kevin Mad Dog Magnussen. The current crop coming through look good. The youngster in GP3 look really good, I'm seeing a lot of potential there, and quite frankly over the next couple of seasons if you're not performing you're probably being replaced by a baby faced assassin... unless your daddy buys you an F1 team.