I’m new to F1 fandom (since Japan) and have watched about as much as possible since then, fwiw. Perhaps my knowledge of how important the vehicles are over driver’s skill is faulty... but it seems Bottas is easily within the top 5. My perception is Hamilton, Vettel, Raikonnen, Bottas, Ricardo, Verstappen - in order.

I know Alonso is a legend and all, but he’s been far from a competitor. Is this on his team? How much difference do driver’s skills make when the podiums are consistently Merc, Ferrari & RB? Seems wherever the money is, the success is - which I find to be unsportsmanlike, honestly. I get (and marvel) the bleeding-edge tech & RnD, but the same 3 teams winning year after year seems like it’d get old fast - and also reflects that the drivers aren’t as worthy of their success. I know these guys are world class, but that’s not my point.

Again, I’m a newbie.. be nice in correcting me please and thanks!