Mitch Evans’ tales of missing out an F1 drive has been well documented.
One of the most talented and complete drivers in the junior ranks, even today it is difficult to understand how Evans was not picked up for a seat in the premier class.
Now, in a recent list published to the Formula Scout website titled ‘Best GP2 (now called Formula 2) drivers that F1 missed out on’, the Kiwi finds himself right up near the front.
A protégé of ex-Red Bull driver Mark Webber, Evans narrowly held off Daniel Abt to clinch the 2012 GP3 title by two points. A nightmare final round at Monza saw Evans claim a 20th and DNF in the two races, while his title rival would score a race win and a second in race two – just failing to outscore Evans and steal the crown.
After his 2012 triumph, Evans was promoted into the Arden GP2 team.
A troubled debut GP2 campaign saw the Kiwi score four podium finishes but all were ultimately shrouded in a myriad of DNF’s and non-point scoring finishes.
Thus, Evans jumped ship to Russian Time for the following season. Despite a tricky start to the year Evans scored a podium at Monaco and achieved his maiden win at Silverstone.
Evans would go on to claim one further win at Hockenheim and three other podiums to conclude the season 4th in the standings.
Remaining with Russian Time for another season, Evans scored two further victories to finish the year a respectable 5th.
Despite conceding to the belief that his F1 dreams were all but extinguished, Evans was picked up by Campos Racing for 2016.
One sole podium being a race win at Austria, Evans would end the season 12th in the points.
One year later and the Aucklander was off to Jaguar Panasonic Formula E team where he was watched the team grow around him substantially till a stage where Evans is considered a championship contender.
The list, which can be found here, also includes the services of fellow Formula E drivers Robin Frijns, Sam Bird and Oliver Rowland.
Bathurst 1000 champion Alexandre Premat also featured on the list.