You cannot escape the fact that 2015 was not the most exciting F1 season of recent memory and, unlike 2014, we didn't even have a last round battle for the title between teammates to enjoy, since Lewis Hamilton seized the initiative so early in proceedings. But was it really that bad a year? Of course there were some less than enthralling races, but there were also some memorable Sundays that reminded us of how good this sport can be. Here are five that are worth recalling:
Monaco GP: Hamilton's pit stop of despair
The Monaco GP was enlivened when Mercedes made a pit call that turned the race on its head. A communication mix-up between leader Lewis Hamilton and his engineer saw the World Champion pit for tires under a late safety car, when his main rivals stayed out. It resulted in the man who had dominated the day tumbling down to third behind teammate Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel. The race concluded with a dramatic eight-lap sprint to the line during which Lewis was unable to make any progress. Rosberg thus won his third straight Monaco GP, an impressive achievement - although even the winner admitted that fortune had smiled on him, and this was Hamilton's race. It was not to be the last time in 2015 that some controversy surrounded radio traffic between Lewis and his team.
(From left) Winner Nico Rosberg celebrates while teammate and third-place finisher Lewis Hamilton reflects on what could've been.
Hungarian GP: Vettel wins as F1 mourns Bianchi
Having already won in Malaysia, Vettel scored a memorable victory in the Hungarian GP on a day when the stars appeared to align. A sport that had faced criticism for a lack of entertainment provided a memorable afternoon on a weekend when everyone was remembering Jules Bianchi. The drivers joined together with the Frenchman's family on the grid to honor him with a minute's silence, then donned their helmets and went out and put on a superb display that showcased F1 at its best. The race had collisions, penalties and even some genuine overtaking moves, and in the end the usually dominant Mercedes team could manage only sixth and eighth places. A win for Ferrari - the team that had mentored Bianchi for so many years and for whom he was due to drive in the future - was the best possible outcome. Vettel was quick to dedicate the victory to the driver who would likely one day have been his teammate.
F1 drivers form a circle around the drivers' helmets, including that of the late Jules Bianchi, on the grid before the Formula One Grand Prix of Hungary.
Singapore GP: Mercedes all tired out...
Against expectations, Mercedes struggled to find pace on the Marina Bay circuit, the only time it happened all season. Remarkably, Hamilton and Rosberg lined up only fifth and sixth, while Vettel took pole for Ferrari ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Kimi Raikkonen and Dany Kvyat. The stage was set for a fascinating race - could Mercedes find speed on Sunday night? In the end it didn't happen, and Vettel headed Ricciardo home after an exciting race. Rosberg finished fourth and Hamilton had a rare retirement, ironically on a day when he was struggling anyway. Mercedes has yet to come up with a full explanation for its lack of form that weekend, but the curious thing is after the team made some set up changes Rosberg found performance in subsequent races.
Nico Rosberg passes teammate Lewis Hamilton as Hamilton's car begins to fail during the 2015 Singapore GP.
United States GP: Hamilton takes third title
Hamilton joined the elite group of F1 drivers who have won three or more World Championships as he secured the 2015 title with a superb victory over Rosberg in Austin. Matching Ayrton Senna's three titles was a huge ambition achieved for Hamilton. Against the odds, after three days of rain delays and little track running, fans were treated a fabulously entertaining race that began on a wet track that ultimately dried, and which allowed the drivers to race to the flag on slick tires. For much of the race the Mercedes guys were in a fight not just with each other, but firstly with Ricciardo and Kvyat, and later Vettel. Hamilton's title was not confirmed until the final lap, for if Vettel had managed to pass Rosberg and claimed second, the battle would have gone to the next race in Mexico.
Lewis Hamilton celebrates his victory and the World Championship at the 2015 United States Grand Prix.
Mexican GP: A country embraces F1
The World Championship was over by the time the Mexican GP rolled around, but nevertheless much anticipation surrounded the return to a venue last used by F1 in 1992. The track had been rebuilt for the F1 race, as had the pit and paddock area, while the big talking point was the unique section through the former baseball stadium, where fans had a great view. And the fans were the story of the weekend as they showed unbridled support for F1 in general, and local hero Sergio Perez in particular. Come Sunday, Rosberg bounced back from recent disappointments to score the first of three season-ending victories as he staked his claim for 2016. It was not a great race, but truly a great event.
Spectators enjoy the atmosphere during the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Nov. 1, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico.
