Without a doubt, the 2009 Formula One season is one of the most surprising and intriguing one for years, where at least 4 drivers are in the title race heading neck and neck. Surprisingly though, last years winner Lewis Hamilton is out of contention. The four top contenders are Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel and last but not the least Mark Webber. Their chances are analyzed here with Button first:

Jenson Button – Presently standing in the first place with 72 points, Jenson Button was too good to bet on just a few months back. Even, the critics were making complains stating how boring the season had gone so far, with the chances of Button winning the title even before the night Singapore GP circuit. But from the British Grand Prix onward, he has failed to win a single race after having won 6 out of the first 7 races in this season and this has caused his title rivals closing in to his insurmountable lead. At present, he appears too vulnerable and it appears that he’ll be overtaken soon by some of the other season campaigners.

Rubens Barrichello – Rubens is presently ranked 2nd with 56 points in his tally and I have a gut feeling that this season campaigner is the favourite to win the season at the age of 37. Barrichello has played the role of second fiddle to Michael Schumacher when he was in Ferrari and often landed up giving away undue advantages to the all time great Michael Schumacher. So, now the question, will 2009 season be finally his year? He is in a terrific form right now by picking up win at Valencia, Spain and 2 more good races for him might turn the point table in his favour over Jenson Button.

Sebastian Vettel – The rooky F1 driver Sebastian Vettel has all the potentials to be the best and is often compared with F1 legend Michael Schumacher. He is also only 3 points lagging behind Rubens Barichello, ranked 3rd with 53 points. If he show some charismatic performances in the races to come then who knows he might eventually turn out to be the youngest F1 champion!

Mark Webber – Mark Webber is only 1.5 points behind Vettel and is ranked 4th with 51.5 points and cannot be taken out of the title contention. Despite having won only one race this season, Webber has been consistent in his performance by picking up points in almost every race and could capitalize well if any one of the front 3 runner drop crucial points in the races to come.

The season has been full of drama with the downfall of giants Ferrari and McLaren and the emergence of Brawn GP. Whoever wins the season; it will be full of drama and without a doubt will go to the wire.