2009

Continues to extract the maximum from his machinery, making Q3 at almost every round and edging ever closer to the podium as the year progresses. Fourth places in Germany in Hungary ultimately his best results. Announces Williams departure in October and signs for new Mercedes team for 2010.

2008

Starts season with first F1 podium in Australia and goes even better with a second place in Singapore later in the year. In between times, however, hampered by FW30's poor race pace. Three eighth places his only other scoring results, leaving him 13th overall.

2007

Proves more mature - and even quicker - in second season with Williams. Stunning qualifying pace secures ten top-ten grid slots. Scores career-best fourth place at final round in Brazil to finish ninth overall on 20 points.

2006

Difficult debut season with Williams. Clocks fastest lap in Bahrain season opener and qualifies third in Malaysia before combination of accidents and poor reliability weakens his campaign. Finishes 14th overall, three places behind team mate Mark Webber.

2005

Wins the inaugural GP2 championship, the replacement series for Formula 3000. Signed as Williams test driver in May, before winning race contract with the team for 2006.

2004

Takes a further three victories in the Formula Three Euro Series.

2003

Graduates to Formula Three Euro Series with Team Rosberg. Claims one race win and finishes eighth overall in the championship.

2002

Spectacular single-seater debut, winning Formula ADAC Championship with nine victories. It earns him a Williams test and at 17 he becomes the youngest person to drive a Formula One car.