Tech highlights

By Giorgio Piola and Matt Somerfield

The VJM09 is the most successful challenger produced by this incarnation of the team based near Silverstone. The launch car was a solid base for the team to build upon but it was the update first ran at the Spanish GP that unlocked its full potential.

The team adopted a similar front wing outwash tunnel to the one used by Mercedes since China 2015, which changed the way air moves out and around the front tyre and the wake shed by the tyre.

The video highlights other key areas of the VJM09 including its 'Cobra' nose and 'S' duct but updates introduced in Spain included a revised splitter, a new collection of slots in the floor ahead of the rear tyre a revised rear wing and diffuser.

Season ratings

Jon Noble - 8

In terms of bang for buck, there is no better team in Formula 1 than Force India. After a difficult start to the campaign that was not helped by a dose of bad luck and incidents, the Silverstone-based outfit got it spot on with its Barcelona update – as it delivered a string of brilliant performances, and some podiums, to end the year behind only Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.

A strong team spirit, a pragmatic approach to the sport, and strong drivers are key ingredients that show no sign of slowing it down yet.

Oleg Karpov – 9

Force India is probably the biggest winner this year. Its raise during the last few years has been impressive, and it also shows how important the natural development is.

As Nico Hulkenberg pointed out, Force India is the team which was never spoiled by a manufacturer and this is also a part of its success. Having a good pair of drivers also helped.

Glenn Freeman – 9

Fourth place in the constructors' championship is a phenomenal achievement, and surely the maximum that is possible for a team of Force India's stature.

During the current rules package the team has had a knack of being in the right place at the right time to pick up podiums when they are on offer, with Sergio Perez firmly putting his McLaren nightmare behind him and realising his potential.

Kate Walker – 8

The little engines that could of Formula 1, Force India is the team that is constantly punching above its weight, producing strong results - including two podiums for Sergio Perez - despite its smaller budget.

After struggling through the first round of fly-aways, a Barcelona upgrade saw the Silverstone racers surge through the summer and autumn, eventually securing its highest finish in the constructors' standings after a hard-fought battle with Williams.

Pablo Elizalde – 9

When you consider Force India's budget compared to its main rivals, this year's performance is nothing short of amazing.

The team continued to make progress throughout the year and managed to stay ahead of Williams quite comfortably.

It will be interesting to see how it reacts to the regulations changes though, as the smaller outfits are usually the one who are hurt the most in these cases.

Guillaume Navarro – 8

Force India has proven its worth once again, beating Williams with the same engine, efficiently and pragmatically developing the car day in, day out despite meagre resources.

The team got great results thanks to its pace as well as great tyre strategies. This unprecedented result will bring in welcome cash, and shows that Force India can reach a great level with consistency thanks to skillful use of the Toyota factory in Cologne.

Erwin Jaeggi – 9

Force India experienced its best season to date by becoming fourth in the championship, beating Williams in the process. At the start of the year the team wasn't performing particularly impressive, but things got better when Formula 1 returned to Europe.

For the first time Force India landed two podiums in one year as well, thanks to impressive drives by Sergio Perez in Monaco and Baku.

With Renault and McLaren keen on getting back to the front again, the Silverstone squad might find it difficult to repeat this performance next year, but we can be assured that it is going to give these bigger and more wealthy teams a good run for their money.

Jacobo Vega - 9

For me one of the sweet surprises of the season. I think nobody was counting on it to deliver such a great season.

Sergio Perez completed a really good year and he deserves again a seat in a top team after losing it at McLaren. I don't know why Nico Hulkenberg was underperforming because I'm sure he has talent to do it much better.

Final score: 8.63/10