The sport of Formula One heads for its traditional hibernation following Sunday's season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
But which driver finished top of the class? And who will be rueing a poor term? Here, DSG runs the rule over the class of 2015.
LEWIS HAMILTON (MERCEDES)
Started the year in emphatic fashion with 11 poles at the opening 12 races and 10 wins from 16. He won his third world title with three grand prix to spare, and became the first British driver to successfully defend his Formula One crown. Star pupil. GRADE: A
NICO ROSBERG (MERCEDES)
Spent much of the year on the back foot to his old foe Hamilton and went nearly five months without winning a race. Made a catastrophic error in Austin to throw away another title - but ended the season with a hat-trick of wins to provide hope for 2016. GRADE: C
SEBASTIAN VETTEL (FERRARI)
Rediscovered his mojo after a move from Red Bull to Ferrari. A winner of three races, as well as 14 podium finishes, could he challenge Mercedes for the title next year? GRADE: A-
KIMI RAIKKONEN (FERRARI)
Ended a sluggish year with a podium finish in Abu Dhabi, but he has been outshone by his new team-mate. Fortunate to be handed a one-year extension, but 2016 could be his last in the sport. GRADE: C
FELIPE MASSA (WILLIAMS)
A steady, if not spectacular term, for the Brazilian. Briefly led at Silverstone and finished on the podium twice, but outscored by his Williams team-mate Valtteri Bottas for second straight year. GRADE: C
VALTTERI BOTTAS (WILLIAMS)
Fifth in the standings probably the best he could have hoped for. Can consider himself unlucky not to have been picked for Ferrari in 2016. GRADE: B-
DANIEL RICCIARDO (RED BULL)
One of the star pupils of last year after three victories, but a difficult follow-up campaign for the Australian. He will be disappointed to finish with fewer points than his new Russian team-mate. GRADE: C
DANIIL KVYAT (RED BULL)
After his promotion from Toro Rosso to the senior team, initially looked to be short of what was required, but strong finish to the year saw him move ahead of more established team-mate in standings. GRADE: B
FERNANDO ALONSO (McLAREN)
Undoubtedly his worst year in the sport owed to lousy equipment. Failed to finish on eight occasions and spent much of the year plodding around at the back of the field. Talk of a sabbatical for 2016. GRADE: D
JENSON BUTTON (McLAREN)
Top of the class for enthusiasm, but struggled in uncompetitive car. Looked set for retirement before annoucing he will be here next year. Can take some pride from becoming first team-mate to out-score Alonso over course of season. GRADE: C-
NICO HULKENBERG (FORCE INDIA)
Became the first active Formula One driver to win the blue-riband Le Mans 24 Hours race in more than two decades, but otherwise an average year. Has an opportunity to race for big team passed him by? GRADE: C
SERGIO PEREZ (FORCE INDIA)
Rediscovered the form which prompted McLaren to deem him good enough to replace Hamilton in 2013. Finsihed the season with 20 more points than his highly-regarded team-mate. GRADE: B+
ROMAIN GROSJEAN (LOTUS)
Has helped to keep team morale high with cash-strapped employers fending off the bailiffs . Finished an impressive third at the Belgian Grand Prix and will head to pastures new with Haas next year. GRADE: B
PASTOR MALDONADO (LOTUS)
Fortunate to still be racing with the world's elite after error-prone and inconsistent displays. Ended the year with 24 fewer points than Lotus team-mate, but substantial financial backing means he will be here again in 2016. GRADE: D
MAX VERSTAPPEN (TORO ROSSO)
Stunning debut season for one so young. The best Formula One rookie since Vettel and Hamilton, and based on this year, will not be long before challenging for world championships. GRADE: A
CARLOS SAINZ (TORO ROSSO)
Reasonable first year but outshone by younger team-mate. Airlifted to hospital after major crash in practice at Russian Grand Prix, but turned in brave display to race a little over 24 hours later. GRADE: C+
FELIPE NASR (SAUBER)
Impressed in uncompetitive car to suggest this rookie could have a promising future in the sport. Comfortably finished ahead of his more established team-mate in end-of-year standings. GRADE: B-
MARCUS ERICSSON (SAUBER)
Another unspectacular year for a pupil who has done nothing to suggest he has a long-term future on the grid. GRADE: D
WILL STEVENS (MANOR)
Comfortable when paired with Roberto Merhi, but looked to have a battle on his hands to keep the more talented Alexander Rossi behind him. Reckons he has done enough to be here in 2016, but only time will tell. GRADE: C
ROBERTO MERHI (MANOR)
Dropped towards latter end of season after unspectacular showings. Unlikely to be here next year. GRADE: D-
ALEXANDER ROSSI (MANOR)
Drafted in for five of the final seven races, and did enough to stake his claim for full-time drive. GRADE: C
Source: PA
