By Score More Staff
As the dust settles on the 2023 Formula One season, it’s clear that Red Bull Racing reigned supreme, with Max Verstappen securing his third consecutive World Drivers’ Championship title and the team clinching the Constructors’ Championship title with a commanding lead.
Red Bull’s Unwavering Dominance
Verstappen’s dominance was nothing short of remarkable, claiming an astounding 19 victories out of 22 races. His relentless performance, coupled with the team’s exceptional car design and strategy, put Red Bull in a league of their own.
While Sergio Pérez’s initial challenge for the title faded away, his two victories, along with Verstappen’s consistent podium finishes, cemented Red Bull’s position as the undisputed force of the season.
Mercedes’ Struggles and McLaren’s Resurgence
In stark contrast, Mercedes, once the epitome of F1 success, faced a challenging season. Despite finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship, the team failed to secure a single race victory, highlighting their struggles to adapt to the new regulations.
McLaren, on the other hand, underwent a remarkable transformation. After a dismal start, the team introduced a revamped car, drawing inspiration from Red Bull’s design. This bold move paid off, propelling McLaren to a respectable fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Ferrari’s Inconsistency and Aston Martin’s Glimpses of Brilliance
Ferrari, despite showcasing moments of brilliance, suffered from inconsistency throughout the season. Carlos Sainz’s victory at the Singapore Grand Prix was a highlight, but the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations.
Aston Martin emerged as a team with potential, with Fernando Alonso delivering exceptional drives. However, their consistency issues prevented them from achieving more significant results.
Alpine’s Promise and Williams’ Optimism
Alpine, despite boasting a talented driver pairing in Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, struggled with consistency throughout the season. However, a late-season investment of £175 million from a star-studded group, including golfer Rory McIlroy and NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, could signal a promising future for the team.
Williams, with Alex Albon leading the charge, secured their best placing in the Constructors’ Championship since 2017. Albon’s impressive performances and the team’s overall progress suggest a promising future for Williams.
AlphaTauri’s Transition and Alfa Romeo’s Name Change
AlphaTauri, Red Bull’s sister team, prepared for a name change and a new leadership under Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies. Despite facing challenges, the team retained a promising driver lineup in Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo.
Alfa Romeo, set to rebrand in 2024, faced a challenging season, but drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu managed to secure occasional points.
Haas’s Disappointing Regression
Haas experienced a disappointing regression from their previous season’s success. Despite an optimistic start with points in four of the first five races, their performance deteriorated, leading to a last-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.
Conclusion
The 2023 Formula One season was a tale of contrasts, with Red Bull’s dominance, McLaren’s resurgence, and Mercedes’ struggles taking center stage. While some teams faced challenges, others showcased promising signs, setting the stage for an exciting 2024 season.
2023 RACE RESULTS
GRAND PRIX | WINNER | CAR |
---|---|---|
Bahrain | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Saudi Arabia | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Australia | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Azerbaijan | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Miami | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Monaco | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Spain | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Canada | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Austria | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Great Britain | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Hungary | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Belgium | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Netherlands | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Italy | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Singapore | FERRARI | |
Japan | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Qatar | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
United States | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Mexico | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Brazil | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Las Vegas | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | |
Abu Dhabi | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT |
F1 Drivers’ World Championship 2023 standings
Updated on November 26 (after Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)
Position | Driver | Team | Points |
1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 549 |
2 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull | 273 |
3 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 232 |
4 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 206 |
5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 206 |
6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 205 |
7 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 200 |
8 | George Russell | Mercedes | 175 |
9 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 97 |
10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 74 |
11 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 62 |
12 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 58 |
13 | Alex Albon | Williams | 27 |
14 | Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | 17 |
15 | Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | 10 |
16 | Nico Hulkenberg | Haas | 9 |
17 | Daniel Ricciardo | AlphaTauri | 6 |
18 | Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo | 6 |
19 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 3 |
20 | Liam Lawson | AlphaTauri | 2 |
21 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1 |
22 | Nyck de Vries | AlphaTauri | 0 |
2023 Constructor Standings
POS | TEAM | PTS |
---|---|---|
1 | RED BULL RACING HONDA RBPT | 860 |
2 | MERCEDES | 409 |
3 | FERRARI | 406 |
4 | MCLAREN MERCEDES | 302 |
5 | ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO MERCEDES | 280 |
6 | ALPINE RENAULT | 120 |
7 | WILLIAMS MERCEDES | 28 |
8 | ALPHATAURI HONDA RBPT | 25 |
9 | ALFA ROMEO FERRARI | 16 |
10 | HAAS FERRARI | 12 |
Overall, the 2023 Formula 1 season was a resounding success. It was a season that had it all: drama, excitement, and unpredictability. We are already looking forward to the 2024 season!