As of Sunday 20 November the 2022 Formula One season is officially over. The drivers will get a chance to breathe and spend the holidays with their families. Us fans now have to find a way to wait until March for the first race of the next campaign. Here is what we want from the 2023 Formula 1 season.
The good thing is that every season sees different things. Who would have guessed it that, after seven World Titles, Lewis Hamilton would not fight for one in 2022?
2023 promises big things with new drivers on the grid and new circuits.
Promising new drivers
At the end of this season, we said goodbye to Mick Schumacher, Nicholas Latifi, Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel. That means some exciting new drivers will join the grid. Formula 2 champions and Formula E drivers.
Logan Sergeant with Williams
The Formula 2 driver steps up to Formula 1 after just one season in Formula 2. What it means is that he is certainly a talent to watch. Having secured enough points for a super license, the young American driver from Fort Lauderdale Florida, will team up with Alex Albon in the Williams next year.
Oscar Piastria with McLaren
Oscar Piastri, the Formula 2 champion, has been the subject of much discussion around the paddock. Was he going to go to Alpine? But no, he was not. Instead, he signed with McLaren replacing Daniel Ricciardo as he finished a hard season with the papaya team. One Australian for another. How will he fare next year? Well at least he has Lando Norris to teach him a thing or two.
Nyck de Vries with Alpha Tauri
Another Dutchman joins the grid. After a superb performance at the Monza Grand Prix in the Williams, Nyck De Vries signed with Alpha Tauri replacing Pierre Gasly as he moves on to Alpine.
Nico Hulkenberg with Haas
Nico is definitely not a new driver. But he has been off the grid for nearly two years. Next year he returns to the grid alongside Kevin Magnussen for Haas who brought home the team’s first pole position.
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More racing
In 2022 we had 22 races. Next year we will have 24. The most any season of Formula One has seen. We return to the usual spots in Austin, Monaco, Barcelona. But we also see new races or races we haven’t seen for a while.
We return to Qatar and China after a long absence. Las Vegas is a new addition to the calendar and is one everyone is looking forward to.
Unfortunately, F1 will be racing in Paul Ricard this year much to the disappointment of Alpine and its brand new all French driver lineup of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Mercedes back on top
It’s safe to say that Mercedes are excited to start afresh in 2023. It was a hard season for them. Lewis Hamilton ended the season not fighting for an 8th World Championship and with no wins or pole positions. But George Russell was the star of the team.
The young Brit brought the team multiple top 5 finishes, pole positions, podiums and his maiden win.
We miss those Hamilton versus Verstappen battles.
Sprints
Last year we had three sprints throughout the 22 race weekends. And we have to say that they have been a lot of fun. Fast pace, exciting racing. And we want more. Our wishes have been granted!
In 2023 Formula One will have six sprints throughout the season. Where they will be held is currently not known but we hope one will at least take place in Interlagos because, for two years in a row, it’s a very exciting race.
Quite a lot to look forward to next year. New drivers, new circuits. The 2023 Formula One season has not even begun but it’s all everyone can talk about.
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