Formula One: 2023 Season Preview

It’s lights out for the 2023 F1 Season, as teams are already proving their worth in Bahrain, with the first GP taking place there this Sunday, March 5th. As the sun rises on a new chapter for F1 fans, we’ve rounded up a few aspects to consider regarding this year’s top contenders and what we might expect from them.

Verstappen and Red Bull are Back for More.

After Max Verstappen’s driving domination last season, Red Bull Racing is back for another Constructors’ Championship title as both drivers showcased their driving finesse in last week’s pre-season testing aboard the promising RB19. From what we’ve seen so far in Bahrain, the former champions seem way ahead of the competition and are set to lead a promising season.

The Prancing Horse Rises

Ferrari’s last season was a troubling one, with a fast car, a solid start, and high hopes for 2022, followed by pacing problems with the car and questionable strategic choices that led to a poor second half of the season. However, this year’s story might just be totally different. The team at Maranello has been working on improvements to Ferrari’s car since last year, from the power unit’s components to the car’s assembly processes, which led to fans being optimistic about this season.

Another aspect to look forward to is the change in leadership, as Frédéric Vasseur leaves Alfa Romeo and takes Mattia Binotto’s spot as Ferrari’s new Team Principal. Ferrari’s leadership was considered by many the team’s Achilles’ heel, which makes this turning point a boost in the hopes for the Constructors’ Championship title, for fans all around the world.

Mercedes Aims for the Top

Coming out of a disappointing pre-season testing weekend, Mercedes aims for a top-of-the-table spot in 2023. The team retains the same driver line-up from last season, composed of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, this being the last year of the contract with the seven-time world champion, although he plans on staying a bit longer.

The team got into last season with a record of eight consecutive Constructors’ titles and managed to secure third place while wrestling with a bouncing car, which Hamilton described as an undrivable car and the worst he had ever driven, resulting in him not winning a race all season, for the first time, since he started his career in 2007. However, Mercedes seems committed to take-on a season of redemption. Team principal Toto Wolff claimed they have the tools to understand, grow and develop a car that works as expected, and take on Ferrari and Red Bull.

All Eyes are on Bahrain

After a 15-week break, F1 returns with the 2023 Bahrain Gran Prix. Made up of 15 corners and long straights, this venue is expected to host lots of action and excitement, as drivers look to make a stand and cause a strong first impression for this season. We can’t wait to see who comes out on top!

Image Credits: F1