The 2023 Formula One season has officially concluded, and numerous storylines have wrapped up. With Max Verstappen already crowned the season’s champion, other racers have been competing for various titles and feats; this season also featured a new circuit in Las Vegas, an extreme showdown in Qatar, and the battle between Mercedes and Ferrari for Second Place in the Constructors Championship.
This season, a new one was added in Las Vegas, and it left many fans surprised at its quality despite all the backlash it initially received from fans. The Las Vegas Grand Prix took place November 19, 2023, at 1:00 AM Eastern Time. The race took place at night, showing off the beauty of the city and its grand buildings.
The Qatar Grand Prix on October 8 left many fans worried for the well-being of the drivers, with cockpit temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Some drivers reported vomiting and being close to collapse during the race. The FIA sent out a statement after the race stating that they would take action to protect the drivers in extreme conditions during future races.
Another season of Formula 1 ended with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As the 2023 champion, Max Verstappen’s only concerns were breaking and setting new records for the sport. Records set by Max this year include:
2023 was a rough year for Ferrari and Mercedes, with many setbacks for the teams and their respective drivers. The two had an intense battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship. During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the two teams fought to secure second place, with Mercedes coming out on top by three points. Mercedes’ team featured Lewis Hamilton and George Russel as their drivers this year. Hamilton scored 234 points in the 2023 season, securing him third place in the championship. Meanwhile, Russel attained 175 points and got eighth place in the tournament.
The Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled with several strategy issues and car malfunctions throughout the season. Charles ended the season in 5th place and Carlos in 7th, earning Ferrari 3rd place in the Constructors’ Championship. Both Ferrari drivers were toe-to-toe in points gained, with Leclerc having 206 and Sainz having 200.
With many exciting races in 2023, the teams on the grid battled to climb up the leaderboard and outdo each other. The season ended with McLaren in 4th place with 302 points, Aston Martin in 5th with 280 points, Alpine in 6th with 120 points, Williams in 7th with 28 points, AlphaTauri in 8th with 25 points, Alfa Romeo in 9th with 16 points, and Haas in 10th place with 12 points.
While the drivers on the grid are staying the same, some minor changes are still coming to the 2024 Formula 1 season. Alfa Romeo is expected to receive a name change to the “Sauber” brand after its current sponsorship contract expires. Although no drastic changes are coming, the 2024 season will feature a record-breaking 24 races on the calendar, making it the most extended year for Formula 1 yet.
Aqeel Jamaldeen (11) expressed his thoughts on the 2023 Formula 1 season: “It was honestly an incredible season. Max’s domination keeps getting stronger every race.” Aqeel also shared that he wishes to see other teams, such as Mercedes and Ferrari, be able to compete with Red Bull in the following year.
“There needs to be more competition and fighting for positions,” Steevenley Pascal (11) commented. “Max is just so ahead of everyone that there’s no hope for the other teams.
David Ekezie (11) stated, “I want to see Ferrari get some more podiums next season. The fans have been living in agony this season.”
