The 2023 Formula 1 season is only a few weeks away, and we will get to see the top drivers again embark on a new journey in the paddock.
Red Bull and Max Verstappen both had a season to remember in 2022 as they crushed the opposition, and the early SBOTOP Formula 1 2023 odds have them as the favourites to win it all again in the upcoming campaign.
However, they’re expected to face stiff competition, as they are the hunted once again, with Ferrari and Mercedes hot on their heels.
The major shakeup in the drivers’ market following the retirement of Sebastian Vettel is also worth looking at in the Formula 1 2023 updates, and it’ll be interesting to see how several drivers will fare in their new homes.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in to our early (and bold) predictions for the season ahead.
No. 8 for Lewis Hamilton?
Lewis Hamilton isn’t getting any younger. The seven-time Formula 1 champion just turned 38 years of age, and the 2023 season might be his last hurrah.
And what better way to cap it off than by winning his record-breaking eighth Formula 1 title?
Hamilton is entering the final year of his current deal with the Silver Arrows, and he could retire by the end of 2023 if he decides to, but boss Toto Wolff is confident that their No. 1 driver will sign a new extension with them soon.
“Lewis’ contract is one of the topics that we will tackle over the winter, but there’s no firm deadline,” said Wolff.
“Lewis is part of the team, and the team is part of Lewis. There’s no reason not to continue,” he added.
He and Mercedes are eager to put memories of last year’s campaign in the rear-view mirror as they slumped to third in the constructors’ standings with just one win over the season, and George Russell was the one who did so in Brazil.
It was a year to forget for Lewis Hamilton because it was his first winless run in Formula 1.
Another title for Lewis Hamilton would boost his credentials as the sport’s GOAT. But to do that, he’ll need his team to make a huge leap forward this upcoming season.
The W13 suffered from excessive porpoising, which took them much of the year to solve their issues. And if the W14 turns out to be more reliable and powerful than the W13, then Hamilton might be on his way.
Alpine will challenge for podiums
Alpine defied expectations when they finished P4 in the constructors’ standings last season. Based on the data, they did a great job with their A522 machine, with reliability woes being the only reason why they were held back.
The French squad endured a shambolic start to the year after a hydraulic issue ruined Fernando Alonso’s pre-season test in Barcelona. The Spaniard also had two DNFs in the opening four races because of this.
However, Alpine have recovered by consistently scoring points since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso leading the way. They still had a few more DNFs, but they closed out the 2022 season strong by beating McLaren in the standings.
If Alpine can sustain their upward trajectory, the younger and hungrier duo of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly is going to be behind the wheel to challenge for podiums regularly.
Daniel Ricciardo to replace Sergio Perez
Daniel Ricciardo will not be leaving Formula 1 after all after agreeing to a deal to return to the Milton Keynes outfit as their reserve driver.
Ricciardo gives Red Bull options moving forward, and his presence will keep Sergio Perez on his toes.
Perez had a strong season last year, helping them win their first constructor’s title since 2013. He does have a contract running until the end of 2024, but things can change in an instant in Formula 1.
The Mexican also had a feud with Max Verstappen, which reared its ugly head in Brazil. With Perez embroiled in a tight fight for P2 in the drivers’ championship, he needed to get as many points as possible.
Verstappen, who already secured his second Formula 1 championship in Japan, was running ahead of Perez in the final laps of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Red Bull had ordered Verstappen to give way for Perez, but he refused to do so.
Both drivers made it clear that they have moved on from the incident in Brazil, but let’s see if Verstappen and Perez are really past that come 2023.
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