This is Max Verstappen’s third title win and his team, Red Bull Racing, has retained the World Constructors’ Championship.
BHPian Aditya recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
The 2023 Formula 1 season is nearing its end. As in recent times, it has been a long one for the constructors and drivers.
There are still 2 races remaining, but the World Drivers’ Championship and World Constructors’ Championship have already been wrapped up. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) has dominated the season with 17 wins and has secured an unassailable lead in the World Drivers’ Championship. This is his third title With teammate Sergio Perez putting up a good show as well, Verstappen’s team, Red Bull Racing has retained the World Constructors’ Championship.
7-time champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) is third with 2-time champion Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) not very far behind. Lando Norris (McLaren), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and George Russel (Mercedes) have performed well from time to time.
In the World Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes is in second place with Ferrari in third, McLaren in fourth and Aston Martin completing the top 5.
So who was your F1 driver of 2023?
Much as I hate to admit this (Hamilton fan here), it’s Max all the way. Leaving aside the fact that he’s been given a car that is much ahead of the competition, he’s been flawless throughout the year and has made the best of his car, strategy and team.
Here’s what BHPian Hayek had to say about the matter:
I liked Max and backed him hugely in 2020 and 2021 as he took the fight to Lewis. Of course, he has made F1 boring and I now find myself hoping for his car to break down. But in a year where he has dominated so thoroughly in a car where Perez (who is no slouch) has been in the pack behind him but not a clear unquestioned #2, you have to nominate him for driver of the year.
The more interesting question would be who is the second-best driver of the year? For me, that would be Alonso who has maximised the potential of a car that in the hands of his team mate is closer to the bottom of the pack than the top.
Here’s what BHPian nova.19_exe had to say about the matter:
I’m a huge Hamilton fan! Pains to say this but Mercedes just hasn’t been up to par this season! I’ve voted for Lando Norris!
Yes yes, I know, Max this, Max that. But I feel Lando did a better job than Max this season. No hate for Max though, he did well this season. But there’s not many people talking about Lando and his season.
Here’s what BHPian Himanshu809 had to say about the matter:
As simply lovely as Max’s car and his performance both are; you have to give it to Fernando Alonso. At the age of 42, he took the fight to the best of the best and showed some excellent reflexes and skills. Some early podiums established his still-alive fire and hunger to win. He is like a mutant, just doesn’t age. Don’t know what happened to Aston Martin’s car mid-season but if they had maintained the performance jump they achieved at the beginning of the season the points tally would be a lot different.
Fernando Alonso is one driver who always outperforms his car. So I voted for him. Max does not need any votes, he’s class apart from everyone else. I don’t know why people have to mention his excellent car while praising his performance. Obviously, the car has to be good to win but in the end, it’s the racer’s foot on the pedal, Hamilton always had an amazing car during his unbeatable streak. That doesn’t mean Hamilton won JUST because of his superior machinery. It takes skill to perform at that level consistently.
Off Topic – Las Vegas GP is so stupid, the pig track is lame. I wish F1 would come back to India.
Keyword: Driver of the 2023 Formula 1 Season as per fans and enthusiasts