We’re nearly here, the start of a brand new Formula 1 season. Will Max Verstappen win his third consecutive Drivers title? Will Ferrari be more in the mix with Fred Vasseur in charge? Will Mercedes bounce back from a tough 2023 and will the likes of McLaren, Alpine and Aston Martin be good enough to challenge the top three teams? There are so many questions to be answered going into 2023 and I certainly cannot wait for the season to start in Bahrain on the 3rd of March. Now it’s time for my 2023 Formula 1 Season Preview.
The Teams:
Red Bull Racing
For the first time since 2014, Red Bull come into the year as the team to beat. Red Bull were on fire last season, winning 17 of the 22 races and they ended up winning the championship by 205 points. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Red Bull have achieved 5 Drivers titles, 6 Constructors titles, 92 race wins and they’ve taken 81 pole positions. This is an incredibly strong team and it’s going to take something special to stop them. Now let’s look at the drivers. Max Verstappen comes into 2023 as the back-to-back reigning Formula 1 World Champion. Last year, Max smashed the record for the most amount of wins in a single season (15) and he ended up winning the title by 146 points! Over the course of his F1 career, Verstappen has picked up 2 world titles, 35 race wins and 20 pole positions. He is definitely the favourite to win the world title this season. When it comes to his teammate, Sergio Perez is entering his third season as a Red Bull driver. Last year, Checo picked up his first ever pole position in F1, he won 2 races and he finished third in the championship. Over the course of his F1 career, Perez has won 4 races and he’s taken 1 pole position. Checo is a good racing driver, but he will need to be closer to his teammate if he is to guarantee his spot at the Milton Keynes outfit for 2024. Overall, Red Bull are a fantastic team and even though they have got reduced wind tunnel time for 2023, they’ve already got a good enough car where it shouldn’t affect them.
Scuderia Ferrari
Frederic Vasseur enters his first season as Ferrari Team Principal needing to cut out the mistakes if Ferrari are to fight for both championships. Ferrari had a really quick car at the start of last season, but strategy errors, engine failures and driver mistakes ended up seeing them finish second in the championship, 205 points behind the champions Red Bull. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Ferrari have achieved 15 Drivers titles, 16 Constructors titles, 242 race wins and 242 pole positions. Now let’s look at the drivers. Charles Leclerc took a positive step forward last season and he is looking to go even further in 2023. Last year, Charles won 3 races, picked up 9 pole positions and finished second in the championship. Over the course of his F1 career, Leclerc has won 5 races and he’s taken 18 pole positions. Charles is a really quick driver, but he’s going to have to iron out his mistakes if he is going to challenge for the Drivers title this season. When it comes to his teammate, Carlos Sainz will be looking to build from his positive second half of the season. Last year, Carlos picked up his first-ever pole position and race win (both at Silverstone) and he finished 5th in the championship. Over the course of his F1 career, Sainz has 1 race win to his name and he’s taken 3 pole positions. Carlos is a really good racing driver, but he needs to be closer in the championship to his teammate in 2023. Overall, if Ferrari can deliver the car that they had at the start of last season and the mistakes disappear, they could be really in the fight for both championships. However, I’m not sure if either things are going to happen.
Mercedes
For the first time since 2014, Mercedes aren’t the number 1 team on the grid. Mercedes struggled last season (compared to usual) and they ended up finishing third in the constructors' championship, 39 points behind Ferrari and 244 points behind Red Bull. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Mercedes have achieved 9 Drivers titles, 8 Constructors titles, 125 race wins and 137 pole positions. Now let’s look at the drivers. George Russell surprised quite a few people last season when he came into Mercedes and defeated Lewis Hamilton. Last year, George picked up his first race win in Brazil, his first sprint win in Brazil and his first pole position in Hungary. George finished fourth in the championship. Over the course of his F1 career, Russell has picked up 1 win and he’s taken pole position twice. I’m really intrigued to see how George gets on in 2023. When it comes to his teammate, Lewis Hamilton had a quiet season for his ridiculously high standards. Last year, Lewis didn’t take a single race win (first time in his career) or pole position in the entirety of the 2023 season and he only finished 6th in the championship (his lowest-ever finish). Over the course of his F1 career, Hamilton has the joint most amount of World titles (7) the most amount of race wins (103) and the most amount of pole positions (103) in Formula 1 history. This feels like a big year for Lewis. Overall, Mercedes will be looking to get back into the fight for both the Drivers and Constructors Championships and I think they will certainly have a chance in one of those departments.
Alpine
Alpine have an all-French driver line-up for 2023 and they will be hoping to build on a positive 2022. Alpine brought out a really solid package for last season and they ended the season finishing 4th in the Constructors’ championship, 14 points ahead of rivals McLaren. However, they were 342 points behind Mercedes which isn’t great. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Alpine have achieved two podiums and 1 race win. Their highest championship finish was P4 (2022). Now let’s look at the drivers. Esteban Ocon is entering his fourth season with the Enstone-based team and this feels like the year that Esteban needs to prove himself as the face of both Alpine and French motorsport. Last year, Esteban finished 8th in the championship and more impressively, he finished ahead of his teammate Fernando Alonso. Esteban’s best finish was P4 in Japan. Over the course of his F1 career, Ocon has finished on the podium twice, one of them being a race win in Hungary (2021). I think Esteban will go on to have another positive season. When it comes to his teammate, Pierre Gasly is finally not a part of the Red Bull family. Last year, Pierre finished 14th in the championship and his highest finish was P5 in Baku. Over the course of his F1 career, Gasly has managed 3 podiums and 1 race win (Monza 2020). I think this is a massive year for Pierre because he really needs to prove that he is as good as he says he is. Overall, Alpine are definitely improving and they won’t be happy with anything lower than P4 in the championship. I think it’s going to be tight.
McLaren
McLaren have one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the entire grid and they will hope that this will drive them back up into P4 in the Constructors’ Championship. McLaren really struggled in the first race of last season, but they were able to bring themselves back into the fight with Alpine for fourth in the championship. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, McLaren have achieved 12 Drivers’ titles, 8 Constructors’ titles, 183 race wins and 156 pole positions. Now let’s look at the drivers. Lando Norris has proven over the last few years that he is one of the best drivers in the world and he will fully get the most out of the car that is given to him. Last year, Lando picked up 1 podium (P3 in Imola) and he finished 7th in the championship (best of the rest). Over the course of his F1 career, Norris has picked up 6 podiums and he’s taken 1 pole position. I fully expect Lando to continue from where he left off last season. When it comes to his teammate, Oscar Piastri is about to make his long-awaited, very anticipated Formula 1 debut. Oscar Piastri won Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, FIA Formula 3 in 2020 and FIA Formula 2 in 2021 before he was forced to sit on the sidelines for the 2022 season. It originally looked like he was going to be driving for Williams or Alpine in 2023, but after a lot of drama, Piastri finds himself racing in Papaya. I’m really looking forward to watching Oscar Piastri this year as I really don’t know how he is going to perform. Overall, McLaren will want to get back into P4 in the Constructors’ standings and if Piastri is as good as they expect him to be, they probably will get their wish.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo enter 2023 knowing they will do well to keep hold of P6 in the Constructors’ Championship. Alfa were excellent in the first half of last season and that carried them to a P6 finish in the Constructors’ Championship. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Alfa Romeo have achieved 2 Drivers’ titles, 10 race wins and 12 pole positions. Now let’s look at the drivers. Valtteri Bottas had a very solid first year with Alfa Romeo last year and he will aim to build from it. Last year, Valtteri finished 10th in the drivers’ championship and his highest result was P5 in Imola. Over the course of his F1 career, Bottas has won 10 races and he’s picked up 20 pole positions. Let’s see if he can have another year good enough to make the top 10 in my end-of-season rankings. When it comes to his teammate, Zhou Guanyu is entering with arguably more pressure on his shoulders than last year. Last year, Zhou proved a lot of people wrong with his performances and he finished 18th in the championship. His highest finish was P8 in Canada. Over the course of his F1 career, Zhou has scored 6 points. I like Zhou, I think he’s done well. However, he needs to close the gap to his teammate in the championship and I fully expect that to happen. Overall, when you see Alfa Romeo as the sixth team on this list, it makes you think that they are on the up. However, I’m not so sure that they are.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin come into this year aiming for their highest championship finish since 2020. Aston were horrendous for the first half of last season, but they improved massively near the end of the season to finish in 7th place, level on points with Alfa Romeo (Alfa finished ahead of them in the championship due to having a higher overall race finish). Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Aston have achieved 1 podium and a best championship finish of 7th place (2021,22). Now let’s look at the drivers. Fernando Alonso is entering another new chapter in his career as he attempts to take Aston Martin up the field. Last year, Fernando finished 9th in the championship with a best race finish of P5 (Britain, Belgium and Sao Paulo). Over the course of his F1 career, Alonso has picked up 2 world championships, 32 race wins and 22 pole positions. I’m really intrigued to see how Fernando gets on in his new colours this season. When it comes to his teammate, Lance Stroll is aiming for his best season yet. Last year, Lance finished 15th in the championship and his best finish was P6 in Singapore. Over the course of his F1 career, Stroll has picked up 3 podiums and 1 pole position. This feels like an important year in Lance Stroll’s career. Overall, Aston Martin will be hoping to be in the fight for the best of the rest positions.
Haas
Haas walk into 2023 with an incredibly boring and exciting driver line-up. That’s impressive! Haas had a really positive start to the brand-new regulations, but they struggled after Austria and they only managed to pick up 3 points in the final 11 rounds. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Haas have achieved 1 pole position (Brazil 2022) and their highest championship finish was P5 in 2018. Now let’s look at the drivers. Kevin Magnussen will have more pressure on his shoulders this year as he’s more used to the car. Last year, Kevin finished 13th in the championship with a pole position to his name. His highest finish was P5 in Bahrain. Over the course of his F1 career, Magnussen has picked up 1 podium and 1 pole position. It’s important for K-Mag’s career that he beats his teammate this season. Speaking of his teammate, Nico Hulkenberg returns to Formula 1 after 3 years on the sidelines. Nico has spent the last few years working as Aston Martin’s reserve driver and it’s seen him take part in 5 races due to covid. Over the course of his F1 career, Hulkenberg has picked up 1 pole position and 521 points in total. I’m really intrigued to see how the Hulk gets on. Overall, Haas have the line-up this year that can allow them their highest championship finish since 2018.
Alpha Tauri
Alpha Tauri have to perform better this season. Alpha were really poor last season and they finished 9th in the Constructors' championship, their lowest finish since 2018. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Alpha Tauri have achieved 2 race wins, 5 podiums, 1 pole position and their highest championship finish is P6 (2008, 2019, 2021). Now let’s look at the drivers. This really feels like a now-or-never season for Yuki Tsunoda. Last year, Yuki finished 17th in the championship and his highest finish was P7 in Imola. Over the course of his F1 career, Tsunoda has scored 44 points. Anything below good this year for Yuki will most likely see him lose his seat in Formula 1. When it comes to his teammate, Nyck de Vries is finally getting his opportunity in the pinnacle of motorsport. Nyck is a former Formula 2 Champion (2019) and a Formula E World Champion (2021) so there’s no doubt that the Dutchman is talented. De Vries got an opportunity for Williams at Monza last year due to Alex Albon needing surgery and Nyck took his chance perfectly by scoring points in his Formula 1 debut. I really hope Nyck has a good season this year. Overall, Alpha Tauri don’t have a clear number 1 driver which could hurt them, but it might also be the thing they need to move themselves back up the grid.
Williams
James Vowles walks into the team principal role at Williams knowing it’s going to be difficult to turn the Williams ship around. Williams didn’t get to grips with the new regulations very well and it saw them comfortably be the slowest car on the grid last season. Over the course of their Formula 1 career, Williams have achieved 7 Drivers’ titles, 9 Constructors titles, 114 race wins and 128 pole positions. Now let’s look at the drivers. Alex Albon enters his second season with Williams hoping for a more competitive car than he had last season. Last year, Alex finished 19th in the championship and his best finish was a P9 in Miami. Over the course of his F1 career, Albon has picked up 2 podiums and he’s scored 201 points. Alex is a really good driver who will get the most out of the Williams package. When it comes to his teammate, Logan Sargeant will want to prove that he is ready for Formula 1. Last year, Logan finished P4 in his rookie season in Formula 2 and that was enough to convince the Williams board to move him into a main seat in Formula 1 (he was a part of the Williams academy during his junior career). I actually think Williams’ lack of pace might actually help Sargeant get up to grips with Formula 1 quicker than if he was put straight into a midfield fight. Overall, I think Williams will do well to move up the championship table this season.
The Tracks:
Bahrain Grand Prix (Round 1, 3rd-5th March)
Formula 1 returns in Bahrain for the season opener of what promises to be a fascinating season. The Bahrain International Circuit is 5.412 km (3.363 miles) long, it features 15 corners and there will be 57 laps in the race. In total, there have been 18 Bahrain Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 2004, was won by Michael Schumacher. Last year’s race saw Charles Leclerc pick up the victory in a 1-2 for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most Bahrain Grand Prix victories (5) whilst Ferrari have won the race 7 times. In my opinion, this is a great track.
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Round 2, 17th-19th March)
Saudi Arabia has hosted two Formula 1 races and they’ve both been very entertaining. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is 6.174 km (3.836 miles) long, it features 27 corners and there will be 50 laps in the race. Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural race in 2021 for Mercedes whilst Max Verstappen won for Red Bull last year after an epic battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. This race is not to be missed if you’re a Formula 1 fan.
Australian Grand Prix (Round 3, 31st-2nd April)
Australian fans will have a new home driver to cheer on this year as Oscar Piastri competes in his first home race. Albert Park is 5.278 km (3.280 miles) long, it features 16 corners and there will be 58 laps in the race. In total, there have been 36 Australian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1985, was won by Keke Rosberg. Last year’s race saw Charles Leclerc take victory and build a healthy lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championships. Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most Australian Grand Prix victories (4) whilst McLaren have won the race 11 times. They changed the track layout last season and it definitely made the racing better.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Round 4, 28th-30th April)
My favourite race of the season takes place on my Dad’s birthday as Round 4 is host to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Baku City Circuit is 6.003 km (3.730 miles) long, it features 20 corners and there will be 51 laps in the race. In total, there have been 5 Azerbaijan Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 2017, was won by Daniel Ricciardo. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen win from Sergio Perez after both Ferrari’s retired due to mechanical issues. Maybe the best thing about this track is there have never been any repeat winners! Even if you throw in the 2016 European Grand Prix (which was held at this circuit). Red Bull hold the record for the most Azerbaijan Grand Prix wins with 3. Baku is also hosting the first sprint race of 2023 which surely means there is going to be even more drama than usual (good luck)!
Miami Grand Prix (Round 5, 5th-7th May)
Miami hosts the first of three US Grand Prix’s in 2023. The Miami International Autodrome is 5.412 km (3.363 miles) long, it features 19 corners and there will be 57 laps in the race. Miami held its first ever Formula 1 race last year and it was won by Max Verstappen. If I’m being honest, this is one of the races I’m least looking forward to in 2023. The race was really dull last year and Formula 1 cares more about the spectacle of being in Miami than having entertaining racing.
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (Round 6, 19th-21st May)
Round 6 sees Formula 1 head to the iconic Imola Circuit for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari is 4.909 km (3.050 miles) long, it features 19 corners and there will be 63 laps in the race. In total, there have been 3 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 2020, was won by Lewis Hamilton. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen take the victory whilst Lando Norris scored the only podium of the season that wasn’t for one of the top 3 teams. Max Verstappen holds the record for the most Emilia Romagna Grand Prix victories (2) whilst Red Bull have won the race 2 times. Imola always looks awesome, but that doesn’t mean that the racing is particularly thrilling.
Monaco Grand Prix (Round 7, 26th-28th May)
Round 7 plays host to the most famous race of the season, the Monaco Grand Prix. The Circuit de Monaco is 3.337 km (2.074 miles) long, it features 19 corners and there will be 78 laps in the race. In total, there have been 68 Monaco Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1950, was won by Juan Manuel Fangio. Last year’s race saw Sergio Perez pick up his third Formula 1 race victory. Ayrton Senna holds the record for the most Monaco Grand Prix victories (6) whilst McLaren have won the race 15 times. This place is definitely home to the best qualifying session of the season.
Spanish Grand Prix (Round 8, 2nd-4th June)
Will Carlos Sainz be able to achieve his dream and win his home race this season? The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is 4.675 km (2.905 miles) long, it features 16 corners and there will be 66 laps in the race. In total, there have been 51 Spanish Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1951, was won by Juan Manuel Fangio. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen win after Leclerc’s engine blew up from the lead of the race. Both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton hold the record for the most Spanish Grand Prix victories (6) whilst Ferrari have won the race 12 times. Definitely one of the weaker rounds on the Formula 1 calendar.
Canadian Grand Prix (Round 9, 16th-18th June)
The Canadian Grand Prix has always been a driver's favourite. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is 4.361 km (2.709 miles) long, it features 13 corners and there will be 70 laps in the race. In total, there have been 51 Canadian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1967, was won by Jack Brabham. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen hold off Carlos Sainz to take victory and extend his championship lead. Both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton hold the record for the most Canadian Grand Prix victories (7) whilst McLaren have won the race 13 times. Canada is such a cool circuit, but it’s not the best for overtaking.
Austrian Grand Prix (Round 10, 30th-2nd July)
Austria plays host to the second sprint race of the season. The Red Bull Ring is 4.318 km (2.683 miles) long, it features 10 corners and there will be 71 laps in the race. In total, there have been 35 Austrian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1964, was won by Lorenzo Bandini. Last year’s race saw Charles Leclerc take what would be his final race win of the season. Both Alain Prost and Max Verstappen hold the record for the most Austrian Grand Prix victories (3) whilst both Ferrari and McLaren have won the race 6 times each. Austria is my favourite circuit in the world.
British Grand Prix (Round 11, 7th-9th July)
Will Silverstone play host to another iconic Grand Prix this season? Silverstone is 5.891 km (3.660 miles) long, it features 18 corners and there will be 52 laps in the race. In total, there have been 72 British Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1950, was won by Giuseppe Farina. Last year’s race saw Carlos Sainz take his first-ever Formula 1 victory in a thrilling race. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most British Grand Prix victories (8) whilst Ferrari have won the race 18 times. I always look forward to this weekend.
Hungarian Grand Prix (Round 12, 21st-23rd July)
The Hungaroring is 4.381 km (2.722 miles) long, it features 14 corners and there will be 70 laps in the race. In total, there have been 37 Hungarian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1986, was won by Nelson Piquet. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen take the victory from P10 on the grid. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most Hungarian Grand Prix victories (8) whilst McLaren have won the race 11 times. I fancy George Russell to win this race this year.
Belgian Grand Prix (Round 13, 28th-30th July)
The final race before the summer break sees F1 head to Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is 7.004 km (4.352 miles) long, it features 20 corners and there will be 44 laps in the race. In total, there have been 67 Belgian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1950, was won by Juan Manuel Fangio. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen storm through from 14th to take the chequered flag first. Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most Belgian Grand Prix Victories (6) whilst Ferrari have won the race 18 times. Spa needs to deliver a good race this year and it has two chances with the Sprint.
Dutch Grand Prix (Round 14, 25th-27th August)
After four weeks away, Formula 1 returns on Max Verstappen's (and Nyck de Vries’) turf. The Circuit Zandvoort is 4.259 km (2.646 miles) long, it features 14 corners and there will be 72 laps in the race. In total, there have been 32 Dutch Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1952, was won by Alberto Ascari. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen take yet another victory. Jim Clark holds the record for the most Dutch Grand Prix victories (4) whilst Ferrari have won the race 8 times. The atmosphere at Zandvoort is always really special.
Italian Grand Prix (Round 15, 1st-3rd September)
Ferrari will hope to be going into their home race leading both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. Monza is 5.793 km (3.600 miles) long, it features 11 corners and there will be 53 laps in the race. In total, there have been 73 Italian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1950, was won by Giuseppe Farina. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen pick up his 5th consecutive race win. Both Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton hold the record for the most Italian Grand Prix victories (5) whilst Ferrari have won the race 19 times. I enjoy Monza, it’s good fun.
Singapore Grand Prix (Round 16, 15th-17th September)
Formula 1 returns to Singapore for a slightly altered circuit layout. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is 5.063 km (3.146 miles) long, it features 19 corners and there will be 61 laps in the race. In total, there have been 13 Singapore Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 2008, was won by Fernando Alonso. Last year’s race saw Sergio Perez take a world-class victory. Sebastian Vettel holds the record for the most Singapore Grand Prix victories (5) whilst both Red Bull and Mercedes have won the race 4 times each. This race goes on forever!
Japanese Grand Prix (Round 17, 22nd-24th September)
Round 17 plays host to one of the most iconic circuits in racing history for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Suzuka Circuit is 5.807 km (3.608 miles) long, it features 18 corners and there will be 53 laps in the race. In total, there have been 36 Japanese Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1976, was won by Mario Andretti. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen seal his second World Championship in a shortened race. Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most Japanese Grand Prix victories (6) whilst McLaren have won the race 9 times. Suzuka is such a good track to drive.
Qatar Grand Prix (Round 18, 6th-8th October)
After a year off due to the World Cup, Formula 1 heads back to Qatar. The Losail International Circuit is 5.380 km (3.343 miles) long, it features 16 corners and there will be 57 laps in the race. Lewis Hamilton won the only previous Qatar Grand Prix back in 2021. The race in 2021 was definitely better than expected and I’m really looking forward to driving the track in the new F1 game. Also, this year’s Qatar Grand Prix features a sprint race which could be quite interesting.
United States Grand Prix (Round 19, 20th-22nd October)
The United States Grand Prix is definitely one of the more underrated rounds on the Formula 1 calendar. The Circuit of the America’s is 5.513 km (3.426 miles) long, it features 20 corners and there will be 56 laps in the race. In total, there have been 43 US Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1959, was won by Bruce McLaren! Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen celebrate his championship victory in style. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most United States Grand Prix victories (6) whilst Ferrari have won the race 10 times. COTA will also play host to the 5th sprint race of the season.
Mexico City Grand Prix (Round 20, 27th-29th October)
The big question going into Mexico is whether or not the championship would’ve already been wrapped up or not. The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is 4.304 km (2.674 miles) long, it features 17 corners and there will be 71 laps in the race. In total, there have been 22 Mexican Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1963, was won by Jim Clark. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen take his record-breaking, 14th win of the season. Max Verstappen holds the record for the most Mexican Grand Prix victories (4) whilst Red Bull have also won the race 4 times. I really like this track, but the racing hasn’t been good for years.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix (Round 21, 3rd-5th November)
The best weekend of the season happens at the start of November as we return to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace is 4.309 km (2.677 miles) long, it features 15 corners and there will be 71 laps in the race. In total, there have been 49 Brazilian Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 1973, was won by Emerson Fittipaldi. Last year’s race saw George Russell take his first-ever Formula 1 victory after a brilliant weekend of racing. Alain Prost holds the record for the most Brazilian Grand Prix victories (6) whilst McLaren have won the race 12 times. If I was to suggest one racing weekend for you to watch in 2023 or any year for that matter, it would be this one.
Las Vegas Grand Prix (Round 22, 16th-18th November)
Formula 1 goes big for the penultimate round of the season as teams and drivers head to Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Street Circuit is 6.120 km (3.803 miles) long, it features 17 corners and there will be 50 laps in the race. This will be the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix and the last race to be held in the city was the Caesars Palace Grand Prix back in 1982. I hope the race is good, but it just feels like it might just turn into another Miami. It’s also a unique race in the fact that the race is being held on Saturday Night in the US.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Round 23, 24th-26th November)
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix once again plays host to the season finale and everyone will be hoping that championships will be on the line at Yas Marina. The Yas Marina Circuit is 5.281 km (3.281 miles) long, it features 16 corners and there will be 58 laps in the race. In total, there have been 14 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s and the inaugural race, held in 2009, was won by Sebastian Vettel. Last year’s race saw Max Verstappen take his 15th race win of the season. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victories (5) whilst both Mercedes and Red Bull have won the race 6 times each. I really hope we have a championship fight going into the last race of the season!
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