With such supremacy from a certain Austrian team and Dutch driver, the 2023 F1 season may have been one of the more predictable in recent years – yet we still saw plenty of Formula 1 at its very finest.
From enthralling new races to fierce podium battles, the season had its fair share of drama, thrill and intrigue. Join me as I reflect on some of my personal highlights of the 2023 season, before taking a quick look at what we can expect later this year.
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In summary: a quick look at the 2023 F1 season
The F1 season 2023 belonged to one seemingly invincible team and one record-breaking man. Red Bull triumphed in all but one Grand Prix, while Max Verstappen claimed his third drivers’ championship title in a year of total domination, winning 19 of the 22 races.
Yet, the season was not without its delightful surprises.
We witnessed some fine racing, especially in the mid-field where the battles were hardest fought. The other big four – Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin and McLaren – also didn’t disappoint and secured most of the remaining points on offer throughout the season.
In November, we saw the arrival of the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was another personal highlight for me, as we watched the race live in the entertainment capital of the world. After some early chaos due to a flying manhole cover, the weekend settled into a feast for the senses, with high-velocity racing and plenty of clever passing, all set against a truly unique backdrop.
I’m confident that as Sin City begins to embrace this race, Las Vegas will become the next Monaco – with extra spice. We can’t wait to return with our guests next year.
2023 F1 season highlights at a glance:
- Champion constructor Red Bull broke McLaren’s record for most consecutive wins (12) by a constructor in a season
- Champion driver Max Verstappen broke Sebastian Vettel’s record for the most consecutive wins by a driver (10) in a season
- Carlos Sainz and Ferrari claimed the only non-Red Bull victory in a hard-fought Singapore Grand Prix
- One of the most dramatic finishes was Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez’s battle for third in São Paulo – Alonso edged it by just five-hundredths of a second!
- The Las Vegas Grand Prix made its chaotic, glitzy and gripping debut in November
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The best drivers, teams and cars of the 2023 F1 season
Ultimately, there’s no question of the best driver, team and car of 2023. With its astounding RB19, Red Bull triumphed in all but one Grand Prix and rightly claimed its sixth Constructors’ Championship. In October, Max Verstappen had secured his third Drivers’ Championship title.
While the growing predictability took a little anticipation from the races, it’s an incredible feat that will hopefully have rival teams and drivers upping their game ahead of 2024. Fortunately, we already saw evidence of this happening towards the end of the season, particularly from Lando Norris in the McLaren and Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin.
For me, Carlos Sainz’s win at the Singapore Grand Prix was epic – perhaps because it was the only race not won by Red Bull. It was a Ferrari battle until Leclerc’s pitlane drama, setting the scene for a Ferrari vs. Mercedes vs. McLaren finale, ending with George Russell in the wall.
Who said street racing was not exciting?
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Formula 1’s 2024 season is nearly here: what’s new & what will be must-see?
It’s not even started yet and the 2024 F1 season is already breaking records. The return of both the Chinese Grand Prix and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix contribute to a bumper ‘24 race calendar that’s F1’s biggest ever.
Along with new regulations, new cars and big dreams, 2024 is shaping up to be a very exciting season. Naturally, Red Bull remains the team to beat, but look out for McLaren and Mercedes, who are both keen to return to former glories – a sentiment evident as the 2023 F1 season concluded.
Aston Martin and Alpine will both be keen to take more points in 2024, while Williams led by Albon will keep chipping away towards the middle.
As usual, I have my favourite races to look forward to, including Australia and Monza, while an F1 weekend in Monaco, complete with an opulent yacht party, is always a particular highlight. Yet, I’m most looking forward to more overtaking, closer races, and some different faces on top of the podium in 2024.
Image: Ultimate Driving Tours
All roads lead to Melbourne for UDT’s first event of the 2024 F1 season
The 2024 F1 season will be here before we know it – and you can be there for all the early action by joining us for the 2024 Melbourne Grand Prix.
Experience three exciting days of top-notch hospitality at Albert Park during the Australian Grand Prix, complemented by a weekend in one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.
You can learn more about this tour and our full collection of exclusive F1 experiences by speaking to our friendly travel concierge team today.
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