The F1 2022 season is now at an end and all teams have since confirmed who will be racing for them in 2023. Back in July, I decided to take a shot and predict at who we could be seeing on next year's grid. But, the real question is, was I right?
Well, in some circumstances, I couldn't have been more wrong.
At the time of writing my original predictions, which you can find here, two teams had already confirmed their 2023 lineups. These were Red Bull and Ferrari with Verstappen and Perez and Leclerc and Sainz respectively. The other teams, however, spent some time mulling over all of their options with Williams the last team to confirm their line up in the month of November. So, let's compare my predictions to reality.
Mercedes
My prediction: Hamilton and Russell
Confirmed lineup: Hamilton and Russell
Despite rumours of a potential retirement for Hamilton, for me personally, there was very little doubt that it would come to fruition. And, with both drivers working extremely well in their first season as teammates; it just makes sense for Mercedes to continue as they are. We also can't skip over the fact that Russell out-performed Hamilton in 2022 and the car, itself, has improved vastly over the season. This is definitely one of the strongest line ups on the grid and one to watch in 2023.
McLaren
My prediction: Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo
Confirmed line up: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
"Who will driver for McLaren?" was one of the MOST talked about subjects throughout the 2022 season. However, rumours were soon put to rest when the team confirmed Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for 2023.
At the time of the announcement, Piastri was supposedly contracted to drive at Alpine for next season. Tensions and a court case arose between both teams with McLaren eventually winning the case and therefore Piastri.
Piastri will replace Daniel Ricciardo which, due to Ricciardo's perfomance this season, comes at no surprise. It is a shame for Ricciardo but after being confirmed as third driver for Red Bull, his future seems to be back where he started.
Alpine
My prediction: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon
Confirmed line up: Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly
Talking of Alpine, they're also facing a driver change for 2023 when Pierre Gasly joins the team from Alpha Tauri, replacing a departing Alonso.
After Alonso announced his shock departure from the team, names were being thrown all over the place as to who was to replace him. From Piastri to Formula 2's Jack Doohan to ex-F1 racer Nico Hulkenberg. However, it was Pierre Gasly that seemed to be the most likely candidate to join the team.
Once Gasly was confirmed, there was a lot of talk in regards to his and Ocon's professional relationship due to past endeavours. However, both drivers and team think that this pairing will work out. But us as fans will just have to wait and see. Also, it was past time Gasly left the Red Bull camp. Let's hope it all works out for the Frenchman.
Alpha Tauri
My predicition: Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda
Confirmed line up: Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries
As discussed above, Gasly has made the switch to Alpine for 2023. However, as for Tsunoda, the team has decided to keep hold of their younger protégée despite him not having the best season in 2022.
It came as a bit of a surprise when rumours started to circle that Formula E champion; Nyck de Vries, was in line to replace Gasly at Alpha Tauri. But, after his performance at the Italian Grand Prix, where he substituted for Alexander Albon at Williams, can you blame Red Bull for trying to get de Vries on their roster?
You have to admit though, it does make you question the point of their junior team but, at the same time, their Formula 2 drivers haven't done anything special this season to prove they are ready for Formula One. What interests me though is how well Nyck is going to do. Will his age and experience prove to be an advantage for him over Tsunoda?
Aston Martin
My prediction: Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll
Confirmed line up: Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso
In my original prediction post, I commented about the potential retirement of Sebastian Vettel, talking myself into believing that this wasn't going to happen. But alas, here we are.
Vettel leaving Aston Martin is a big loss to the team but they are, however, gaining the experience and expertise of another multiple world champion. It was a shock to the system when Fernando Alonso unexpectedly announced his move to Aston Martin and I can't decide whether this will be good or bad for the Spaniard.
As for Stroll, there's not much to say. He was expected to stay with Dad as the owner of the team.
Williams
My prediction: Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri
Confirmed line up: Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant
Earlier in the season the team described Albon as a "long term proposition," which, in my eyes had confirmed his continuation with the team for 2023. I was correct.
As for that second seat, I didn't think the likelihood of Sargeant gaining his super license this year would have become a reality. Luckily for the American driver, it did.
Williams, however, had plenty of other options before him. But, their reserve driver; de Vries, decided he was to go to Alpha Tauri for 2023 and Haas were taking their time over Mick Schumacher. A decision had to be made sooner rather than later. Why not take a chance on their own academy driver? And, that's exactly what they've done proving that it's not quite the end of the junior team thus yet.
Alfa Romeo
My prediction: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu
Confirmed line up: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu
Although Alfa Romeo have their junior driver; Theo Pourchaire on the sidelines, it's no surprise that Alfa decided to continue on with their current lineup.
There's not much to comment on here. Both drivers had decent 2022 seasons and both seem to be working well as teammates. Why change something that isn't broken?
Haas
My prediction: Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher
Confirmed line up: Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg
It's such a shame for Schumacher, loosing out on a seat to F1 veteran; Hulkenberg but that's motorsport.
You have to feel for Mick. You really do. He hasn't had the best F1 career but had shown a glimmer of what he can do, here and there. Personally, I feel as if he's been hindered by his name. But it is what it is.
Hulkenberg returning has become somewhat of a "meme" in F1 in recent years due to his late minute call ups to act as a reserve. But, teams obviously still rate him as a race driver.
And, you have to wonder, how is he and Magnussen going to get on? They're definitely not the best of friends. This lineup could be setting off the fireworks quite early on.
Well, there we have it.
I managed to predict two lines up in full, so, if you ever need a prediction, don't come knocking on my door. Although, it is some consolation to realise that I predicted at least one driver correctly in each team, so, there is that.
Still, it was fun with plenty of shocks and surprises. Bring on 2023, I say. Let's do this!
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