Opinion - 6 Tracks That I Think Are Sprint Race Worthy

Sprint races. They're like marmite. You either love them or you hate them. Unfortunately for the people who group themselves in the latter, it looks as if the sprint is here to stay, with six confirmed sprint races to take place throughout the 2023 season and beyond.

The sprint first came to fruition in 2021 with the inaugural race taking place at the 2021 British Grand Prix. Click here to read my opinions on that particular sprint weekend. Including the first sprint, Formula One has trialed a total of six sprint weekends. Three in 2021 and a further three in 2022. Since the closure of the 2022 Formula One season, a further six sprints have been announced. As mentioned above, these will take place next season and will be held in Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, USA and Brazil. But, what do we make of these choices? I wont lie, I'm not overly hung on the idea of the sprint race acting as a replacement for qualifying. I see it as, "if it's not broke, don't fix it." However, my opinion isn't going to change anything. As for the sprint race locations, these are good tracks and have provided decent racing in the past. I would definitely, though, chop and change a few. Keep reading to discover which six tracks, that appear in the 2023 calendar, I would use for the sprint weekends.

Canada

Canada. One of my favourite circuits. It's not overly a fast track but it's long and presents some good overtaking opportunities. The weather, too, has been known to mix things up in a race, giving for some memorable classics, eg; the 2011 race. A wet sprint here could be quite interesting, indeed.

Austria

Austria has already been confirmed as a sprint for the 2023 season. The thing that makes the Red Bull Ring perfect for a sprint weekend is that it's short and mighty quick, with the lap record standing at 1:06.957. This was set by Kimi Raikkonen in 2018 - not during a sprint, however. They didn't exist then. And, with a sprint already held here in 2022, we know that this track can cause some upsets as the drivers battle their way through the field to secure their grid places for the main race the following day. Personally, I feel, if you're going to hold a sprint race, do it in Austria.

Silverstone

Like Austria, Silverstone has already been the venue of a sprint weekend. In fact, it was the site of the inaugural sprint weekend in 2021, which I've already discussed. Silverstone is a unique and historical race track in the world of Formula One. It's fast and it's challenging. It's everything a race track should be. And, just for those reasons alone, that is why I think it should continue to be a sprint race venue.

Monza

Ah, yes, Monza. Like Austria and Silverstone, this Italian venue has also had it's experience with sprint races, after one was held here in 2021. Although some drivers criticised this particular sprint race calling it "very boring," F1 management were adamant that "plenty of action" was provided.

What I like about Monza is that, again, it's high speed and it's also simplistic. The track has held the title of "fastest track on the F1 calendar" since 1991 and consists of long straights and tight chicanes. Just what I like. In recent races, Monza has coughed up some surprise podium sitters and race winners. If we could try a sprint at Monza again, I reckon it could be a good one.

Suzuka

Another classic, old school circuit. They seem to be popping up all over the place in this list. Compared to that of a roller-coaster, due to the high and slow speeds and figure of eight layout of the track, Suzuka is another prime example of a track where the sprint race could be successful. And, let's not forget the weather. When it rains in Suzuka, it pours. A mixed up grid could definitely be on the cards here.

Brazil

And, finally, Brazil! The last sprint was held here in Interlagos in 2022 and wasn't it a delight. (That's strong wording coming from me, someone not quite keen on the sprint idea!) With plenty of on-track battles and rain in the air, Interlagos delivered and thus deserves it's place on this list. I guess it's true what they say, "Interlagos never disappoints." I'm quite looking forward to seeing it as a sprint again in 2023.

So, there are my six. Canada, Austria, Silverstone, Monza, Suzuka and Brazil. All have one thing in common - they're old school circuits and, in my opinion, it's this type of circuit that provides the best racing. But, if I had my own way, sprints wouldn't exist at all. I don't really fully understand the idea behind them other than being a provider of more entertainment. They don't really do anything purposefully for the sport. But, hey-ho. Do you agree with my six tracks? Or, would you choose something different entirely? Let me know in the comment section below!

Opinion: Will Ferrari Ever Bounce Back?

Scuderia Ferrari. This team is Formula One.

For me, growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, the red racing car was the perfect metaphor for, not just F1, but for the whole of motorsport. Everything to do with this sport was red. From toys to books to merchandise; it was red. Everyone knew of Ferrari and everyone knew of Michael Schumacher. Their success as team and driver was staggering. With five World Driver Championship (WDC) titles and six World Constructor Championship (WCC) titles between them; they've become one of the most successful partnerships in Formula One history. But, what exactly, in this recent era of racing, has gone wrong for the team from Italy? Will they ever bounce back and emulate their success?

It's December 2022 and the 73rd official Formula One season has recently come to a close. Ferrari drivers; Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, finishes 2nd and 5th, respectively, in the driver standings. The team finishes 2nd. Compared to recent years, this has been a big step forward for the Italians, but mistakes were still consistently present throughout the season. It's fair to make the comment that a championship was easily thrown away.

Scuderia Ferrari is one of the oldest teams in Formula One, making their debut in the sport's inaugural season in 1950. To this day they have raced in over 1000 races and have won a record breaking 16 WCC titles - the most recent being in 2008. They also have 15 WDC titles between nine different drivers, including the likes of Ascari, Fangio, Lauda, Schumacher and most recently, in 2007, Raikkonen. It makes you question as to how such a prestigious team has got it all wrong in the past ten years or so.

The Ferrari team has issues. And, they've been prevelant for some time. The team has had numerous team principles who just can't get it right. From race strategies to car development to professional relationships with their drivers; overtime the "dream team" soon becomes a full on nightmare. Take Fernando Alonso, for example. He joined the Scuderia in 2010 and everyone expected great things from the Spaniard. Alas, it was not meant to be. Ferrari's slow development on the car led to Alonso feeling frustrated. Soon he became vocal on the issues and Ferrari didn't want to cope with pressure from their driver or the media. There's heck of a lot more to this but they, somewhat, simply casted Fernando to one side.

And, it's not just the drivers that sometimes get the boot. The role of the team principle is, somewhat, just as delicate. In this past season, 2022, the big issue has been strategies. It's evident from the team's radio during race weekends that communication seems to be the main contribution to their ever failing strategies. Due to this, current team principle; Mattia Binnotto, has therefore left the team. But, this isn't the first time a team principle has left. Binnotto is just one of many. And, so far, the successors haven't fared any better.

So, what now for the prancing horse? Well, who knows? It's a matter of wait and see. They have two extremely dedicated, fast, race winning drivers contracted up until the end of 2024 and a car which really took it to Red Bull at the start of the season. They have the all the ingredients but just can't "make the cake," so to speak. Also, they've already proved that if they can get it right, they get it really right. It's just a case of keeping on top of developments, consistency and getting the right strategy. It's not impossible for Ferrari to be the team they once were but right now, things aren't looking the best. Their status as a top F1 team can, occasionally, be laughable. But, at the end of the day, this is motorsport. It's a bloody difficult world to be apart of. We'll just have to wait until next year to see if the Scuderia can turn things around.

My F1 2023 Driver Line Up Prediction. Was I Right?

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!