Formula Two: Where's The Progression?

With the 2022 Formula One season entering it's latter stages, there are still a handful of seats available for 2023, and, of course as per usual, there are plenty of rumours surrounding who will be the lucky drivers to fill these. Current rumours include Alpha Tauri's driver; Pierre Gasly, making the move to Alpine and Nyck de Vries, who stood in for Alexander Albon down at Williams for the 2022 Italian Grand Prix weekend, is supposedly replacing Gasly at Alpha Tauri. Zhou Guanyu will most likely continue with Alfa Romeo and Haas seem to be heading down the "ex-Formula One" driver route. But what about the drivers in Formula Two? Isn't the junior series the breeding ground of F1? Why is it that a very small handful of drivers are being looked at as potential future F1 drivers? Let's take a look.

First of all I should clarify that not every Formula One driver comes from Formula Two. In fact, Formula Two is one of many pathways into the world of F1. It is, however, due to the convenience of being the main support series of F1, the most logical and easiest way into the pinnacle of motorsport. It is not a requirement.

Formula One has seen it's fair share of drivers graduating from Formula Two (or GP2, as it was once known). Over 40 Formula Two drivers have made the jump including Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Romain Grosjean, George Russell, Mick Schumacher, to name a few. Not all of these 40+ drivers have been GP2/Formula 2 champions. Some have had the talent, some have been affiliated with F1 junior team programmes, such as the Red Bull Junior Team, and some have, dare I say it, had the money to progress. Something which the lower end F1 teams find extremely attractive. Despite these attributes, something every future F1 driver needs is a Super License. This is what stops many drivers progressing from F2 to F1.

But, how does a driver get a Super License?

A driver needs 40 or more points to their name and be over the age of 18 to qualify for a Super License. These points are awarded based on finishing positions in a championship and the amount of points awarded are based on the popularity of that series. For example, this year's Formula 2 championship was won by Felipe Drugovich. A driver that wasn't affiliated to a single F1 team. His championship win gave him 40 points, enough for a license but experience in an F1 car is also a factor and unfortunately for the Brazilian, that is what he lacked. However, it wasn't long before F1 teams were trying to snap Drugovich up. He will be reserve driver for Aston Martin in 2023 and will get an outing with the team at this years F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Talking of experience, a lot of drivers that currently race in Formula Two are affiliated to Formula One teams via their junior teams. This year eleven drivers out of a field of what will be twenty-seven drivers in total, are racing under an F1 junior team. Whether this be with Mercedes, Red Bull, Alpine or Williams etc, they are getting the experience not just in the car but also behind the scenes.

Junior teams are, in my own opinion, the BEST way for a driver to enter Formula One. Quite often, they work but sometimes they don't. It's all about availability at the time. Also, it can be tough for the driver. Being contracted to a junior team most likely blocks the path to any available seats or opportunities with other teams, although in recent years this has been relaxed.

But let's look at Red Bull. If rumours are to be believed, they will have an opening at their sister F1 team, Alpha Tauri, in 2023. This seat may be filled by Nyck de Vries; a non-Red Bull driver. Why are Red Bull looking elsewhere when they have plenty of drivers in Formula Two? I think this is pretty simple to answer. None of the Red Bull Junior Team have been performing as expected. Nyck has come into F1 and impressed on debut. They think Nyck is their best option for progression. Again, it's back to talent and experience.

Overall, I think Formula Two has been a successful way for drivers to get into F1. Of course, not everyone will get a chance. There are only 20 seats after all. But it's the perfect place for a driver to showcase their talent and the progression is there for sure. It's all about having the talent and being in the right place at the right time. Also, having a few £££ also helps.

Sebastian Vettel. That's It. That's The Title

Sebastian Vettel isn’t just a four time Formula One World Champion. He’s one of those rare, hard to find kind of human beings. His passion for anything and everything is incredible. His absence from the Formula One paddock will be evident and I, for one, am not ready for it.

Thursday 28th July 2022. It’s media day at the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend and a verified page for Sebastian Vettel has just appeared on Instagram. This breaks the social media side of the Formula One world sending many into disarray. Why on earth has someone who’s been extremely vocal about the toxicity of social media suddenly join instagram? Surely this means one thing?

Sebastian Vettel is to retire from Formula One at the end of the 2022 season.

There is no denying that Seb’s F1 career has been nothing but historic and extraordinary. From winning his first race in 2008 in a Toro Rosso to dominating the F1 world while racing for the Red Bull team from 2009-2014. And, not to mention the number of records the German has broken along the way. What he’s achieved has been incredible.

Let's have a quick breakdown of his career. Seb’s first F1 race was with BMW at the 2007 US Grand Prix where he replaced injured Robert Kubica. After becoming the youngest point scorer ever at the time, he moved to Toro Rosso for the remainder of 2007 and the whole of 2008 where he then became the youngest Grand Prix winner at that year’s rain sodden Italian Grand Prix. In 2009 he moved to the main Red Bull Team and won four consecutive championships in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 alongside the many records that he broke. For 2015, Vettel made the unexpected jump to Ferrari where things didn’t quite go to plan and after a difficult few seasons he finally moved to Aston Martin for 2021 which will be his final team before his retirement later on this year.

However, it’s not just what Sebastian has achieved on track that makes him the incredible person that he is. It’s also what he’s achieved and done off track. In recent years he has shown a passion for activism. Whether it’s to do with the environment or social justice issues, he’s been there fighting for what’s right. And, on top of racing and activism, he’s been raising a family. The man is a literal machine.

Over the years I have watched Sebastian race, it’s been an honour to witness not just his achievements in the world of motorsport but also the type of person he has become. He is the prime example of a brilliant role model for anyone and even I, at nearly 30 years old, have learnt a lot from him.

Formula One without Sebastian Vettel sounds like a bizarre world and whether we’ll ever get another Sebastian Vettel type is questionable. But for Vettel himself, I agree that, although I convinced myself he would resign with Aston Martin for at least one more year, now is the time to retire. It’s unlikely and pretty evident that there are no more F1 championships in the German’s future and with the Aston Martin car currently performing as it is, I do not blame Seb for being the bigger man and turning his back on the sport he loves for something he loves more. His family.

Whatever lays ahead in Sebastian’s future, I wish him all of the luck in the world. We, as F1 fans, have been extremely lucky to be apart of the Sebastian Vettel era. Whether we’ll see him again in the world of Formula One, I don’t know. I guess until then it’s “Danke Seb.”

Let's Predict the 2023 F1 Driver Line Up!

With the 2022 F1 season now at it's half-way stage and the summer break slowly looming into view, what's the 2023 driver line up looking like? And, who do I think will be signing contracts for the current vacant seats for 2023? Keep reading for my opinions!

Mercedes:

Mercedes current driver line up of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both have contracts with the team for 2023. However, with the constant rumours of a retirement on the horizon for Hamilton, his presence on the 2023 grid does have somewhat of a question mark. I, personally, am sure he'll be continuing on in '23. It's been a tough start for Mercedes this season but with their ever improving car I highly doubt that Lewis is ready to give up on his quest for an eight world championship. So yes, Hamilton and Russell will both stay with Mercedes for next season.

Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell

Red Bull:

An easy one. Unless either driver starts to under perform and get's the infamous Red Bull chop, both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will be with the team in 2023. Back in 2021, the world champion for that season; Max Verstappen, signed an extension to continue with the team for six more years taking him to 2028 where as Sergio Perez, this year, has signed a two year deal. Both of these drivers will still be Bulls next season.

Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez

Ferrari:

Another easy one with an already confirmed line up in the shape of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Both drivers currently have contracts up until 2024 and although both have had issues with reliability and performance so far in 2022, they are both in a descent position and will definitely be on the grid with Ferrari in 2023.

Ferrari: Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc

McLaren:

Ah yes, the team that is giving everyone a headache over their driver line up. Current drivers, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, both have contracts for the '23 season. Norris has even signed with the team up until 2025 and considering McLaren is somewhat "home" for him, I expect him to fulfill this contract.

Daniel Ricciardo, on the other hand, is an interesting aspect. Contracted until the end of 2024, the Aussie driver has been the centre of speculation in recent months as to whether his seat is actually safe at the team. And, with a number of drivers such as Alex Albon, Sebastian Vettel, Oscar Piastri as well as Indy Car's Colton Herta and Pato O'Ward being mentioned as potential replacements, this is one seat to watch.

However, although there always seems to be a clause to end a contract early and despite rumours currently doing the rounds, I think Ricciardo is safe for 2023. And, with Daniel Ricciardo himself stating that "I am committed to McLaren until the end of next year and am not walking away from the sport," comments that were backed by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, I don't think we can really look past that but I've been proven wrong before. For now, I'm predicting a Norris/Ricciardo line up at McLaren next season.

McLaren: Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

Alpine:

Alpine currently have a vacancy for 2023 as current driver Fernando Alonso is out of contract at the end of the season. Other driver, Esteban Ocon, is contracted until 2024.

I think it's pretty much a given that Alonso will be continuing with Alpine in 2023 despite the team's highly-rated reserve driver, Oscar Piastri, being available for a race seat.

If rumours are to be believed, Piastri may be heading to Williams next season which would suggest Alonso plans on staying. This makes sense as Fernando seems 100% committed to the team and his experience in Formula One is a value to them. Unless Alonso surprises me and retires (again), he'll continue to partner Ocon next season.

Alpine: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon

Alpha Tauri:

As with Alpine, Alpha Tauri currently has a vacancy next season. It was highly anticipated that current driver, Pierre Gasly, would be moving away from the Red Bull rooster next season. Alas, his future at the team was recently confirmed and the French driver will be staying with Red Bull's sister team in 2023. But will he?

During the Austrian GP weekend the rumour mill was in full swing and there's a possible get out clause for Gasly if he was to leave before 2023. But, where would he go? Alpine? Possible but unlikely. McLaren? Let's just add him to the ever growing list on potential candidates. No, unless a brilliant chance presents itself elsewhere, he'll be with Alpha Tauri.

And then there is his teammate who is currently Yuki Tsunoda. However, the talent that is currently coming through the Red Bull Junior Programme is exciting. Will Yuki get to stay on for a third year or will the likes of Liam Lawson or Juri Vips get in there instead of him? It's hard to know. Vips may have ruined all chance of a seat thanks to his racist remarks during a livestream that saw him stripped of the role of test driver at the main Red Bull team. Because of this, he's out. So, it's between Tsunoda and Lawson. Lawson isn't having the best Formula 2 year and is currently 10th in standings. Tsunoda has the speed but just needs to clean things up a bit. Looking at previous Red Bull Juniors, until one of them wins a championship it's highly likely Tsunoda will be safe at Alpha Tauri. Gasly and Tsunoda are my picks for Alpha Tauri in 2023.

Alpha Tauri: Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda

Aston Martin:

Sebastian Vettel's contract expires with the team at the end of this season and with the team eyeing up a potential long term contract extension with the German driver I think that it's entirely plausible that he could stay with the team for 2023. Unless that is he was to retire which, like a lot of other things, has been around the rumour mill. Sometimes, I find it difficult to tell as to whether Vettel still enjoys Formula One. I think his retirement would be more expected than Hamilton's or Alonso's, for example. I'm kind of at a dead end as to whether he will be on the grid for next season but as that contract extension could be there I wouldn't be surprised if he continued for at least another year.

Then there is his teammate Lance Stroll. I don't highly rate the Canadian but as Daddy owns the team, he'll be driving for them in 2023 for sure. For now, I think it will be Vettel/Stroll at Aston Martin in '23.

Aston Martin: Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll

Williams:

Another interesting one where rumours seem to have convinced me that Oscar Piastri will be replacing Nicholas Latifi from 2023. Latifi has had a very dismal 2022 so far despite a surprise Q3 appearance in Silverstone but don't let that fool you. The Canadian's F1 career just hasn't lived up to expectations and time is running out or even ran out as I'm sure a deal with Piastri is done. Again, I've been proven wrong before.

As for Alex Albon he seems quite comfortable at Williams and although with the rumours of McLaren being interested in him, I think he's staying at Williams, especially as team CEO Jost Capito see's Albon as "a long term proposition."

Formula E driver and champion Nyck de Vries also is in the frame for a seat at Williams after his outing in FP1 in Spain for the team. This is a highly plausible move but I can't really see it happening.

Williams: Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri

Alfa Romeo:

Driver Valtteri Bottas joined the team from Mercedes for 2022 on what is a multi-year deal. His seat is safe for 2023. Other driver, rookie; Zhou Guanyu, is currently only on a one year deal that covers 2022.

Zhou has been impressive this season. Especially when up against experienced team mate Bottas. I'm about 90% sure he will be resigned with the team for next season. However, the team have Formula 2 driver Theo Pourchaire waiting in the wings for his opportunity. Right now though I wouldn't be surprised to see Bottas and Zhou remain at Alfa Romeo in 2023.

Alfa Romeo: Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu

Haas:

Lastly is Haas. Another relatively easy prediction. Kevin Magnussen unexpectedly rejoined the team in 2022 replacing Nikita Mazepin on a multi-year deal. Teammate Mick Schumacher is currently in his final year of his contract.

So far in his Formula One career, Schumacher has struggled and has been involved in a couple of unfortunate incidents which doesn't help his predicament in extending his contract. However, in recent races, Silverstone and Austria to be exact, Schumacher has improved rapidly and is starting to show promise. It's just a matter of time before his contract is extended.

Haas: Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher

So that's my prediction for 2023. But there's so much to think about and I think some of my predictions could be wrong. Who will McLaren choose? Will Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton continue beyond 2022? Where do we put all these Red Bull Juniors/rookie drivers? Will there be a new team?

It's all so exciting!