The 2023 Formula One season was marked by unprecedented dominance from Red Bull Racing and their lead driver, Max Verstappen. Verstappen secured his third consecutive World Drivers’ Championship, setting multiple records, while Red Bull clinched the Constructors’ Championship with a near-perfect performance.

Season Overview

The season comprised 22 Grands Prix, with Red Bull Racing winning 21 of them, achieving a remarkable 95.45% win rate. This surpassed McLaren’s previous record from 1988. Verstappen alone claimed victory in 19 races, setting a new benchmark for the most wins in a single season. His win rate of 86.36% also broke the long-standing record held by Alberto Ascari since 1952. Additionally, Verstappen stood on the podium 21 times, another record-setting achievement. 

Key Highlights

• Red Bull’s Dominance: The team’s performance was described as “phenomenal” and “remarkable,” with their RB19 car proving superior across various circuits and conditions. 

• Singapore Grand Prix: The only race Red Bull did not win was the Singapore Grand Prix, where Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. delivered an exceptional performance to take the victory. 

• McLaren’s Resurgence: After a challenging start, McLaren introduced significant upgrades at the Austrian Grand Prix, leading to a substantial improvement in performance. Rookie driver Oscar Piastri was particularly impressive, earning the FIA Rookie of the Year award for his “phenomenal” season. 

• Aston Martin’s Early Success: The team began the season as Red Bull’s closest competitor, with Fernando Alonso frequently appearing on the podium in the initial races. However, mid-season developments did not yield the expected results, leading to a decline in their competitiveness. 

Team Performances

• Mercedes: Despite finishing second in the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes’ season was labeled as “disappointing.” Lewis Hamilton secured third place in the Drivers’ Championship, while George Russell described his season as one of “missed opportunities,” finishing eighth. 

• Ferrari: The team showed positive signs, with Carlos Sainz Jr. securing a notable win in Singapore. Charles Leclerc demonstrated strong qualifying performances, achieving seven pole positions and ending the season on a high note. 

• Alpine: The season was challenging, marked by managerial changes and inconsistent performances, resulting in a sixth-place finish in the Constructors’ standings. 

• Williams: The team showed promise, improving from a tenth-place finish in 2022 to seventh in 2023. Alex Albon was praised for his contributions, while rookie Logan Sargeant faced difficulties, scoring only one point compared to Albon’s 27. 

• AlphaTauri: The team experienced a turbulent season, starting as one of the slowest on the grid but showing improvement over time. Yuki Tsunoda was commended for his consistent performances throughout the year. 

• Sauber (Alfa Romeo): The team faced a significant decline, dropping from sixth in 2022 to ninth in 2023. The car lacked focus and direction, leading to a challenging season. 

• Haas: Despite early optimism with points in three of the first five races, the team struggled with race pace and finished last in the Constructors’ standings. 

The 2023 Formula One season will be remembered for Red Bull Racing’s and Max Verstappen’s record-breaking performances. While their dominance was clear, the season also highlighted the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport, with various teams showing potential and resilience. As teams analyze their performances and strategize for the future, the anticipation for the 2024 season builds, promising new challenges and rivalries.