TOP DRIVERS OF THE 2022 SEASON

2
Second Place Driver

Charles Leclerc

1
First Place Driver

Max Verstappen

3
Third Place Driver

Sergio Pérez

2022 Season Details

The 2022 Formula One season marked a significant shift in the sport’s landscape, introducing new technical regulations aimed at enhancing on-track competition. Red Bull Racing and their lead driver, Max Verstappen, adeptly navigated these changes, culminating in Verstappen securing his second consecutive World Drivers’ Championship and Red Bull clinching the Constructors’ Championship.

Technical Regulations and Pre-Season Developments

In response to the need for closer racing, the FIA implemented comprehensive technical regulations in 2022. These changes reintroduced ground effect aerodynamics, a concept last seen in the early 1980s, aiming to reduce turbulent air and facilitate closer following distances between cars. The modifications included simplified front and rear wings, standardized components, and a shift to E10 fuel, comprising 10% ethanol, to promote sustainability. Pre-season testing indicated that teams like Ferrari and Red Bull had effectively adapted to these regulations, while reigning Constructors’ Champion Mercedes faced challenges in optimizing their car’s performance. 

Season Overview

The championship spanned 22 Grands Prix across various continents. Max Verstappen demonstrated exceptional consistency and skill, achieving a record-breaking 15 race victories in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. Verstappen’s dominance was evident as he amassed 454 points, finishing 146 points ahead of his closest rival, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Red Bull Racing’s strategic acumen and reliable car performance enabled them to secure the Constructors’ Championship, their first since 2013. 

Key Highlights

Ferrari’s Resurgence: Ferrari emerged as a formidable contender in the early stages, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. securing multiple podium finishes. However, strategic errors and reliability issues hindered their sustained challenge for the titles.

Mercedes’ Struggles and Recovery: Mercedes grappled with the new regulations, particularly with porpoising—a phenomenon where cars experience vertical oscillations at high speeds. Despite these challenges, the team made significant mid-season improvements, culminating in George Russell’s maiden Formula One victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Midfield Dynamics: Teams like McLaren and Alpine engaged in a tight battle for fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. Alpine ultimately edged out McLaren, showcasing consistent performances from drivers Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon.

Notable Departures: The season witnessed the retirement of four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, concluding a distinguished career in Formula One. Additionally, drivers Nicholas Latifi and Mick Schumacher exited the grid, unable to secure seats for the 2023 season. 

Statistical Overview

Race Wins: Max Verstappen led with 15 victories, followed by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez, each securing multiple wins.

Pole Positions: Charles Leclerc demonstrated exceptional qualifying pace, achieving the highest number of pole positions throughout the season.

Constructors’ Standings: Red Bull Racing topped the chart, followed by Ferrari and Mercedes, reflecting a competitive yet challenging season for the leading teams.

The 2022 Formula One season was characterized by transformative technical changes and intense on-track battles. Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen’s adaptability and performance excellence set new benchmarks in the sport. As teams continue to interpret and develop under the new regulations, the forthcoming seasons promise further excitement and competition.

Statistics

Drivers

  • Most Wins
    Max Verstappen(15)
  • Most Podiums
    Max Verstappen (17)
  • Most Poles
    Charles Leclerc (9)
  • Most Laps Led
    Max Verstappen (616)
  • Most In Points
    George Russell (20)
  • Most DNFs
    Carlos Sainz (6)
  • Most Fastest Laps
    Max Verstappen (5)

Constructors

  • Most Wins
    Red Bull(17)
  • Most Podiums
    Red Bull (28)
  • Most Poles
    Ferrari (12)
  • Most Laps Led
    Red Bull (763)
  • Most In Points
    Mercedes (39)
  • Most DNFs
    Alfa Romeo (10)
  • Most Fastest Laps
    Red Bull (8)

Drivers Championship Standings

Pos Driver Constructor Points Wins
1
Dutch Max Verstappen
Austrian Red Bull
454.0 15
2
Monegasque Charles Leclerc
Italian Ferrari
308.0 3
3
Mexican Sergio Pérez
Austrian Red Bull
305.0 2
4
British George Russell
German Mercedes
275.0 1
5
Spanish Carlos Sainz
Italian Ferrari
246.0 1
6
British Lewis Hamilton
German Mercedes
240.0 0
7
British Lando Norris
British McLaren
122.0 0
8
French Esteban Ocon
French Alpine F1 Team
92.0 0
9
Spanish Fernando Alonso
French Alpine F1 Team
81.0 0
10
Finnish Valtteri Bottas
Swiss Alfa Romeo
49.0 0
11
Australian Daniel Ricciardo
British McLaren
37.0 0
12
German Sebastian Vettel
British Aston Martin
37.0 0
13
Danish Kevin Magnussen
American Haas F1 Team
25.0 0
14
French Pierre Gasly
Italian AlphaTauri
23.0 0
15
Canadian Lance Stroll
British Aston Martin
18.0 0
16
German Mick Schumacher
American Haas F1 Team
12.0 0
17
Japanese Yuki Tsunoda
Italian AlphaTauri
12.0 0
18
Chinese Guanyu Zhou
Swiss Alfa Romeo
6.0 0
19
Thai Alexander Albon
British Williams
4.0 0
20
Canadian Nicholas Latifi
British Williams
2.0 0
21
Dutch Nyck de Vries
British Williams
2.0 0
22
German Nico Hülkenberg
British Aston Martin
0.0 0

Constructors Championship Standings

Pos Constructor Points Wins
1
Austrian Red Bull
759.0 17
2
Italian Ferrari
554.0 4
3
German Mercedes
515.0 1
4
French Alpine F1 Team
173.0 0
5
British McLaren
159.0 0
6
Swiss Alfa Romeo
55.0 0
7
British Aston Martin
55.0 0
8
American Haas F1 Team
37.0 0
9
Italian AlphaTauri
35.0 0
10
British Williams
8.0 0

Driver Points Distribution

Constructor Points Distribution

Driver Points Evolution

Constructor Points Evolution

Bahrain Grand Prix

Bahrain Grand Prix

March 20, 2022

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

March 27, 2022

Australian Grand Prix

Australian Grand Prix

April 10, 2022

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

April 24, 2022

Miami Grand Prix

Miami Grand Prix

May 8, 2022

Spanish Grand Prix

Spanish Grand Prix

May 22, 2022

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix

May 29, 2022

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

June 12, 2022

Canadian Grand Prix

Canadian Grand Prix

June 19, 2022

British Grand Prix

British Grand Prix

July 3, 2022

Austrian Grand Prix

Austrian Grand Prix

July 10, 2022

French Grand Prix

French Grand Prix

July 24, 2022

Hungarian Grand Prix

Hungarian Grand Prix

July 31, 2022

Belgian Grand Prix

Belgian Grand Prix

Aug. 28, 2022

Dutch Grand Prix

Dutch Grand Prix

Sept. 4, 2022

Italian Grand Prix

Italian Grand Prix

Sept. 11, 2022

Singapore Grand Prix

Singapore Grand Prix

Oct. 2, 2022

Japanese Grand Prix

Japanese Grand Prix

Oct. 9, 2022

United States Grand Prix

United States Grand Prix

Oct. 23, 2022

Mexico City Grand Prix

Mexico City Grand Prix

Oct. 30, 2022

São Paulo Grand Prix

São Paulo Grand Prix

Nov. 13, 2022

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Nov. 20, 2022