The 2023 Formula 1 season drew to a close on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of a thrilling year that many viewed as a showcase of Max Verstappen's unmatched talent. The Red Bull Racing star secured his third consecutive championship following his victory in Qatar in October, establishing himself as one of the best drivers in the sport's history.
"Winning three titles in a row is something I had dreamed of as a kid, and now I’ve accomplished it," said Verstappen, reflecting on his milestone. With a total of 54 career victories, only two legends, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, have more wins than the 26-year-old Dutchman. Given his age, Verstappen has ample opportunity to extend his winning record further.
This season has been particularly remarkable due to the records Verstappen set. He achieved 19 victories, eclipsing his previous record of 15 wins set just last year. "I’m just grateful for the incredible support from my team and fans," said Verstappen. He also made headlines by becoming the first driver to win 10 consecutive races, surpassing the record of nine established by Sebastian Vettel in 2013.
Red Bull Racing enjoyed unparalleled success this season, tallying a staggering 860 points and only missing a win in the Singapore Grand Prix, where Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took the top spot. This level of dominance has not been seen since the legendary McLaren team, led by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, nearly swept the 1988 season.
While Verstappen reigned supreme, his teammate, Sergio Perez, faced challenges throughout the year. Despite securing second place in the Drivers' Championship with 285 points, Perez only managed to take two victories. "I had a solid start, but the setbacks affected my performance significantly," Perez admitted, recalling moments of inconsistency that plagued his season.
Early on, Aston Martin emerged as a surprising competitor, with veteran Fernando Alonso achieving podium finishes in seven races. "We worked hard as a team, and I’m pleased with our progress this year," Alonso stated, detailing his strong finishes, including two second-place finishes in Monaco and the Netherlands.
McLaren's resurgence was another storyline of the season. After a lackluster start, drivers Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri found their stride, frequently competing for podium positions. Piastri finished as the most successful rookie, amassing 97 points and outperforming several of his more seasoned counterparts. "It's been an incredible learning experience, and I'm excited about the future," said Piastri, reflecting on his first season in Formula 1.
The competition wasn’t without its controversies, particularly regarding rookie drivers. AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries faced challenges and was eventually replaced by Daniel Ricciardo mid-season, following injuries sustained in a crash. Ricciardo made his anticipated return at the United States Grand Prix in October, but his injury struggles limited his participation earlier in the season.
The season also marked a notable exit with the departure of Alfa Romeo from Formula 1 for the third time. Represented by the Sauber team during its latest stint, Alfa Romeo's history in the sport is long and storied. As Sauber prepares to transition to Audi in 2026, the departure represents a significant change in the landscape of Formula 1.
In the end, the Drivers' Championship standings revealed Verstappen's dominance:
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing – 575 points 2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing – 285 points 3) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 234 points 4) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 206 points 5) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 206 points 6) Lando Norris, McLaren – 205 points 7) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 200 points 8) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 175 points 9) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 97 points 10) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 74 points
The Constructors' Championship reflected Red Bull Racing's supremacy:
1) Red Bull Racing – 860 points 2) Mercedes-Benz AMG – 409 points 3) Ferrari – 406 points 4) McLaren – 302 points 5) Aston Martin – 280 points
As the season closes, teams and drivers alike are already looking ahead to 2024, hoping to mount challenges against Verstappen and Red Bull Racing’s year-long dominance. The focus shifts now to upcoming developments, team reconfigurations, and the fierce race for the championship next year.