Thrills or Yawns? Unpacking the 2023 F1 Season in All Its Glory!

The Storm Settles on Max Verstappen's Triumph - Grab a Brew and Let's Dive into the Epic Saga

Formula One

Let's cut to the chase – the stats lay it bare: the 2023 F1 season etched itself into history as the most lopsided spectacle ever witnessed in the realm of racing. Translation? Well, some might call it a snooze-fest.

Red Bull's RB19 flaunting 21 victories out of 22 races is no mere feat; it's a record that eclipses even the legendary McLaren MP4/4. Max Verstappen, with his 19 wins, not only shattered Alberto Ascari's 71-year-old record but did so with such flair that he bagged ten consecutive victories. Sorry, Sebastian Vettel, you've been bumped off that leaderboard.

Verstappen's points tally was so colossal; he could have clinched the constructors' title solo. By July, he had already secured his third world championship, coincidentally when Red Bull decided to halt car upgrades and opened a new folder titled 'RB20 2024 PLANZ'.

In a season where ultra-close, wheel-to-wheel action was promised with the aero and cost cap regs, Adrian Newey seemed to have missed the memo. Someone give that man a Lifetime Achievement award. Oh wait, we already did.

The only realm where Red Bull didn't reign supreme was in qualifying, with a mere 14 pole positions (cue the sarcasm). They lost one race in Singapore and a sprint race in Qatar – the only blots on an otherwise pristine copybook.

So, did you relish it? For those outside the UK gearing up to fire 'Hypocrite Brits' comments, we say, "Whatevs." Regardless of the desire for a diverse winner each week, witnessing Verstappen push his machine to the limits has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. It's easy to overlook the challenges of staying on top, even with the best car – just ask Sergio Perez.

True F1 aficionados find their thrill in the sport, irrespective of predictability. Recent seasons have excelled in delivering gripping drama beyond the podium, as Drive to Survive aptly showcases.

Recall Alonso's resurgence, Norris taming the beastly McLaren, Piastri's sensational maiden sprint race win, Sainz's tactical brilliance in Singapore, Ocon and Gasly's surprise podiums, Albon's lone warrior act for Williams, the super-sub Liam Lawson, and Hamilton's fierce battle with Verstappen in Austin (followed by disqualification).

Even a seemingly dull track in the heart of the gambling capital turned out to be a surprising delight. Who would have thought?

So, how will you remember 2023? Fondly cherished or hastily banished? Share your highlights and hopes for the upcoming year below.

Now, let's rev up for the thrill ride that awaits in 2024...