What is the starting grid for F1 in 2023?
The end of the season is approaching and teams are finalizing their lineups for next year. Some constructors have already confirmed their drivers, but others are still in deep consideration. The future of certain drivers is uncertain, and rookies could make their debut in Formula 1.
Since the ceasefire, the driver shuffle is in full swing. Departures, arrivals, and rumors constantly fuel Formula 1, and the grid for 2023 is starting to take shape.
Some teams already have their riders for next season. This is the case for Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, who will be starting next year on the same foundations.
At McLaren, the team seems to be taking shape. The drivers who will be hired are likely to be Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, whose contract was recently registered.
The other teams are still unsure about the composition of their drivers. Alpine still can’t find a replacement for Alonso, who left for Aston Martin. However, Pierre Gasly is being considered and his chances have recently increased.
With Gasly’s departure, AlphaTauri could recruit the young talent Nyck de Vries, who recently participated in his first Grand Prix in Italy. The Dutchman has caught the attention of several teams like Alpine and Williams, for whom he competed in the Italian Grand Prix, as well as Red Bull to compensate for a possible departure of Gasly to AlphaTauri.
On the side of the drivers, some have not met the expectations placed on them and may no longer be in Formula 1 next year. This is the case for Daniel Ricciardo, who has been replaced by Piastri at McLaren and has not yet found a team.
Mick Schumacher is also under scrutiny. The German is no longer part of Haas’ plans, unlike his teammate Magnussen who is expected to stay in place. The driver has scored 12 points and is currently ranked 15th.
At Alpha Romeo, Chinese driver Zhou’s contract expires at the end of 2022. After a difficult start to the season, the Chinese driver has improved, although he still lacks a bit of confidence in terms of scoring points. His future is uncertain, and Bottas could see a newcomer joining him.
The season is very difficult for Nicholas Latifi, who seems to be sidelined for the 2023 season by Williams. The Canadian has still not scored any points and is ranked behind De Vries, who has only competed in one Grand Prix.
New faces in F1?
Some rookies could arrive in 2023. While it is almost certain that Nyck de Vries will find a seat, it is still very uncertain for others.
The contenders are not insignificant. Many Formula 2 drivers or even IndyCar drivers could vie for a spot, although some are closer than others.
Logan Sargeant and Jack Doohan are among these drivers. The former is close to Williams, while the latter, who comes from the Alpine academy, could have a shot if the team fails to secure Gasly.
The top 2 drivers in the F2 championship are not currently on the radar of any teams. Despite a consistent and impressive season, Théo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich have not been approached by any team at the moment. However, they could potentially become reserve drivers for one of them.
The seats are expensive and it is very difficult to find one’s own in Formula 1. Drivers fight to claim them and to keep them once the goal is reached.
