5 questions for a new Formula 1 season

Will Red Bull really be alone in the world?

17 victories in 22 races last year. Promising winter tests. How not to Red Bull the huge favorite to her own succession? The hopes of the most neutral fans to witness a three-way fight with Ferrari et Mercedes took a bit of a beating during pre-season testing.

In terms of timing and visual impression, the RB19 seemed a cut above the competition. Sergio Pérez actually set the best time in the C4 tests, ahead of the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton in softer tires (C5).

The reigning double world champion Max Verstappen was particularly impressive on the race pace, when Ferrari still seems to have problems in this area and Mercedes still seems to be in the discovery phase with its brand new W14.

Did the tests amplify Red Bull’s announced superiority? Have Ferrari and Mercedes hidden their game?

Is Max Verstappen already heading towards a 3rd world title? © Florent Gooden / DPPI

Can Mercedes and Hamilton rise from the ashes?

For the brand with the star, the 2022 season was extremely painful. Unable to find the instructions for the very complex W13 during the first two thirds of the season, the Germans managed to save their honor thanks to George Russell's victory in Brazil.

Between changing the extreme aero concept “zero pontoon” or starting from scratch, Mercedes has resolved to continue on the path started in 2022, considering that the end of last season had not been so bad.

However, the main team Toto wolff warned this winter that the W14 would have to evolve, including in terms of the pontoons, quite quickly in the first part of the season.

Should we therefore be worried about the brand with the star? Should we expect a complicated start to the year but big progress throughout the year? If Lewis Hamilton's public speech leaves no room for any flaws or questions about his future, what will happen to his motivation in the event of new domination by Max Verstappen?

Lewis Hamilton, an 8th title still possible? © DPPI

Aston Martin, hit of the winter or of the year?

This is probably the big unknown of the season. The level ofAston Martin. We knew that the recruitment of XXL engineers (ex-Red Bull Dan Fallows, former Mercedes Eric Blandin), that the construction of a new state-of-the-art technological factory and that the arrival of Fernando Alonso would allow the Silverstone team to take a leap forward.

But we didn't necessarily know when and the last two contested seasons are frankly not a vector of optimism. However, the promising tests carried out by the Bull of Asturias, in particular the race simulations, suggest a nice surprise for Saturday. It remains to be seen what Aston Martin's true level is? Is she at the top of the mid-pack, or already a candidate for podiums? 

Fernando Alonso completed 270 laps during these three days of testing. ©Xavi Bonilla / DPPI

Podiums for Alpine ?

We know it, Alpine has embarked on a race against time of 100 Grands Prix supposed to allow it to fight for victories and titles at the time of the new 2026 engine regulations. From 5th in 2021, the A arrowed reached a new milestone in 2022 by securing 4th position, despite a huge gap with the top 3 (342 points less than Mercedes).

This year, the objective is to maintain 4th place in the constructors, but above all to reduce the gap on the top 3. If the Blues did not show much in testing, it is more due to a plan action different from others than any difficulty.

In the ranks ofenstone (UK) and Viry (Essonne), we are even quite optimistic, both regarding the current level of the car and the potential contained in this A523. If she manages to reduce the gap on the top 3, Alpine will be able to legitimately aim for one or two podiums in the season, as was the case in 2021.

It would even be a necessary step in his path to success. But beware of competition from Aston Martin and the possible revival of Mercedes!

Esteban Ocon welcomes Pierre Gasly in Alpine in 2023 / © Florent Gooden / DPPI

Will the rookies be up to the task?

This year, there will be three newbies on the grid. Of course, Nyck de Vries has already taken part in a Grand Prix with Williams at Monza last year, securing the precious points of 9th place. On the other hand, it will be his first time in the shoes of a holder, where he will be opposed to Yuki tsunoda in Alpha Tauri.

These two are diametric opposites. The Japanese is fire while the Batavian is ice. Experienced in Formula E (2021 world champion with Mercedes) and in Endurance, Nyck will have to convince the Red Bull environment that he deserves his place in F1.

For its part, Oscar piastri is undoubtedly the most anticipated of all. Through his career in the promotion formulas of course (FR Eurocup 2019 champion, F3 2020, F2 2021), but also because of the contractual fiasco of which he was a party last year. In front of Lando Norris in a McLaren lagging behind this winter, the task promises to be extremely difficult. But the Australian is not afraid.

Finally Logan sargeant, who is starting at Williams, will also have pressure on his shoulders, that of proving that he is not only there for his American passport and that he has qualities to showcase. 

Logan Sargeant, the Star-Spangled Banner in his head. © Florent Gooden / DPPI

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