Formula 1 2022 Season Review
Verstappen vs Leclerc: The new rivalry
The two young stars of Formula 1 dominated the season, winning 18 out of 23 races between them. Verstappen, who was the reigning champion, claimed his second title at the Japanese Grand Prix, while Leclerc finished runner-up, driving for Ferrari. The duo had several close battles on track, such as in Bahrain, Monaco, Austria and Brazil, but also showed respect and sportsmanship off it. Their rivalry was reminiscent of the classic duels between Senna and Prost, or Hamilton and Rosberg, and promised to continue for years to come.
Verstappen scored 454 points, winning 12 races and scoring 16 podiums. He also achieved 10 pole positions, 9 fastest laps and 7 grand slams (pole, win, fastest lap and leading every lap). He had an average finish of 2.13 and an average grid position of 2.65.
Leclerc scored 308 points, winning 6 races and scoring 12 podiums. He also achieved 8 pole positions, 4 fastest laps and 2 grand slams. He had an average finish of 3.65 and an average grid position of 2.35.
Russell's breakthrough: A star is born
One of the most memorable moments of the season was George Russell's maiden victory at the British Grand Prix, driving for Mercedes. The young Briton had impressed in his previous outings for the team, as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and 2021, but this was his first full season as a Mercedes driver. He took full advantage of his opportunity, scoring four podiums and one win, and beating his illustrious teammate Hamilton in the standings. Russell's win at Silverstone was especially emotional, as he became the first British driver to win at home since Hamilton in 2017, and received a standing ovation from the fans.
Russell scored 275 points, finishing fourth in the championship. He also achieved one pole position and one fastest lap. He had an average finish of 5.04 and an average grid position of 5.26.
Hamilton's struggle: The end of an era?
The 2022 season was a difficult one for Lewis Hamilton, who failed to secure either a pole position or a Grand Prix win during the year, the first time either occurrence had happened in his Formula One career since it began in 2007. The seven-time world champion faced several challenges, such as adapting to the new car regulations, coping with the rise of Verstappen and Leclerc, and dealing also with some personal issues.
Hamilton scored 240 points, finishing sixth in the championship. He also scored six podiums. He had an average finish of 6.13 and an average grid position of 6.04.
New venues: Miami and Saudi Arabia
The 2022 season saw two new additions to the Formula 1 calendar: Miami and Saudi Arabia. The Miami Grand Prix was held at a street circuit around Hard Rock Stadium, home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The race was well-received by fans and drivers alike, as it offered a unique challenge and spectacle, with high speeds, tight corners and stunning views of the city skyline. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was held at a purpose-built circuit in Jeddah, on the shores of the Red Sea. The race was controversial due to human rights concerns, but also exciting due to its fast and flowing layout, which produced some thrilling overtaking moves.
Verstappen won both races, extending his lead over Leclerc in the championship. He also set the fastest lap in both races. In Miami, he beat Leclerc by 8 seconds, while in Jeddah he beat him by 12 seconds.
The best of the rest: Perez, Sainz and Alpine
Aside from Verstappen, Leclerc and Russell, there were other drivers who impressed during the season. Sergio Perez was third in the championship, driving for Red Bull. The Mexican driver proved to be a valuable teammate for Verstappen, scoring two wins and eight podiums, and helping Red Bull win their fifth constructors' title. Carlos Sainz was fourth in the championship, driving for Ferrari. The Spaniard adapted quickly to his new team, scoring one win and six podiums, and matching Leclerc's pace throughout the year. Alpine were fifth in the constructors' standings, ahead of Mercedes and Aston Martin. The French team had a strong season with Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon, who both scored one win each.
Perez scored 305 points, winning in Monaco and Singapore. He also achieved two pole positions and three fastest laps. He had an average finish of 4.17 and an average grid position of 4.
Sainz scored 246 points, winning at Silverstone. He also achieved one pole position and one fastest lap. He had an average finish of 4.91 and an average grid position of 4.
Alpine scored 173 points as a team, winning in Hungary (Ocon) and Belgium (Alonso). They also achieved one pole position (Ocon) and one fastest lap (Alonso). They had an average finish of 8.43 (Ocon) /8 (Alonso)and an average grid position of 9 (Ocon)/8 (Alonso).
The 2022 Formula 1 season was one of the most exciting and unpredictable ones in recent memory. It marked the dawn of a new era for the sport, with new cars, new venues and new stars. It also marked the end of an era for some legends of the sport, who left behind a legacy that will be hard to match.
Comments
Post a Comment