As the 2022 Formula One season came to a close, it did not disappoint in delivering its fair share of excitement and drama. While it may not have had the same nail-biting finale as the previous year, it still provided plenty of standout performances and unexpected twists and turns. Let's take a closer look at the highs and lows of the season.
Max Verstappen: The Unstoppable Force
Image source: What went right and what went wrong for every F1 team in 2022
At the top of the list is the exceptional Max Verstappen from Red Bull. With a record-breaking 15 victories out of 22 races, Verstappen left no doubt about his dominance on the track. Despite some setbacks, such as car failures and unforced errors, Verstappen's performances were nothing short of incredible. From memorable victories from low grid positions in Hungary and Spa to his sheer determination, no one else came close to challenging Verstappen in 2022.
Lewis Hamilton: A Season of Ups and Downs
For Lewis Hamilton, the 2022 season was not one of his best statistically. With a sixth-place finish in the standings and no race wins to his name, it may seem like a disappointment. However, Hamilton's performance needs to be seen in the context of the challenges he faced with Mercedes. Reliability issues and experimental setups in the early races hindered his progress, but he still managed to outshine his teammate George Russell in qualifying. As Hamilton and Russell gear up for their second season together with a more consistent car, it will be intriguing to see who comes out on top.
Charles Leclerc: A Promising Talent
For Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, the 2022 season had its fair share of ups and downs. While he showed immense speed and dominance on one lap with nine pole positions, his race performances were marred by issues on race day and questionable team strategies. A crucial turning point was his crash at the French Grand Prix, which shattered any hopes of a Ferrari resurgence and allowed Verstappen to run away with the championship. Despite these setbacks, Leclerc remains one of the fastest and most exciting drivers in Formula One.
Fernando Alonso: A Resilient Veteran
Fernando Alonso proved that age is just a number with his impressive performances in 2022. Despite facing reliability issues and bad luck, Alonso showcased his consistency and outright performance with a run of ten consecutive points finishes. However, his decision to leave Alpine for Aston Martin in 2023 seemed to have affected his motivation, leading to clashes with teammate Esteban Ocon. While he finished the season behind Ocon in terms of points, Alonso's talent and experience were evident throughout the year.
Sebastian Vettel: Going Out on a High
Despite missing the first two races of the season, Sebastian Vettel had a memorable final year in Formula One. Scoring more than double the points of his teammate Lance Stroll, Vettel demonstrated superb performances in the second half of the season. He scored points in half of the races he participated in and outperformed Stroll in every aspect. After 16 seasons in F1, Vettel can bid farewell knowing that he went out on a high.
Esteban Ocon: Overlooked Brilliance
Esteban Ocon's season often goes unnoticed, but he managed to outscore his more experienced teammate Fernando Alonso over 22 races. Despite better reliability than Alonso, Ocon also faced car issues that affected his results. However, his strong performances in several races and consistent point-scoring ability showcased his potential. While Alonso had the edge in qualifying, Ocon's ability to outscore his teammate speaks volumes about his talent.
Valtteri Bottas: The Backbone of Alfa Romeo
Valtteri Bottas played a crucial role in Alfa Romeo's success in 2022. Despite shaky reliability, Bottas made the most of the team's early-season advantage and secured 49 out of their 55 points. His impressive qualifying pace and occasional strong finishes proved instrumental in Alfa Romeo's sixth-place championship position. However, improving his race starts remains an area for Bottas to focus on in order to capitalize on his qualifying prowess.
Alex Albon: Making the Most of Difficult Circumstances
Alex Albon faced a challenging season at Williams, given the poor performance of the car and the quality of his teammate. Despite these obstacles, Albon managed to score points on three occasions and demonstrated his skill with strong qualifying performances. Outshining his teammate Nicholas Latifi, Albon showcased his potential and determination to succeed even in unfavorable circumstances.
Conclusion
The 2022 Formula One season was filled with thrills, spills, and captivating performances. Max Verstappen's dominance, Lewis Hamilton's resilience, and the emergence of promising talents like Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon made it a season to remember. As the drivers and teams prepare for the next season, fans eagerly await more exciting battles on the track.
