After what had to be the most revolutionary World Cup, due to the change in technical regulations in 2022, the F-1 championship that starts in Bahrain (4:00 p.m. the race) may seem continuous. In a way it is: the same rules (new engines do not enter until 2026, and with them, new manufacturers), same ingredients, but there is a slight variation in the contenders. The favorite is the same, Max Verstappen and Red Bull one step ahead, but the range of rivals is stronger and more extensive. After Hamilton (2021) and Leclerc (2022), who will overshadow the Dutchman this year?
These are the main novelties of the F-1 of 2023.
The big three maintain their pairings of pilots, while the steering wheel changes have taken place in the middle class: Vettel's withdrawal was covered by Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso; The Asturian's gap was replaced by Alpine with Pierre Gasly, who in turn left a vacancy in Alpha Tauri, covered by the rookie Nyck de Vries. McLaren sacked Daniel Ricciardo (now a Red Bull reserve) to get the great Australian promise Oscar Piastri. Regarding 2022, two drivers from the Cinderella teams are out: Haas has changed German, from Mick Schumacher (Mercedes reserve) to Nico Hülkenberg; and Williams replaced Nicholas Latifi for American rookie Logan Sargeant.
The 2023 calendar is the longest in history, with 23 races scheduled compared to 22 for 2022. In fact, there were going to be 24, but China ended up canceling its GP due to covid restrictions. The great novelty is the entrance to Las Vegas with an urban layout through the most iconic places in the city, recovering the experience of Caesars Palace from 1981 and 1982. The night race in Qatar returns, and dates change in Spain (from May to June ), Baku (June to April) and Spa (August to July).
The invention of short races (named Sprint last year) introduced in 2021 is extended to six grand prix, compared to three in previous courses. They will premiere on Saturdays in Baku, Spa, Losail and Austin, and will repeat at the Red Bull Ring and Interlagos. The format and the distribution of points (to the first 8) are maintained, and will continue to determine the Sunday grid.
The bottoms of the cars are raised 15mm to minimize the effects of rebound (porpoising, one of the negative consequences of ground effect). As a safety measure, the upper part of the roll-over arch has been rounded so that it does not sink into the ground. And to gain visibility (and safety) the mirrors are enlarged (200x60 mm).
