Which teams and drivers will struggle to keep up with the development pace and fall down the grid in 2023? Part 2 of our F1 Predictions.
In part one, the staff here at Last Word on Motorsports gave their predictions for the driver and team that would make the biggest improvement in 2023. Today, we look at the drivers and teams possibly going in the wrong direction this year. There are a few surprise F1 predictions in this group for sure.
F1 Predictions:
Biggest Disappointment – Driver
- Arturo – Lance Stroll
- Cameron – Sergio Perez
- Fatima – Esteban Ocon
- Gabe – Nico Hulkenberg
- Jack – Nico Hulkenberg
- Justin – Lando Norris
- Nathan – Nico Hulkenberg
- Nelson – Lance Stroll
- Patricia – Nico Hulkenberg
- Thomas – Carlos Sainz
- Vincent – Yuki Tsunoda
- Yara – Nico Hulkenberg
Seven different drivers received at least one vote for which one will take the biggest step back in 2023. Topping the list is the returning Nico Hulkenberg with five selections. However, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz jump out as the most surprising picks. Will that be due to other teams gaining on the top two or those drivers falling farther away from their teammates? Lance Stroll, Carlos Sainz, and Yuki Tsunoda all received a vote for biggest improvement and biggest disappointment.
A busy three days for @AlphaTauriF1 😅#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Jsx0S51x5V
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 25, 2023
Biggest Disappointment – Team
- Arturo – Haas
- Cameron – Haas
- Fatima – Haas
- Gabe – Aston Martin
- Jack – Alfa Romeo
- Justin – Haas
- Nathan – McLaren
- Nelson – McLaren
- Patricia – Haas
- Thomas – Alfa Romeo
- Vincent – Alpine
- Yara – Haas
In general, the mood seems to be down on Haas as they top the list just like their returning driver. After struggling and admitting to missing their development targets McLaren could slip farther into the midfield, or worse, at the start of the season. Half the grid gets nominations here, but perhaps the most surprise is Aston Martin who topped the nominations for the team expected to make the biggest gains. Are they being overhyped or will their big investment plus Fernando Alonso result in podiums this year?
Give us your thoughts and F1 predictions in the comment section below. Which driver will struggle to maintain their 2022 standing? Which team will fall the farthest down the order?
