2022 was a year of innovation and excitement, as a radical rules overhaul provided an opportunity for a complete shuffle of the existing grid.
But it became clear relatively quickly who was going to run away with the title, with Red Bull proving to have the most complete package and sweeping up both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Titles, the latter courtesy of a certain Max Verstappen.
With the upcoming 2023 campaign inching ever closer, it may be a good idea to decide on a favourite team if you haven’t done so already. With Netflix’s Drive to Survive series bringing in a massive amount of new fans to the sport, choosing your camp early is vital.
There is a certain expectation among analysts that 2023 will be a lot closer fought, as Red Bull struggle to improve on their current build whilst all the other teams have a lot more up their sleeve in terms of potential. Not to mention the differential development time rule, which means Williams are permitted almost double the wind tunnel usage of Red Bull, and Ferrari 12% more (check out the exact numbers here). The grid is sure to tighten up.
With all that said, let’s go through each team and go through the reasons why you may choose to support them!
Williams
Because you want to see a former titan of the sport get back to winning ways once again.
The truth of the matter is that the late Frank Williams’ racing outfit is a shadow of its former self. Their last victory was more than a decade ago, and their iconic blue cars have been rooted to the rear of the field for a fair few years now.
It’s easy to forget that Williams have amassed 9 Constructors’ Championships and 114 wins in their near-50-year history. But Williams fans choose to keep this in mind, as they anticipate the team’s return to glory days and stick to their guns for the long-term.
What’s more, Williams will have a debutant driver in their lineup for 2023 in the form of Logan Sargeant. Excitement is rife around the young American, with many anticipating a solid first season with the British team.
Alpha Tauri
Because Nyck de Vries.
The Dutchman managed to land himself a prestigious F1 seat thanks to his mind-boggling performance standing in for the injured Alexander Albon at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix. Since then, many fans have been itching to see him race in the pinnacle of open-wheel motorsport again. Thankfully he will, behind the wheel of the Italian outfit Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Other than that, there aren’t many other reasons to support the team, unless you were a previous fan of Toro Rosso or Minardi, the two teams that Alpha Tauri was born from. Perhaps you are a fan of their in-house fashion brand, and want to be the classiest looking fan in the grandstands. You do you.
Haas
Because you’re American.
Netflix’s popularisation of Formula One has brought in a huge following of Americans to the sport’s fanbase. Luckily for them, there is an American team in the paddock ready to receive any kind of support it can get, be it emotional or financial. More of the latter would help the team out more, admittedly.
2022 was an upwards trend from their pointless season the year before, so Haas fans will be hoping for an even greater result this year.
Oh, and if you want to see Hulkenberg achieve his first ever podium, you’ll want Haas to make their way up to the forefront of the field again.
Aston Martin
Because you want the cheapest merch!
No seriously, Aston Martin have the cheapest merchandise of any of the Formula 1 teams, so if you wanna be repping the gear of your favourite team then Aston Martin is the way to go.
Of course, there is more to Aston Martin than just cheap clothing. The brand has an enormous pedigree both in the consumer and motorsport sectors, and have experienced Championship glory in multiple other series. While they haven’t managed to take home the Constructors’ crown in F1, with the huge financial backing of Lawrence Stroll it should only be a matter of time. In theory…
Alfa Romeo
Because you’re an Italian who’s tired of supporting Ferrari.
While the vast majority of Italian fans are Tifosi through and through, it also cannot be ignored that a fair few supporters are growing impatient at the lack of Titles going the way of the Scuderia. They have failed to meet expectations year on year, and as a fan this can only bring grief into your life.
Alfa Romeo have been in and out of F1 ever since its inception, and even won the first two World Championships in 1950 and 1951. So its not like they have no history. Besides, expectation is not as high for Alfa Romeo as their recent results have been nothing to write home about, so you can relax behind the TV screen, for once!
McLaren
Because they always have more to give.
With plenty of pedigree and 8 World Constructors’ Championships under their belt, McLaren are ravenously clawing their way back up the standings after a worrisome slump in the mid to late 2010s.
Results are certainly getting better, as podiums have been almost a guarantee in the past couple of years. As a fan of the British outfit, hope would be a large factor as you anticipate the return of McLaren to the top of the timing sheets once again.
Furthermore, McLaren will also see the debut of Aussie sensation Oscar Piastri alongside the infectious personality of Lando Norris. So there is a lot of excitement surrounding how this pair will synergise and motivate each other to the top of the leaderboard this year.
Alpine
Because you want to bear witness to unavoidable drama!
Alpine impressed us all by securing 4th in the Constructors’ ahead of McLaren, and with a renewed lineup full of experience and talent this year should see a continuation of such results.
The issue is that we will have a pair of fiery French characters in the shape of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon as teammates. And with no indication as to who will be the number one driver, fans can expect plenty of metaphorical fireworks both on and off the track. If that’s what gets you going, then Alpine may be the team for you.
Mercedes
Because they’re guaranteed to do well.
Anyone who’s been even remotely following F1 for the past decade will know of the Mercedes era of dominance. Beginning in 2014 with the dawn of the hybrid era, Mercedes won every Constructors’ Championship until 2022, when Max Verstappen and Red Bull ruined the party for the Brackley outfit.
2022 wasn’t exactly bad for Mercedes by any stretch of the imagination however; George Russell managed a victory in Brazil and the team scored many podiums on their way to 3rd in the final Standings. With the highest budget of any team on the grid, as a Merc fan you can expect to see plenty of good points-scoring results and a win or two at the least. It’s a safe option for sure.
Ferrari
Because you’re a Tifoso already…
Honestly speaking, it would be a mistake to start supporting Ferrari in their current state. The last several years have been nothing but missed opportunities and failures of expectation which has resulted in a rather dejected and unhappy fanbase.
The last time Ferrari won a Championship was back in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen, and the Italian outfit has come so tantalisingly close so many times that the belief is simply not there anymore.
But with a new Team Principal under their wing and a talented pair of drivers, its not too far-fetched to believe they will close the gap to Red Bull this year. For a real shot at the Title, supporting Ferrari isn’t such a bad idea. Don’t be surprised if they finish second again though!
Red Bull
Because you want to support the winning team.
Let’s face it: Red Bull were the dominant force of 2022. Apart from the first few races of teh campaign where they suffered from an overweight car, in hindsight it was clear to see that the Austrian team had it in the bag all along. Especially with a faultless Max Verstappen behind the wheel.
As mentioned earlier, there is a good chance that the pack will become closer for 2023, but there’s no denying that Red Bull have the advantage. By supporting Red Bull, you’re sure to taste the sweet euphoria of victory on multiple occasions throughout the year.
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