Formula 1 is known for its cut-throat environment, with a pinch of competitiveness and a whole lot of confidence.
This season we saw plenty of hardships, rivalry and results. Max Verstappen (25) took his second title, season rival Charles Leclerc (25) defeated after a rough year with poor strategic calls and bizarre orders.
Some devastating walkaways in the end with Sebastian Vettel (35) 4-time World Champion announcing his retirement, bringing an emotional finale in Abu Dhabi.
Along with this, old teammate Daniel Ricciardo (33) took his last race as well, battling Vettel for positions at the end for points – both finishing strongly.
With two influential walkaways, Mick Schumacher (23) and Nicholas Latifi (27) joined the queue to move on from the F1 paddock with fans hoping the Schumacher name will return in the future.
Three new faces set to join the paddock in 2023, Oscar Piastri (21), Nyck De Vries (27) and Logan Sargeant (21). High hopes for all three rookies, with De Vries already showcasing his potential through season debuts as reserve for multiple teams, a highlight with Williams Racing ending in the points during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Breaking news amongst the F1 community brought Mattia Binotto’s (53) departure from Scuderia Ferrari after a questionable season. However it cannot be denied where the teams results led with Binotto on board, climbing from P6 to P2 in the championship over just under four years of leadership; 2022 showing promising competition against Oracle RedBull Racing.
A serious dosage of silly season taken on by Team Principals took place after this move with Alfa Romeo’s Frédéric Vasseur (54) taking over Binotto’s role at Ferrari and Andreas Seidl (46) leaving for Audi, making way for McLaren’s new TP, Andrea Stella (51). This all occurred as Jost Capito (64) left the role of CEO at Williams Racing.
We also had plenty of politics. Oracle RedBull Racing allegedly breaking the cost cap in 2021 due to catering costs. The total cost overspent was $1.8 million, which ended in a $7 million dollar fine and a forfeit from wind tunnel time as a result. A tough but fair penalty.
There was uproar about this, conspiracies and backlash from a few drivers, teams and fans. All that carried on towards the end of the season, however that wasn’t the end of the drama.
Teammate rivalries were displayed, Verstappen and Sergio Perez (32) had a heated moment shared over the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
‘Yeah, it shows who he really is.’
Sergio Perez – radio message @ Brazil GP
The 2-time World Champion didn’t disclose anything, however did describe he had discussed his reasonings to the team and Christian Horner (49) earlier through the season.
‘I told you last summer. The guys don’t ask that again to me, ok? Are we clear about that? I gave my reasons, and I stand by it.’
Max Verstappen – radio message @ Brazil GP
After this all cooled down, ex RedBull driver Ricciardo was rumoured to be heading back to the Austrian based team, putting a damper on the current RB Mexican drivers future.
This rumour was confirmed by Helmut Marko (79) on Sky Germany reportedly before the Australian had signed the contract. The team were obviously ecstatic that he had returned to the camp, especially after the last unfortunate four years.
What was an epic season between Ferrari and Red Bull, it wasn’t as easy going for Mercedes-AMG. The eight times construction championship winners were visibly struggling all season with pace, porpoising and other unknown factors. Lewis Hamilton (37) was often on the radio filled with frustration whilst teammate George Russell (24) saw better results with the same and less, in some circumstances, issues at different tracks.
A season of major shunts and disaster, where Zhou Guanyu (23) displayed the amazing safety advancements the sport has welcomed, a season of high-end drama Netflix’s DTS would thrive on and some stunning podium takers.
2023 should be a very exciting season; could redemption be on. for Leclerc? Will Verstappen dominate again, or will Hamilton have the car to get the job done? Will Norris and Piastri pull the papaya cars to the front? You’ll have to wait and see.
Start warming your engines, we have 67 days left to go until we hear ‘lights out and away we go!’
For one final time in 2022!!!
Until next time,
Tayla Talks!
Tayla Talks 
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