2022 F1 season review

As the year draws to a close, it’s probably a good time to reflect on the 2022 F1 season and the many events that happened which you may have forgotten.

The 2022 season didn’t quite have the same tense excitement and climatic drama as last year however it was still a pretty decent F1 campaign.

Bahrain GP: The curtain-raiser in Bahrain came with much anticipated as the new regulations were expected to shake things up a bit (not sure if that actually happened). This race will probably be remembered for the brief fight for the lead and both Red Bull cars retiring in the final stages – handing a win to Leclerc and a podium to Hamilton.

Saudi Arabia GP: One of the major stories of the weekend in Saudi was Mick Schumacher’s crash in qualifying: a crash that frightened the world of F1 as we worried what (if anything) had happened to him. Another talking point was the ‘DRS chicken’ last few laps with Verstappen and Leclerc as they both tried to get the rear wing open in the fight for the win.

Australian GP: A race remembered for another Verstappen mechanical DNF and Alex Albon’s remarkable tyre-saving abilities as he took the hard tyres up to the penultimate lap and scored points in the process despite starting last after being disqualified from qualifying.

Emilia-Romagna GP: At a rain-soaked Imola, we saw Haas and Bottas put in commendable performances; Verstappen lap Hamilton; Leclerc throwing away a podium in a fruitless attempt at fastest lap (which included a trip to the barriers); and Lando Norris on the podium.

Miami GP: At this point, the Verstappen domination begins as he takes race win after race win. A crash between close friends Vettel and Schumacher cost the young German points and the race proves to not be a thriller.

Spanish GP: Another Verstappen win but a race where Mercedes had a small resurgence with Russell battling for the lead (and ending up on the podium) while Hamilton fought back from last into a strong points finish after contact with Magnussen. Leclerc’s engine also had issues which was a bit of a theme this season.

Monaco GP: A slightly less processional trip to Monaco this year with the rain spicing up the action and bringing the potential for strategy triumph or disaster. Red Bull had the former with a Perez win while Ferrari had a nightmare in the pits which meant Leclerc was off the podium. Schumacher had a massive crash here too.

Azerbaijan GP: Ferrari’s woes continued with another mechanical retirement for Leclerc as the world realises this is Verstappen’s championship to lose. Hamilton porpoising his way around the track in a brutal fashion was also a talking point from this race.

Canadian GP: A wet qualifying/dry race combination led to some exciting action with Alonso on the front row, Haas in strong positions and Russell behind after an ill-fated move to slicks in the rain. The race wasn’t particularly thrilling save for some contact at the start and a crash from Yuki Tsunoda.

British GP: The major story of the British GP was the shocking crash in which Zhou flew over the barriers into a fence, he was alright however many drivers failed to make it past the first corner. After the debris had been cleared, it was an exciting race with the memorable ‘through goes Hamilton’ and Sainz’ first win. Special mention to Latifi who reached Q3.

Austrian GP: Both Mercedes crashed in qualifying however redeemed themselves over the race and sprint with Hamilton on the podium. Leclerc was victorious but almost succumbed to mechanical issues while Haas put in great drives across the weekend.

French GP: A mistake from Leclerc ended his race with the unforgettable cry of ‘Noooo’ as he did so. Perez and Russell battled for the podium with the Brit triumphant after a great safety car restart.

Hungarian GP: A first pole for Russell (fourth new polesitter this season) however it didn’t lead to a win as he could only manage third. A strategy masterclass handed Verstappen the win from behind and Ferrari made the pathetic decision to put on the hard tyres – sealing their fate to not come close to the front.

Belgian GP: A race remembered for miraculous Max taking the win from 15th while Hamilton was launched into the air by Fernando Alonso ending his race (after being told “he only knows how to drive cars from the front”). Another race where we saw what a great driver Verstappen is.

Dutch GP: Mercedes’ first big chance at a win was blown in a Ferrari-like manner through a strategy blunder that left Lewis vulnerable and George in P2. Max was the home hero taking the victory while Sergio was less popular for ruining everyone’s qualifying.

Italian GP: The tifosi were disappointed that Ferrari couldn’t win for them in one of their best cars in recent years however the true star of the weekend was super-sub Nyck de Vries who became one of a handful of drivers to race for two teams in one weekend and netted Williams some much-needed points.

Singapore GP: A soaked Singapore led many top drivers to make mistakes and be out of position leaving the door open for Perez to take his second win of the season.

Japanese GP: The long-awaited return to Suzuka was almost a washout after heavy rainfall shortened the race and once again left us debating the interpretation of the regulations. Seb had a super weekend but the limelight went once again to Verstappen, securing his second title at the home of Honda.

US GP: Another chance at a Mercedes win missed while Stroll caused mayhem as he launched Alonso into the air – causing yet more controversy. At this point, Red Bull also clinched the Constructors’ Championship.

Mexican GP: A pretty dull race dominated by Red Bull as very little action occurred although some joy was brought by Perez’ home podium.

Brazilian GP: A dramatic penultimate race gave us a new race winner in the form of George Russell after he produced a commanding drive in the Sprint race and Grand Prix. Magnussen took shock pole and in echoes of 2021 there was contact between Hamilton and Verstappen.

Abu Dhabi GP: A flat finale as there was little drama other than who would win out on strategy in the battle for P2 in the drivers’ standings (for once Ferrari triumphed). We also said goodbye to Seb, Nicholas and Daniel, some of which was more sad than others.

What’s your favourite moment of the 2022 season?

Do comment your thoughts below.

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