La Formula 1 is officially in hibernation, but it would be a crime to forget about the best moments of the 2023 season. We at YawClub we have drawn up the ranking of the five best races of this year, in the hope that 2024 will be able to give us similar moments, and even something more. The season that ended was certainly not as exciting as the previous ones, but the exploits, the magic and the unexpected events that occurred in these five stages reminded us why we love this sport. Have a good trip.
5. BeethoVER's ninth
In fifth place there is Zandvoort. Right at his house, Max took his ninth consecutive victory, equaling his predecessor Sebastian Vettel. The heir to the throne of Red Bull he had to break out in a cold sweat before grabbing first place. Yes, because the victory was in his teammate's hands until a few kilometers from the end. The Mexican, however, couldn't hold up when it mattered most, ending up wide at the first corner. A wonderful race, characterized by the catastrophes that only rain can bring.
For some, the Dutch one was a grand prix to forget: this is the case of Ferrari. The team lost Leclerc after the floor damage sustained in the brawl with Piastri, gaining only a fifth place with Sainz. Fantastic Alonso who after a few "no" races grabbed the top spot among the others in front of a phenomenal Gasly.
4. Southern calamity
Fourth position for Australian Grand Prix. A race full of twists and turns, from the first to the last lap. At the start Russell and Hamilton overtook Verstappen, who has begun to contemplate revenge. It's difficult to forget Leclerc's mistake, who after closing in on Stroll fatally ended up in the gravel. The safety car caused by Albon's crash rekindled Max's hopes, simultaneously extinguishing those of Russell, fooled by the timing of the pit stops.
Very close to the end Magnussen triggered the third safety car, starting a Kafkaesque sequence of events. In fact, upon restarting the Alpines made a splash, and Alonso turned after contact with Sainz. The Asturian's companion ended up in the gravel a few seconds later. After many doubts about the application of the regulation, the decision was made to finish behind the Safety Car, with Sainz relegated to 12th position after causing Nando to spin. Hamilton (second) and Alonso (third) served as bridesmaids to Max's first place.
3. For pride
Third position for Monza Grand Prix. A painful start for the reigning world champion. Max faced a difficult initial phase behind a Sainz who dreamed big and a Leclerc squire he rebelled in the final stages trying everything on his partner at the first variation. Result: smoking tires, no overtaking, but lots of fun in the stands and in front of the TV. The Monegasque missed the podium by 186 thousandths, settling for fourth place behind Sainz, Perez, and the victorious Verstappen. What a race Hamilton had too, recovering to sixth place.
2. You brake first
Silver medal for Las Vegas. She had caused a lot of discussion, but she did not disappoint. The Nevada Grand Prix left everyone speechless, including the drivers. Right from the start we understood that it would be a hot race, with Max who accompanied pole man Leclerc out in his own way at the first corner. Then the disaster in the rear, with Sainz touching Hamilton, and Alonso turning after contact with Perez and Bottas. There was no shortage of disasters: from Norris hitting the wall, to the contact between Russell and Verstappen, up to the double puncture between Hamilton and Piastri. Final phase of total pride for Leclerc, who after having given the provisional double to the Red Bulls with a long, he pulled the break of the year on Perez in the last corners regaining second position.
1. Rampant rebellion
In the first place there is Singapore. Already from Saturday there were the conditions for a memorable race with the double exclusion of Red Bulls from Q3 and Ferrari pole with Sainz. The Monegasque once again acted as a squire for the good of the team, only to be fooled by the safety car caused by Sargeant's Williams. The duel between the Mercedes and the Red Bulls was beautiful, but the ending is even more goosebump-inducing. Sainz drove like a champion, giving Drs to Norris in an attempt to keep Russell away; with the 63 crashing sensationally on the last lap miscalculating the narrow spaces of Singapore. The Spaniard with 55 took home the only non-Red Bull victory of the season with masterful driving and management. Heart-pounding from the first to the last lap.
