My F1 2023 Unreliable Predictions

Last season my predictions were terrible but I'm back again this year to see how many more I can get wrong. 

1) Red Bull's cost cap penalty won't affect them. 

Last year's Formula One season was marked by numerous controversies, one of which saw Red Bull hit with a £7 million fine and a reduction in their wind tunnel testing time by 10%. 

This punishment was handed down due to the team exceeding the allocated cost cap budget of $140 million.

For the 2023 season, Red Bull will only be allowed 202 runs in the wind tunnel, while their rivals Mercedes and Ferrari will each have 256 and 240 runs, respectively.

Despite this disadvantage, I believe that Red Bull will have no difficulty in keeping up with their rivals in the race for the 2023 title. 

After all, the team currently boasts a significant gap in pace compared to its competitors.

2) Lewis Hamilton will win his 8th drivers championship

Despite not winning a race in a season for the first time in his career, Lewis Hamilton is confident that 2023 will be a successful year. He is even more determined to break the record for the most driver's championships. The only potential obstacle to his success is the performance of the car. 

Last year's Mercedes, the W13, was difficult to drive and did not meet the team's high standards. However, the team has been working on 2023 development early and even studying how previous dominant teams like Manchester United lost their edge. With these efforts, Mercedes and Hamilton aim to be back to their top form in 2023 and ready to fight for the championship.

3) Ferrari's 2023 could be a disappointment 

Despite widespread hopes that Ferrari would have a strong season in 2022, the team has faced several issues, including driver crashes, poor race strategies, and subpar pit stops. 

The recent dismissal of team boss Mattia Binotto and the hiring of former Alfa Romeo boss Fred Vasseur has put Ferrari in a rebuilding phase. 

While these distractions may prevent the team from being a serious contender for the championship, it's clear that Ferrari still has work to do to overcome the errors that have plagued them in the past.

4) Fernando Alonso's luck will change with Aston Martin 

Fernando Alonso has joined his eighth team for 2023, replacing Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin. 

While the move may seem like a questionable decision on the surface, as Alonso's previous team, Alpine, finished fourth in the championship while Aston Martin placed sixth, there is more to the story.

The key to Alonso's move lies in the ongoing growth of the Aston Martin team and its headquarters. 

With one of the most modern Formula One bases under construction, the team is poised to benefit from having the best equipment and personnel in the sport. 

All Alonso has to do is wait patiently for his opportunity. At 41, he has limited time left in the sport.

However, given his strong performance last season, let's hope that Aston Martin can quickly climb up the grid before Alonso's skills begin to decline.

5) Alpine will be fighting for podiums - But Gasly and Ocon's relationship could backfire. 

Alpine confirmed that its 2022 had a lot of potential last season, with both Alonso and Ocon being extremely quick throughout the season, most notably Alonso Qualifying P2 in Canada. 

The car could pick up a podium in multiple races last year but with Ferrari and Red Bull having rocketship pace, they seemed too far away. Add the terrible reliability of the engine that cost Fernando Alonso over 50 points in the season. 

But with Alonso jumping ship, a long-time rival of Ocon's, Pierre Gasly has moved to the team. 

While the team suggest that all is well in the relationship I expect to see a few fireworks this year that could cost the team valuable points. 

Bonus Predictions 

Sebastian Vettel will come back to F1 in a substantial role

A new team to compete in 2024 or 2025 will be announced 

Daniel Riccardo's comeback announcement (please).