“The most competitive field in terms of drivers that we’ve ever had in Formula One” - Franz Tost

© Redbull media pool

Franz Tost © Redbull media pool

During the Hungaroring FP2 session Sky sports commentator David Croft drew attention to Franz Tosts (Team principal of Alpha Tauri) comment claiming this is the “most competitive field in terms of drivers that we’ve ever had in formula one”.
 
So far this year we have seen Redbull, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Ferrari, Alpine, and most recently Mclaren on the podium, showing over half the grid has the potential to compete near the top.
 
I say near, as the top is very clearly dominated by Redbull, specifically Max Verstappen who has entered a league of his own as he looks to break the record for the most wins in a season, which he already holds as he took 15 wins in 2022. With 12 races left of the season he currently has eight victories; he aims to hit his sixth in a row in Hungary.
 
Three quarters of the grid (15/20 drivers) having made the podium in their career, the 2023 grid is definitely competitive. But with championships like 1982 which had 11 separate race winners, and 2012 that started with seven different winners can this statement be argued?

*in order of current drivers standings (22/07/2023)
2023 Drivers and their accomplishments 
Max Verstappen
Two-time world champion, 43 Grand prix wins, 87 podiums

Sergio Perez
6 Grand Prix wins, 31 podiums

Fernando Alonso
Two-time world champion, 32 wins, 104 podiums

Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time world champion, 103 wins, 195 podiums

Carlos Sainz jr
1 Grand Prix win, 15 podiums

George Russell
10 podiums, F2 Champion

Charles Leclerc
5 Grand Prix wins, 26 podiums, F2 Champion

Lance stroll
3 podiums, F3/F4 Champion

Lando Norris
7 podiums, F3 Champion

Estaban Ocon
1 Grand Prix win, 3 podiums, F3 Champion

Oscar Piastri (Rookie)
F2/F3 Champion

Pierre Gasly
1 Grand Prix win, 3 podiums

Alexander Albon
2 podiums

Nico Hulkenburg
Le Mans 24 Hours winner, GP2 champion

Valtteri Bottas
10 Grand Prix wins, 67 podiums

Yuki Tsunoda
F4 Champion

Kevin Magnussen
1 podium, Formula Renault 3.5 champion

Logan Sargeant (Rookie)
First American to win an F2 race

Nyck de vries (OUT)
FE World champion, F2 champion

Daniel Ricciardo
8 Grand Prix wins, 32 Podiums


Bronwen Jones
​writer @ F1 journal

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