Year Ender 2023: 5 biggest highlights from the world of F1

Year Ender 2023: 5 biggest highlights from the world of F1

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By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 31 Dec 2023, 16:50 PM

Let us take a look at the top five moments from the world of F1 in 2023 and what made them exciting.

2023 was a smashing year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull with 19 victories of 22 races (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)

The 2023 Formula 1 season had its fair share of ups and downs. While it was undoubtedly the best year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull with 19 victories in 22 races, there was plenty more drama and action where you’d least expect it. The complete season was entertaining if not the most exciting when it came to wheel-to-wheel racing.

So as we bid adieu to the year 2023, let’s take a look at the top five moments from the world of F1 and what made them exciting.

Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso concluded the year with 8 podium finishes (Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

1. Fernando Alonso’s big comeback

Fernando Alonso managed to be a regular on the podium making this a rather eventful year for the legendary Aston Martin driver. The former three-time world champion took a shocking podium finish in the opening race in Bahrain as he battled with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to snatch third place in the race. He went on to replicate his pace and claimed six podiums in the first eight races of the season including his career’s 100th podium finish in the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP. However, the team couldn’t keep up with the veteran driver and slow development meant Alonso could pick up only two more podiums by the end of the season.

Max Verstappen Dutch Grand Prix
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen passes the chequered flag to win the Dutch Grand Prix (Pool via REUTERS)

2. Max Verstappen dominates the Dutch GP

Max Verstappen came to nearly achieving the ‘GOAT’ status with his performance in the Dutch GP. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner declared him “untouchable” as the best driver in the world after Verstappen managed to drop to 13th due to the double downpour but made his way to the top of the pack lapping two seconds faster than everyone else. The race equalled Sebastian Vettel’s nine-race winning streak and was Verstappen’s eighth victory from pole this season.

Abu Dhabi GP 2023
The Austrian GP became the high point when 47 laps of qualifying were deleted due to drivers exceeding track limits (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)

3. Track Exceptions

2023 was a messy season due to drivers constantly exceeding track limits. The Austrian GP became the high point of the year when 47 laps of qualifying were deleted. The FIA also reported over 1,200 instances of cars leaving the track during the race. Several drivers ended up with time penalties and another 12 received punishments after the race, which makes for almost half the grid. Three of the top 10 drivers dropped places as a result of the penalties.

Alpha Tauri Daniel Ricciardo
Alpha Tauri had three driver changes in 2023 with Nyck de Vries replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, who was replaced by Liam Lawson (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)

4. Musical chairs at Alpha Tauri

Red Bull and its B-team Alpha Tauri are known for swap drivers mid-season but Alpha Tauri took it further with three driver changes throughout the year. The season started with former Formula E champion Nyck de Vries in the seat but he was disposed of after ten races with Daniel Ricciardo stepping in. However, the Australian ended up breaking his wrist and had to take a sabbatical, allowing rookie Liam Lawson some crucial time in the F1 car. Lawson made full use of the opportunity finishing seventh in Mexico, which may help him get a full-time seat in the future.

Carlos Sainz Las Vegas GP 2023
Sparks fly from the car of Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr. as he races during the qualifying session for the Las Vegas GP (Jim WATSON / AFP)

5. Viva Las Vegas

The Las Vegas GP was added to the calendar this year and saw a healthy mix of conversations most outside of racing. With complaints about how the event was organised to a manhole cover damaging Carlos Sainz’s car, the race weekend had a rocky start at best but managed to culminate into an exciting weekend with some action-packed racing at the end of it. Verstappen was penalised for pushing Leclerc off track and even crashed into Russell. But the driver raced to victory with a damaged wing, making it a dramatic win.

First Published Date: 31 Dec 2023, 16:50 PM IST


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Aston Martin DB12 supercar launched in India at ₹4.59 crore

Aston Martin DB12 supercar launched in India at ₹4.59 crore

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The Aston Martin DB12 comes into India via the import route but that was obvious. The supercar market in the country remains microscopic even though the likes of Ferrari and McLaren are present through a select few models of their own. Lamborghini has been ruling the tiny territory but then again, Urus SUV is quite the showstopper across the world. As such, the entry of Aston Martin DB12, in many ways, marks a new dawn.

The DB12 has a low-slung profile which is tailormade to underline its aerodynamic credentials. While from many angles, it may appear similar to the DB11, the new Aston Martin logo leaves no doubt that this here is the absolute latest that the British manufacturer has on offer.

What’s also new is the V12 from the DB11 has been replaced with a four-litre turbo V8 engine, a move necessitated by newer emission norms in many parts of the world. Make no mistake though because performance credentials remains as solid as ever – 670 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. The suspension set up is also absolutely new and features adaptive dampers. The other highlights include 21-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 5 S tires, Electronic Rear Differential (E-diff) and three drive modes – GT, Sport and Sport+. At its most capable, the Aston Martin DB12 can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 325 kmph.

First Published Date: 29 Sep 2023, 19:16 PM IST


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Aston Martin DB12 with 670 bhp to launch on 29th September

Aston Martin DB12 with 670 bhp to launch on 29th September

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Aston Martin’s DB12 will be making its India debut on 29th September. The launch event will happen at the British High Commission in New Delhi. Aston Martin DB12 will be priced at ₹4.80 crore ex-showroom and deliveries will start from Q3 of 2024. It is important to note that this price is before any options. Speaking of options, Aston Martin is offering loads of personalization options through its ‘Q’ customisation programme so expect the price to shoot up quite easily.

By: Paarth Khatri
| Updated on: 05 Sep 2023, 16:57 PM

Aston Martin DB12 borrows its engine from Mercedes-AMG.

Powering the DB12 is a 4.0-litre V8 that has been twin-turbocharged. That figure seems familiar because the engine is derived from Mercedes-AMG. However, Aston Martin is running their tune on it because of which the power output is boosted to 670 bhp and the peak torque output stands at 800 Nm. 0-100 kmph comes up in claimed 3.6 seconds and the top speed is rated at 325 kmph.

The gearbox on duty is an 8-speed unit that transfers the power to the rear wheels only. To handle all that power, a new electronic rear differential has been placed. Unlike a conventional Limited Slip Differential, it can go from fully open to 100% locked in a matter of milliseconds.

The final drive ratio has been shortened for better in-gear acceleration and the transmission has been re-calibrated as well to reduce shift speeds and increase shift characteristics. Aston Martin DB12’s bonded aluminium structure has seen a 7 per cent increase in global torsional stiffness thanks to changes to a range of underbody components.

Also Read : Aston Martin DB12 Volante convertible breaks cover

The adaptive dampers on the grand tourer are also new and the anti-roll bars are stiffer. Aston Martin has given special attention to the steering inputs so that they are sharper and still provide good feedback to the driver. The DB12 is fitted with cast-iron 400 mm front discs and 360 mm rear discs. The brake booster has also been re-tuned to improve pedal feedback.

First Published Date: 05 Sep 2023, 16:57 PM IST


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F1 champion Max Verstappen could be prosecuted for speeding in viral video

F1 champion Max Verstappen could be prosecuted for speeding in viral video

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Defending Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen could be prosecuted for exceeding speed limits in a viral video. The Red Bull Racing driver was seen driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco and was said to be going at 120 kmph in a 90 kmph zone. While the video initially went viral on a positive note, it seems to have now landed the F1 champion in a soup of sorts.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 23 Aug 2023, 16:01 PM

Max Verstappen was seen exceeding speed limits in a viral video while driving the Aston Martin Valkyrie in Monaco

According to reports, at the General Directorate of the National Gendarmerie, a specialised cell tracks down such videos broadcasted on social networks. Going by the video, Verstappen stands accused of “endangering the lives of others” and could be prosecuted for the same. Apart from the fines imposed by local authorities, F1’s governing body, the FIA could also take cognisance and penalise the driver, should the allegations prove to be true.

Also Read : F1: Max Verstappen beats teammate Sergio Perez to win Austrian GP sprint race

The viral video shows Max Verstappen driving the $2.1 million dollar worth Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar that produces in excess of 1,000 bhp. The 20-second-long video shows the Dutch driver taking the car for a spin on the Nice Nord motorway. The Valkyrie is one of the most advanced hypercars known for its sharp design and performance built in collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing.

The Valkyrie coupe uses 100 per cent carbon fibre in its construction minimising load and enhancing the power-to-weight ratio. The 6.5-litre V12 motor develops 1,140 bhp revving up to 11,100 rpm. The Valkyrie can sprint from 0-100 kmph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of over 321 kmph.

On the racing front, Max Verstappen is dominating the 2023 F1 season with little to no competition from his contemporaries. The F1 driver will most likely be unfazed by all the chatter as he prepares for his next home race, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on September 4. The two-time world champion is aiming to secure his third world championship this season.

First Published Date: 23 Aug 2023, 16:01 PM IST


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