THE 2022 season will, most likely, be remembered for Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s domination of it.
But there were many other stories and performances that combined to fill in the tapestry of the latest chapter in the sport’s storied history.
Williams
Without the hand of the late Sir Frank Williams, the feeling around the team just isn’t the same. Nevertheless, the new(ish) owners, Dorilton Capital, have brought it a bevy of new sponsor for 2022. The addition of Alex Albon was the best decision by the team as the Thai driver proved his talent on several occasions through the season.
Still, the car simply wasn’t up to scratch and the team fell well behind in the development race throughout the year. Despite Albon’s best attempts the team scored only eight points in a season that can only be described as a disappointment.
Alpha Tauri
The junior Red Bull team has always been known to punch above its weight. However, in 2022 things never got going for the team. Despite having Pierre Gasly in the cockpit, the team never reached the heights of previous seasons. This, and having to deal with the prima donna histrionics of Yuki Tsunoda, saw the team score only 35 points in 22 races and finish the season second-last in the constructor’s standings.
Haas
The American-owned team promised much early in the season. The quick drafting in of Kevin Magnussen seemed to be an added boost too, as the Danish driver hit the ground running with some impressive drives. But a series of expensive crashes, mostly from Mick Schumacher’s side of the garage, would have put the budget under some serious strain. A total of 37 points for the season put the team in eighth place overall but 2022 will go down as a disappointing one for Guether Steiner and his team. Like Williams, the team struggled with car development, influenced by a lack of funds.
Aston Martin
It was the second year of having the Aston Martin name back in F1, but it didn’t fare any better than in 2021. From the outset of preseason testing, it was clear that Lance Stroll and Seb Vettel had been given a difficult and overall slow car to drive. Unlike as in previous seasons, it never really got any better. Stroll isn’t exactly known for his extraordinary driving talent but has, on occasion, delivered some impressive drives. Not only was there none of that this season but his driving seemed erratic, causing some big incidents.
It was the last year for the four-time champion, Vettel. Unfortunately, he wasn’t given a car to match his exceptional talent. Still, Vettel pushed the team forward, all while championing many other causes and winning the hearts of F1 fans. He will be missed.
Alfa Romeo
A new driver pairing in the form of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu coupled with quite a competitive car which promised much. But while the car started the season as a genuine mid-field contender, this performance faded through the season. Of the drivers, though, Alfa Romeo and team boss, Fred Vasseur, have little to complain about. Bottas stood out in the early part of the season as a driver reborn. Free of the Mercedes pressure, the Finnish driver equipped himself well enough to regain not only his own confidence but also up his stock in the driver market.
With 55 points on the board, it isn’t a heck of a lot better than the team had done last year, but the announcement that the team will be sold, over the next three years, to Audi, promises much for the future.
- Part 2 will continue next week.
