2023 Formula 1: Over-performers and under-performers

Formula 1 always has its twists and turns, but it is still more predictable than your average sport. Thanks to the level of funding and the talent the top teams have, it is usually pretty clear which teams will be the best.

The best sports betting sites create Formula 1 odds to start the season, and while there are changes and deviations, those odds are typically close to being correct. Six races into 2023 that seems to be the case this year. However, there are some constructors that have performed better or worse than most would’ve thus far.

This deep into the year, F1 fans have likely been pleasantly surprised at the performance of some of the constructors while being deeply let down by the speed and decision-making of others.

While there are still many races left on the calendar, let’s take a break to look at the 2023 Formula 1 Constructors’ title race and establish what teams have either exceeded expectations or fallen short this year.

Ferrari: Under-Performer

This is not the start that Ferrari had hoped for. After bungling an opportunity last year with horrible decision-making and terrible luck, Ferrari went into this year with less optimism. Charles Leclerc has yet to secure a podium after looking like a contender last year, and the reliability issues that plagued the team are a problem once again. The car isn’t at the speed level that many had expected, and the team’s strategy appears to be lacking. Instead of being a top-of-the-table team, Ferrari seems entrenched in the 4 place spot and likely to extend their winning drought.

Aston Martin: Over-Performer

This year has been a surge into glory for Aston Martin. They finished seventh in the Constructor standings and seemed far more likely to be a mid-table performer than a real contender this year. But led by the steady hand of Fernando Alonso and a huge infusion of funding, Aston Martin has become a podium fixture this year, with five podiums in six races.

Lance Stroll, the second driver and son of team owner Lawrence Stroll, has been consistently getting points, but the legendary Spaniard Alonso is a key reason for the team’s turnaround. They appear to also have the second-best car on the grid.

McLaren: Under-Performer

For a while, it appeared like McLaren was building a car and a team that could contend with the best. For many, the shine has come off. After finishing in fifth last year, McLaren is performing even worse this year. They are closer to Haas and Alfa Romeo than they are to Alpine, and the distance between McLaren and the top contenders is already insurmountable.

Lando Norris does not have a vehicle that he can win with, and Oscar Piastri hasn’t been impressive in his first year in F1. McLaren still has two of the most talented young drivers in the sport, but they may get wandering eyes if this continues.

Mercedes: Under-Performer

Last year was considered a down year for Mercedes after the run they had just had. Mercedes finished the year in 3, with legendary Lewis Hamilton coming 6 and new addition George Russell finishing 4. Great results for some teams, but not for Mercedes.

This year, it has been more of the same. After piquing fans’ curiosity with major projected upgrades, the Mercedes improvements haven’t been what many were hoping. Instead, Mercedes looks like they are a cut below Aston Martin and Red Bull. They are currently 3 but have only secured one podium in six races.

AlphaTauri: Under-Performer

Expectations were not particularly high this year for AlphaTauri after finishing 9 last year. The team is more of a proving ground for Red Bull’s young drivers than a highly competitive F1 team, but the loss of Pierre Gasly has seemingly pushed them even deeper into a position at the bottom of the table.

Drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries have yet to perform at a consistent point-getting level, and the team has two points through six races. It does not appear likely that the team will pull themselves out of one of the bottom two spots in the table.

Red Bull: Met Expectations

Going into the year, the expectation was that Red Bull was going to dominate. They had won the Constructors the year before, Verstappen had a dominant title victory, and all the ingredients were in place for a historic repeat. And, so far, what do we have?

Exactly that. Red Bull and their Dutch 25–year-old superstar appear to be head and shoulders above everyone, with the best drivers, the best strategy, and the best car. They have won every race this year and have ten podiums. They have more than double the points of the second-place team.