Out of proportion to this year's technical revolution, the 2023 Formula 1 season will bring its share of novelties, starting with an extended calendar of 24 Grands Prix. Here is an overview of the changes to expect.
The longest
There will once again be a new kid on the block, the Las Vegas GP. Liberty Media – an American company – has added a third test in the United States.
While the GP of France is leaving, that of Qatar is making its comeback. China was also due to return, but will be replaced, again due to COVID-19. The date of April 16 has been retained on the calendar and an alternative stopover will be announced eventually.
It will be the longest season in sports history and will run from March 3 to November 26.
pilot waltz
As always, there will be changes to the driver contingent. Canadian Nicholas Latifi was notably sacked by Williams after finishing 20th and last in the standings among regular drivers. He will be replaced by American Logan Sargeant.
Sargeant will be one of three rookies on the grid in 2023. McLaren's Oscar Piastri and AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries are the others. They will respectively replace Daniel Ricciardo, who does not have a steering wheel for the next season, and Pierre Gasly, who is moving to Alpine.
Gasly will replace Fernando Alonso, who himself has been called in to relieve newly retired Sebastian Vettel by Aston Martin. The Quebecer Lance Stroll will therefore once again be opposed to a world champion.
Finally, Nico Hulkenberg, who has acted as a luxury reserve a few times since the start of the pandemic, will be back as a starter. He joins Haas, replacing Mick Schumacher.
Among the bosses too, there will be changes. After the resignation of Mattia Binotto, Frédéric Vasseur was recruited at the head of Ferrari. Alfa Romeo has therefore hired McLaren's Andreas Seidl as its new director. McLaren itself promoted Andrea Stella to lead the troops. Williams is in recruitment after the departure of Jost Capito.
More sprints
In terms of regulations, there will be few changes. Porpoising, this phenomenon of bouncing cars at high speed caused by the ground effect, will be measured and limited. The aim is to ensure the health and safety of the pilots.
At the sporting level, the season will include six sprint races. These shorter events, organized instead of the third free practice session, make it possible to reorganize the starting grid after qualifying.
Under the regulations – and also a penalty for exceeding the budget cap in 2021 – Red Bull will only be able to enjoy 63% of the allotted time in the wind tunnel. In addition, each team will have a different wind tunnel usage time depending on its position in the constructors' standings, with Williams having the advantage by virtue of its 10th and last place.
The budget cap has been reduced to $135 million. It was $142.4 million this year.
