What to expect from the first race of 2023?

As the Formula 1 2023 season is almost underway, we can hope for a better fight between the top three than last season. Although Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc fought really well in the season opener last year. Max Verstappen had some reliability issues that caused his retirement from the race. This year with the increased reliability of the power units we can expect a much better fight between the two in 3 days.

Bahrain GP

Bahrain International Circuit is famous for its overtaking layout. This track is notorious for tire degradation. This track really tests the downforce and the straight-line speed of the car along with its stability through the corners. Ferrari has a good record of winning in Bahrain with Sebastian Vettel winning in 2017 and 2018 and Charles Leclerc winning in 2022 with Carlos Sainz in P2 giving Ferrari a 1-2 in the first race of the 2022 season. Bahrain GP starts on 3 March. 

Expectations from Red Bull

Red bull is clearly the fastest car on the track based on what everyone saw in 3 days of testing in Bahrain. Red bull has a really strong line-up with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. No doubt that Max will be on the full pace from the first lap of the weekend. Sergio Perez takes a little bit of time to get himself settled in the car. As Red bull dominated last season it is very likely for them to continue this form going. Red bull was at full pace from the start of the testing but that doesn't mean they showed their exact pace, they might be hiding a lot of pace. 

Expectations from Ferrari

Ferrari is famous for being very good in testing but not performing up to the expectations in the season later on. But this time Ferrari wasn't really that focused on lap times, instead they preferred to do some extreme tests with the car. They tried multiple configurations with their SF-23 to try to prepare themselves better for the race. Putting everything together, they won't let Max or Red bull win that easily, especially with Charles Leclerc.

Expectations from Mercedes

Mercedes didn't seem too good to be fighting for wins rather I think they will enjoy themselves sitting p3. The line-up is too good for their car it seems. But Mercedes is famous for developing the car better than anyone else. That was the case last season as well, the car wasn't too good to be fighting for wins but they developed it and got themselves a 1-2 finish. Their car seemed much better than last year's car but they don't expect themselves to be in the mix of the top two.

Expectations from Alpine

They have a very different car than last year's. Alpine didn't show its true potential in testing. But they are aiming to be in the top 3. Esteban Ocon is already very happy with their new car. It seems like they will be fighting Aston Martin for the 4th in the constructor's championship.

Expectations from Aston Martin

Aston Martin looks like the most improved car in terms of lap time and stability just behind Red bull. Aston Martin is aiming to secure the 4th spot in the constructor's championship and maybe 3rd if Mercedes is caught napping during the development. Aston Martin was the biggest surprise in testing.