4 drivers who made a name for themselves in Formula 1 this year

Max Verstappen may have blown the competition away, but the three-time world champion wasn’t the only driver to stand out in Formula 1 this year. Below, we take a look at four other racers who made a name for themselves during the supersized 2023 season.

Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

The public tug-of-war between Alpine and McLaren for Piastri’s services heaped enormous pressure on the young Australian before he even took part in his first Formula 1 race. Was his signature really worth such a bitter fight between the rival teams? Was it ever.

Piastri delivered arguably the best rookie season F1 has seen since Lewis Hamilton’s memorable 2007 campaign.

Much like teammate Lando Norris, the Aussie pilot took off after McLaren’s upgrade package rectified the MCL60’s early-season issues. He secured two podium finishes on the year – including one at the formidable Suzuka circuit – and, perhaps most impressively, won the sprint event in Qatar, making him one of only two non-Red Bull drivers to claim a race victory in 2023. His outstanding performances at Spa (second in the sprint), Silverstone (qualified third), and Marina Bay (jumped from 17th to seventh) proved that his most notable results were not simply one-offs. Piastri is the real deal and was easily the best rookie on the grid. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and his was superb.

The best part for both McLaren and F1 fans? There’s still room for growth. Assuming his machinery is up to snuff, Piastri will be even better in 2024.

Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri)

Formula 1 is a notoriously ruthless sport. When you get an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it. Lawson did precisely that.

AlphaTauri threw the 21-year-old right into the deep end, as he stepped up at a moment’s notice to make his debut in Zandvoort after Daniel Ricciardo was injured midway through the race weekend. Despite having just a single (wet) practice session to collect his bearings, Lawson put forth an incredible grand prix debut, navigating tricky – and changing – wet and dry conditions to ultimately finish 13th, two places ahead of teammate Yuki Tsunoda. As a Red Bull reserve driver, most of his work in the simulator came in the RB19, but you wouldn’t have known it watching him drive an unfamiliar car.

The highlight of his five-race cameo was undoubtedly a ninth-place finish in Singapore, arguably the most physically taxing race on the calendar. Though he’ll once again have to settle for a reserve driver role in 2024, Lawson made the most of his limited opportunity, proving he is an assured and polished racer who deserves a full-time seat in the very near future.

Alex Albon (Williams)

Perhaps no one made a bigger name for themselves in 2023 than Albon, who has all but settled in as Williams’ team leader. After a successful return to the grid in 2022, Albon reached another level this past season. Not only did the Thai driver beat teammate Logan Sargeant 22-0 head-to-head in qualifying, Albon was also responsible for scoring 27 of Williams’ 28 points. His performances – which included seven top-10 finishes – single-handedly carried the legendary outfit to seventh place in the constructors’ championship, as he outscored AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo, and Haas on his own.

Albon’s 2023 drives elevated his status around the paddock. Known for having consistent pace, whether over one lap or a race, and a knack for tire management, Albon could be on many teams’ radars in a year, as his contract expires after 2024. Whether he jumps back to a bigger team or continues building with Williams remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt Albon deserves to fight at the front of the grid.

Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a grand prix race in the 2023 season. The Spaniard brought Ferrari its first victory in over a year by outsmarting his competitors during a brilliant drive in Singapore. With the Mercedes of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton hot on his heels, Sainz tactically kept Lando Norris within DRS range to stifle his rival’s faster pace on fresher tires. His efforts proved fruitful, as he held on for first place in a long and grueling race.

However, that wasn’t Sainz’s only highlight this year. In Monza – the heartland of the Tifosi – Sainz gave it all he had in trying to deny Verstappen a 10th straight victory. Though it didn’t end up like his Singapore triumph, the Spaniard put forth a heroic effort and held on for a podium finish.

In a season dominated by Red Bull, Sainz proved he can hang with the best of the best.