The 2022 Formula 1 season delivered a captivating blend of dominant performances, intense rivalries, and surprising turnarounds, ultimately culminating in a resounding victory for Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Fresh off his second consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, Verstappen’s command of the season was undeniable, characterized by record-breaking wins and an incredible points tally. Following the thrilling Mexican Grand Prix, a pivotal event in the latter stages of the calendar, Verstappen had firmly established an unassailable lead. His formidable advantage stood at 136 points over his closest competitor and Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez, highlighting a season of unparalleled consistency and strategic brilliance from both the driver and his Milton Keynes-based team.
The narrative of the 2022 F1 season was largely defined by Max Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of excellence. After an initial challenge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the early races, Verstappen and the potent Red Bull RB18 chassis truly hit their stride, transforming what began as a fiercely contested championship into a demonstration of sheer superiority. This period of dominance wasn’t just about winning races; it was about setting new benchmarks for performance and reliability, ensuring that the championship trophy returned to Verstappen’s hands with races to spare. The sheer margin separating him from the rest of the field after the Mexican Grand Prix underscored his status as the undisputed king of Formula 1 in 2022.
While the Drivers’ Championship crown was secured, the battles further down the standings remained intensely competitive, captivating fans across the globe. The fight for second place in the drivers’ standings, in particular, became a significant subplot, involving Max Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Each driver had their moments of brilliance and struggle throughout the demanding 22-race calendar, contributing to a dynamic and unpredictable hierarchy behind the reigning champion. Understanding these intricate battles requires a closer look at the final championship standings as they stood immediately after the action-packed race weekend in Mexico City.
2022 F1 drivers championship standings
Below are the comprehensive standings for the 2022 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship following the Grand Prix held in Mexico. These figures reflect the points accumulated by each driver across the season’s races up to that point, vividly illustrating the gaps and positions that shaped the championship’s conclusion.
| Position | Driver | Points | Gap to leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | 416 | |
| 2 | Sergio Perez | 280 | 136 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | 275 | 141 |
| 4 | George Russell | 231 | 185 |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | 216 | 200 |
| 6 | Carlos Sainz Jnr | 212 | 204 |
| 7 | Lando Norris | 111 | 305 |
| 8 | Esteban Ocon | 82 | 334 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | 71 | 345 |
| 10 | Valtteri Bottas | 47 | 369 |
| 11 | Sebastian Vettel | 36 | 380 |
| 12 | Daniel Ricciardo | 35 | 381 |
| 13 | Kevin Magnussen | 24 | 392 |
| 14 | Pierre Gasly | 23 | 393 |
| 15 | Lance Stroll | 13 | 403 |
| 16 | Mick Schumacher | 12 | 404 |
| 17 | Yuki Tsunoda | 12 | 404 |
| 18 | Zhou Guanyu | 6 | 410 |
| 19 | Alexander Albon | 4 | 412 |
| 20 | Nicholas Latifi | 2 | 414 |
| 21 | Nyck de Vries | 2 | 414 |
| 22 | Nico Hulkenberg | 0 | 416 |
Max Verstappen’s Unprecedented Dominance in 2022
Max Verstappen’s performance in the 2022 season was truly exceptional, solidifying his status as a two-time Formula 1 World Champion. His 416 points at this stage not only illustrate his commanding lead but also reflect a masterclass in consistent high performance. The Dutchman secured multiple victories, showcasing an incredible synergy with his Red Bull RB18 car, which proved to be the benchmark for speed and reliability on various circuits. His ability to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and maintain an unyielding pace throughout each race weekend ensured he clinched the title well before the season’s official close. This remarkable individual achievement also laid a crucial foundation for Red Bull’s pursuit of the Constructors’ Championship, demonstrating the perfect harmony between driver and machine.
The Intense Battle for Second Place in the Drivers’ Championship
The fight for the runner-up position in the Drivers’ Championship was significantly more contentious than the top spot. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, held onto second place with 280 points. His season was marked by strong performances, including a memorable victory in Monaco, yet he couldn’t quite match Verstappen’s relentless pace over the entire calendar. Perez played a crucial role in Red Bull’s constructor success, often providing strategic support and securing valuable points. Hot on his heels was Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, just five points behind with 275. Leclerc began the season with great promise, leading the championship in the early stages, but a combination of strategic missteps, reliability issues, and driver errors saw Ferrari’s challenge fade. Despite these setbacks, Leclerc consistently demonstrated his raw speed and fighting spirit, making him a formidable competitor.
Mercedes, after a challenging start with their W13 car, made significant strides in the latter half of the 2022 Formula 1 season. George Russell, in his debut season with the Silver Arrows, impressed immensely, securing 231 points and placing fourth. His consistency and ability to extract performance from a difficult car were standout features, culminating in a popular maiden F1 victory in Brazil. Legendary teammate Lewis Hamilton, while experiencing his first winless F1 season, still contributed significantly with 216 points, demonstrating flashes of his old brilliance as Mercedes progressively improved their machinery. The fact that two Mercedes drivers were firmly in the top five, closing in on Ferrari and Perez, underscored their remarkable recovery and potential for future seasons, despite the initial struggles with the W13’s “porpoising.”
Midfield Dynamics and Standout Performances Across the Grid
Beyond the top contenders, the 2022 season also featured an enthralling midfield battle, where every point was fiercely contested. Carlos Sainz Jnr, Ferrari’s second driver, secured 212 points, contributing vital points to Ferrari’s constructors’ effort and often challenging for podiums, including a breakthrough first F1 win at Silverstone. Lando Norris of McLaren continued to be a bright spot in the grid, leading his team with 111 points, consistently outperforming his machinery and often placing himself in contention for ‘best of the rest’ honors. His talent truly shone through in a competitive field, often seen extracting the maximum from his car.
Alpine showcased a strong and consistent season, with both Esteban Ocon (82 points) and the veteran Fernando Alonso (71 points) regularly scoring. Their combined efforts propelled Alpine into a strong position in the Constructors’ Championship, often engaging in fierce wheel-to-wheel combat with rivals like McLaren. The experience and race craft of Alonso, coupled with Ocon’s growing maturity, made them a formidable pair. Further down the grid, drivers like Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin), and Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) also added to the season’s drama, with Vettel bidding an emotional farewell to the sport after a distinguished career, and Ricciardo facing a challenging final season with McLaren. These narratives added depth to the overall championship story.
The lower half of the table saw a mix of veteran and emerging talents. Drivers such as Kevin Magnussen (Haas), who dramatically secured pole position in Brazil, Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and the rookie Mick Schumacher (Haas) all contributed points to their respective teams, battling fiercely for every position. The championship also welcomed new faces like Nyck de Vries, who scored points in a substitute appearance for Williams, showcasing the depth of talent within the feeder series. Even with Max Verstappen’s dominance at the very top, every point scored further down the grid carried significant weight for team morale and financial standing, making every race a high-stakes affair for all involved, influencing future team strategies and driver lineups.
2022 F1 constructors championship standings
The Constructors’ Championship is equally, if not more, prestigious in Formula 1, reflecting the collective strength and engineering prowess of the entire team. Red Bull Racing’s triumph in this category was as comprehensive as Max Verstappen’s individual title, highlighting the seamless operation from design to execution.
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red Bull | 696 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 487 |
| 3 | Mercedes | 447 |
| 4 | Alpine | 153 |
| 5 | McLaren | 146 |
| 6 | Alfa Romeo | 53 |
| 7 | Aston Martin | 49 |
| 8 | Haas | 36 |
| 9 | AlphaTauri | 35 |
| 10 | Williams | 8 |
Red Bull’s Constructor’s Glory and Intense Team Battles
Red Bull Racing clinched the 2022 Constructors’ Championship with a staggering 696 points at this juncture, reflecting not just Max Verstappen’s individual brilliance but also the strong contributions from Sergio Perez and a flawlessly executed season by the entire team, from strategy to pit stops. Their technical mastery and operational efficiency, led by figures like Adrian Newey and Christian Horner, were simply unmatched, culminating in a dominant performance that saw them secure both championship trophies.
The battle for second place in the constructors’ standings was a compelling narrative between Ferrari and Mercedes. Ferrari held the advantage with 487 points, thanks to the early season pace of the F1-75 and consistent point scoring from both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jnr. However, Mercedes, with 447 points, significantly closed the gap in the latter half of the season. Their relentless development of the W13, overcoming its initial porpoising issues, brought them back into contention and highlighted their resilience as a top-tier F1 outfit. The rivalry between these two giants for the ‘best of the rest’ title behind Red Bull was a highlight for many fans, showcasing the intense engineering and strategic arms race inherent in Formula 1.
Further down the grid, Alpine successfully held onto fourth place with 153 points, maintaining a comfortable lead over McLaren, who had 146 points. This fierce midfield rivalry was one of the most exciting aspects of the season, with both teams pushing hard for upgrades and strategic advantages, often resulting in thrilling on-track battles. Alfa Romeo (53 points) and Aston Martin (49 points) were locked in their own intense battle for P6, often separated by just a few points, demonstrating how crucial every single scoring finish was, especially with the financial implications of championship positions. Haas (36 points), AlphaTauri (35 points), and Williams (8 points) rounded out the championship, each fighting for precious points and aiming to improve their standing as the season neared its climax, looking forward to the next season’s challenges and opportunities.
These standings provide a definitive snapshot of the 2022 Formula 1 season, capturing the state of play with 20 out of the 22 races officially complete. The Mexican Grand Prix served as a crucial waypoint, confirming Max Verstappen’s untouchable lead and solidifying Red Bull’s commanding position in the Constructors’ Championship, while setting the stage for the final few thrilling races where other positions were still very much in play. The season was a testament to Red Bull’s comprehensive package, while also showcasing the resilience and competitive spirit of the entire Formula 1 paddock.
2022 Mexican Grand Prix Review and Related Content
The 2022 Mexican Grand Prix was a significant event that contributed to these standings, offering its own share of drama, outstanding drives, and strategic intrigue. As F1 enthusiasts reflect on the season’s progression, delving into the specific moments and narratives from races like the Mexican Grand Prix provides deeper context and understanding of the championship battles. Explore more detailed analysis and perspectives on this key race and its implications for the championship:
- How many victory chances did Hamilton have in his first winless F1 season?
- Delay in producing new parts held up Alfa Romeo upgrade
- Doohan’s practice run earns praise, but Alpine undecided over reserve role
- ‘I was in the fight, which hasn’t been often this year’: Ricciardo’s Mexican GP transcript
- Verstappen “will continue to break records for the rest of his career” – rivals
For a comprehensive overview and to delve further into every aspect of this memorable race weekend, including driver insights, team strategies, and post-race analyses, you can access a complete collection of articles:
Browse all 2022 Mexican Grand Prix articles