In a testament to his unparalleled dominance in the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen has been overwhelmingly voted the RaceFans Driver of the Year for the third consecutive season. The Red Bull racing sensation, who effortlessly secured his third successive World Championship title in 2023, captivated more than half of our dedicated readership with his extraordinary performances throughout the year.
Verstappen’s 2023 campaign was a masterclass in precision, speed, and consistency, shattering numerous records and extending his reign as the sport’s preeminent force. His season included an astounding 19 Grand Prix victories, a new benchmark for wins in a single year, and he accumulated more than double the points of his closest competitor. Perhaps most remarkably, Verstappen etched his name deeper into the annals of F1 history by becoming the first driver ever to achieve 10 consecutive race wins, a feat that underscored his relentless pursuit of perfection and his almost unblemished command of the track.
Max Verstappen’s Unrivaled 2023 Season: A Deep Dive into Record-Breaking Performance
The 2023 Formula 1 season was a spectacle defined by Max Verstappen’s seemingly insurmountable lead. Piloting the formidable Red Bull RB19, a car designed to perfection by Adrian Newey and his team, Verstappen showcased a synergy with his machine that few have ever achieved. His ability to extract maximum performance from the car in diverse conditions, from scorching desert heats to torrential downpours, was a recurring theme. The sheer margin of his victories, often finishing tens of seconds ahead of the competition, spoke volumes about his pace advantage and his incredible capacity to maintain focus and execute flawless race strategies week after week.
Beyond raw speed, Verstappen’s tire management skills were particularly impressive. In an era where tire degradation can be a critical factor, he consistently managed to push the limits while extending tire life, giving Red Bull strategic flexibility. His overtakes were incisive and often decisive, demonstrating a fearless yet controlled aggression. From his charge through the field in Miami after starting ninth to his commanding performances at traditional power circuits like Spa and Suzuka, Verstappen’s driving was characterized by an unwavering confidence and an innate understanding of racecraft that left his rivals scrambling for answers.
This record-breaking season places Verstappen in an elite category of F1 legends. His three consecutive titles put him alongside names like Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton. The dominance he displayed, reminiscent of Schumacher’s Ferrari era or Hamilton’s Mercedes peak, has sparked debates about the greatest seasons in Formula 1 history. Regardless of comparisons, his 2023 performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most statistically impressive and commanding displays of individual talent coupled with engineering brilliance the sport has ever witnessed.
RaceFans F1 Driver of the Year: A Legacy of Fan Recognition
The RaceFans Driver of the Year poll offers a unique perspective on the F1 season, directly reflecting the opinions and appreciation of passionate fans. It’s a barometer of who truly captured the imagination and respect of the motorsport community, often highlighting not just championship winners but also drivers who exceeded expectations or delivered memorable performances. Max Verstappen’s three consecutive wins in this prestigious fan poll underscore not only his on-track success but also his burgeoning popularity and connection with a global fanbase.
RaceFans F1 Driver of the Year poll winners since 2010
2023: Max Verstappen
2022: Max Verstappen
2021: Max Verstappen
2020: Lewis Hamilton
2019: Lewis Hamilton
2018: Lewis Hamilton
2017: Lewis Hamilton
2016: Daniel Ricciardo
2015: Sebastian Vettel
2014: Daniel Ricciardo
2013: Sebastian Vettel
2012: Fernando Alonso
2011: Sebastian Vettel
2010: Lewis Hamilton
Looking back at the history of the RaceFans Driver of the Year poll reveals fascinating trends and highlights key eras in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton’s impressive four-year streak from 2017 to 2020, and his earlier wins, reflect his periods of dominant championships and captivating wheel-to-wheel battles. Sebastian Vettel’s hat-trick of wins earlier in the 2010s captures the essence of his Red Bull championship era. Daniel Ricciardo’s two wins, particularly in 2016, remind us of his exciting, often underdog performances that earned him widespread admiration. Fernando Alonso’s win in 2012, amidst a season where he fiercely challenged for the title in a less competitive Ferrari, showcases the impact of a driver maximizing their machinery. Each winner represents a season where their driving prowess, charisma, or ability to overcome challenges resonated most deeply with the fans.
Unpacking the 2023 RaceFans F1 Driver of the Weekend Awards
While the overall Driver of the Year recognizes sustained excellence, the RaceFans Driver of the Weekend (DOTW) awards celebrate standout performances in individual Grand Prix events. In a season largely dominated by Max Verstappen, these polls often highlighted incredible drives, unexpected results, or moments of sheer brilliance from other competitors who momentarily overshadowed the champion. The 2023 season saw fierce competition for these weekly accolades, illustrating the depth of talent across the grid.
Fernando Alonso’s Renaissance: A Veteran’s Masterclass
Beyond Verstappen, two drivers consistently scooped the majority of votes in our post-race polls during the 2023 season: Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen himself, each earning the Driver of the Weekend title four times. Alonso’s resurgence with Aston Martin was one of the stories of the year, captivating fans with his aggressive driving, tactical acumen, and a string of podium finishes early in the season. His commanding performance in the Bahrain Grand Prix, securing a podium, saw him claim an emphatic 70.5% of the votes. He continued to impress in Saudi Arabia, Miami, and his epic podium fight with Sergio Perez in the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he famously held on by mere milliseconds, further solidified his status as a fan favorite.
Lando Norris: McLaren’s Mid-Season Surge
Only two other drivers secured more than one Driver of the Weekend award. Lando Norris, with his improved McLaren machinery in the latter half of the season, topped the poll for an impressive three consecutive rounds. His stellar drives at the Austrian, British, and Hungarian Grands Prix highlighted his raw talent and the significant steps forward made by his team. These performances, often involving fierce battles and well-executed overtakes, consistently put him on the podium and in the spotlight for fans.
Carlos Sainz Jr.’s Singapore Triumph: Breaking the Red Bull Monopoly
Carlos Sainz Jnr won the DOTW poll twice, with his Singapore Grand Prix victory standing out as the season’s most emphatic fan choice. His strategic mastery and cool-headed execution in Singapore delivered the only defeat inflicted on Red Bull all season, breaking their dominant winning streak. This singular triumph earned him over three-quarters of readers’ votes for Driver of the Weekend, a testament to the appreciation for his intelligent and flawless performance under immense pressure.
Other Standout Performances: The Full 2023 Driver of the Weekend Roster
The 2023 season also saw several other drivers earn individual DOTW awards for their remarkable efforts. Nico Hülkenberg impressed in Australia with a strong qualifying performance that defied his car’s capabilities. Sergio Perez claimed the honors in Baku, showcasing his street circuit prowess. Esteban Ocon delivered a surprising podium in Monaco, earning fan recognition. Alexander Albon’s defensive masterclass in Canada against much faster cars truly stood out. Rookie Oscar Piastri made his mark in the Qatar Grand Prix, taking a Sprint Race victory and a strong main race podium. Even Lewis Hamilton, despite a tough season, shone in the United States Grand Prix before his disqualification. The return of Daniel Ricciardo was celebrated with a DOTW in Mexico, and Charles Leclerc’s spirited performance in the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix earned him the nod. Finally, Yuki Tsunoda closed the season with a DOTW in Abu Dhabi, underscoring a season of personal growth and consistent effort. These individual accolades paint a vivid picture of a season rich with memorable driving moments, even amidst a dominant championship performance.
All our Driver of the Weekend polls for 2023 are now closed, but we encourage you to register a RaceFans account so you can join in the voting during the exciting 2024 season.
| Race | DOTW winner | Share of votes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix | Fernando Alonso | 70.5% |
| 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix | Fernando Alonso | 31.0% |
| 2023 Australian Grand Prix | Nico Hulkenberg | 33.3% |
| 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix | Sergio Perez | 51.5% |
| 2023 Miami Grand Prix | Fernando Alonso | 36.4% |
| 2023 Monaco Grand Prix | Esteban Ocon | 43.8% |
| 2023 Spanish Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | 44.3% |
| 2023 Canadian Grand Prix | Alexander Albon | 69.4% |
| 2023 Austrian Grand Prix | Lando Norris | 43.7% |
| 2023 British Grand Prix | Lando Norris | 75.8% |
| 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix | Lando Norris | 56.3% |
| 2023 Belgian Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | 51.9% |
| 2023 Dutch Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | 33.6% |
| 2023 Italian Grand Prix | Carlos Sainz Jnr | 54.9% |
| 2023 Singapore Grand Prix | Carlos Sainz Jnr | 77.7% |
| 2023 Japanese Grand Prix | Max Verstappen | 42.2% |
| 2023 Qatar Grand Prix | Oscar Piastri | 60.7% |
| 2023 United States Grand Prix | Lewis Hamilton | 34.1% |
| 2023 Mexican Grand Prix | Daniel Ricciardo | 41.4% |
| 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix | Fernando Alonso | 71.2% |
| 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix | Charles Leclerc | 58.8% |
| 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Yuki Tsunoda | 31.7% |
The Enduring Appeal of Formula 1 and its Stars
The 2023 Formula 1 season, while undeniably marked by the incredible ascendancy of Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, was far from a monotone affair. The individual brilliance of drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, and Carlos Sainz Jr., consistently challenged the status quo and delivered thrilling moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Their ability to extract extraordinary performances from their machinery, often against overwhelming odds, highlighted the enduring competitive spirit at the heart of Formula 1. The fan polls, both for Driver of the Year and Driver of the Weekend, serve as a direct reflection of this passion, celebrating not just the champions but also those who fought valiantly and entertained relentlessly.
As the curtains close on another memorable season, the anticipation for 2024 is already building. While Verstappen’s dominance has been historic, the evolution of rival teams and the constant pursuit of innovation promise more intense battles, unexpected heroes, and gripping storylines. The dedication of fans, as demonstrated through their active participation in polls like these, is a testament to the sport’s powerful allure and the timeless excitement it generates.
More Formula 1 Insights
- One of F1’s greatest races happened 15 years ago today. Or did it?
- “Overtaking is overtaking”: Domenicali denies F1’s yo-yo racing is “artificial”
- The crashes F1 is trying to prevent may be rare – but the danger is obvious
- F1 returning to India soon after 2027 sounds like wishful thinking
- Verstappen loathes F1’s new generation of cars – but what do his rivals reckon?
Browse all Formula 1 articles