Whereas Pink Bull and Ferrari are combating it out, Mercedes-AMG is seeking to be a powerful third contender for the Constructor’s Championship.
BHPian ninjatalli not too long ago shared this with different fanatics.
So we’re on the midway mark at an attention-grabbing level almost about the Drivers Championship in addition to the Constructors Standings
Technically, Verstappen would possibly have already got one hand on the 2022 Championship with a powerful 80-point lead that may require a extremely dangerous second half for him to permit Charles or any of the opposite drivers to catch up, however the championship remains to be up for grabs.
Nevertheless, the Constructors championship absolutely seems to be far more attention-grabbing. With solely a ~100-point lead and each Leclerc and Sainz doing nicely, it may not be sufficient to maintain Ferrari away from gaining the highest place. However with Mercedes seemingly seeking to be a powerful third leg of the highest contending groups (lastly), will probably be attention-grabbing to see how the state of affairs pans out by the point we attain Abu Dhabi in November.
Having stated that, each “knowledgeable” on this subject is popping out with their very own mid-season report on how the drivers have been faring up to now – who’s doing nicely, who may need accomplished significantly better however for the automotive/staff, and who’re positively lagging behind and so forth.
Listed here are a number of stories which may tickle your fancy. Whereas everybody has given the significance of the factors scored up to now, they’ve factored within the capabilities of the driving force and the efficiency of the driving force (up to now) regardless of what factors he is been capable of rating.
The Race: 2022 mid-season F1 Driver Rankings
- Max
- Leclerc
- Norris
- Hamilton
- Alonso
System 1: Energy Rankings – how the drivers rank
- Max
- Leclerc
- Russell
- Hamilton
- Norris
Autosport: F1 2022 up to now – Winners, losers and all the pieces in between
Fascinating views on drivers throughout the highest, center & backside of the listing (e.g. views on Albon & Valtteri)
System 1: Our writers select their prime drivers’ finest performances
A number of views with a mixture of Max, Russell, Norris & Leclerc being rated excessive.
So whereas we await the summer season break to finish (until the top of this month) and the second half of the calendar race 12 months to kick off in Belgium on Aug twenty eighth, this is a survey to search out out which driver you felt did significantly better than what he was succesful off (given the situation of the automotive, the ability/pace of the automotive vs the competitors, and in addition the reliability and different points). Whom do you suppose has actually shined up to now – for example, it is fairly clear that Alonso may need simply given the highest contenders a run for his or her cash if he had a sooner and extra dependable automotive (hopefully Aston Martin do this subsequent 12 months!).
Do share your vote on the driving force that has shined up to now, not essentially within the factors, however past the attain of the automotive & the staff he is presently in.
I voted for Russell.
It’s a nice shock after I suppose again that only a 12 months in the past, this was a chap driving a Williams and largely relegated to the previous couple of slots. Bottas final 12 months in the identical place (as a associate of Hamilton) was not capable of make amends to his automotive/staff as a lot as his associate, however even with a not-so-great automotive, Russell has been capable of get prime 5 positions on many of the races. Tells lots almost about the potential he holds.
I anticipate much more from him (and Hamilton) within the second half of the 12 months, and positively far more subsequent 12 months; so my vote goes for him.
This is what BHPian Sudarshan42 needed to say on the matter:
Individuals could have their opinions about who one of the best is, however the overarching story of this season might be how Ferrari, by means of driver, mechanical and strategic failures, repeatedly threw away a reliable shot at each titles. The one factor value watching any further might be if they’ll by some means recoup their losses to make for no less than a semi-competitive finish to the season. Else will probably be a Max and Pink Bull present all the best way, with Merc arriving on the scene of Ferrari’s inevitable shitshow to choose up the items.
Being a Merc and Hamilton fan, I used to be so desperately hoping for Max to fail this 12 months after the Masi episode at Abu Dhabi 2021. I used to be cheering Ferrari and Leclerc for the primary few races, solely to look at in horror as all that good work unravelled. However credit score to Max this 12 months – he has been chic. He is gone from being Worst-happen to Whocanstophim during the last 6-7 races.
PS: Added observe concerning the Piastri-Alpine fiasco (or Piasco) – that was completely horrifyingly hilarious!
This is what BHPian petrolHead_1609 needed to say on the matter:
Voted for Leclerc.
I will not say he may’ve overwhelmed Max for Driver’s championship however would have given a superb battle if not for the silly strategic calls from staff Ferrari. Proper from flawed tire choice to idiotic pitstops and Ferrari’s uncertainty of who their prime driver is. The reliability of the automotive can also be questionable as Leclerc has a few DNFs this season. In one of many races, he had clutch-related points and nonetheless was on the rostrum. He is making probably the most out of what he has.
Additionally, some others are killing it as of now: Russell, Alonso, Norris.
Anticipating a bit extra from Gasly and Mick.
This is what BHPian AutoConsultant needed to say on the matter:
Voted for Russell
Coming into an 8-time consecutive WCC staff (after a number of irritating years at Williams) he would have been anticipating to battle for wins immediately. Nevertheless, he has proven numerous maturity in getting one of the best of what he had with the present bundle, seldom displaying frustration both in his phrases or his driving type.
He has performed the staff recreation fairly nicely, scoring factors whereas Hamilton was experimenting with setups to make the bundle sooner. I really feel the second half could be the most important problem for Russell as Hamilton is far more snug with the automotive now and confirmed his tempo and sophistication in Hungary. Collectively these two make up the strongest driver lineup on the grid and I really feel 2023 may once more be a Merc-dominated season.
Different notable mentions:
- Max – Displaying the maturity you’ll anticipate from a WDC together with consistency and largely error-free driving. At the moment the quickest driver on the grid IMO
- Zhou – The most effective rookie seasons in current instances, he has proven that he’s a succesful driver and never simply right here due to sponsorships. Reliability has not been on his facet although
This is what BHPian Turbohead needed to say on the matter:
Arms down Verstappen.
Whereas Leclerc can also be actually gifted, Verstappen has actually outlined what it means to carry out on the highest degree persistently which is actually to the envy of everybody within the grid.
Russell is one other upcoming star and I will not be shocked if he takes the battle to Max and Leclerc by the top of the 12 months. Actually, he is not underneath any strain. Let’s have a look at how he reacts underneath strain.
Leclerc is a case of sensible expertise being wasted by a clueless group. Really feel completely sorry for him however he actually must calm his nerves when underneath strain from Pink Bull.
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