* This episode of Gridwalk focuses on the 2023 Formula One season, with a particular emphasis on driver performances.
* The hosts, Briana L. Klein and Nicole Katz, discuss the teammate battles within Mercedes, Ferrari, and Alpine, as well as the popularity of certain drivers among fans.
* Nicole delves into the history of rookie drivers in Formula One, highlighting Oscar Piastri's impressive debut season with McLaren.
* **Mercedes Teammates:**
* Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have very different goals and approaches to the season.
* Hamilton is focused on winning races and championships, while Russell is still trying to prove himself and beat Hamilton.
* Hamilton had better on-track performance on Sundays, while Russell had better qualifying performances on Saturdays.
* **Ferrari Teammates:**
* Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had a close battle in qualifying, with Leclerc winning 18-10 over the course of the season.
* Post-Singapore, Leclerc dominated the qualifying battles, winning 6-1.
* Sainz won the only non-Red Bull race of the season, demonstrating his ability to perform when the car is good.
* **Alpine Teammates:**
* Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso had a competitive relationship, with Alonso often outperforming Ocon in qualifying and race pace.
* Alonso's experience and skill were evident throughout the season, despite his retirement at the end of the year.
* **Driver Popularity:**
* The hosts analyzed driver popularity based on search data over the past eight years.
* Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, and Lando Norris were the most popular drivers among fans.
* **Oscar Piastri's Rookie Season:**
* Nicole compared Piastri's rookie season to those of other successful drivers in Formula One history.
* Piastri finished in the points 11 times, tying with Lando Norris' rookie season.
* He scored 97 points, which is more than many other successful drivers in their rookie years.
* Piastri achieved a podium finish twice, which is a rare feat for a rookie driver.
**Ferrari Driver Performance:**
- Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz had a closely contested season, with Leclerc ultimately securing more qualifying wins and a slight edge in the head-to-head battles.
- Leclerc's strong start to the season contrasted with Sainz's mid-season surge, leading to a competitive dynamic within the team.
- Both drivers faced challenges with the Ferrari car's consistency and reliability, impacting their overall results.
**Mercedes Driver Performance:**
- Lewis Hamilton and George Russell had a more straightforward season, with Hamilton maintaining his dominance in qualifying and Russell showing significant improvement in his race pace.
- The duo's strong performances contributed to Mercedes' resurgence in the constructors' championship, securing second place behind Red Bull.
**Red Bull Driver Performance:**
- Max Verstappen's dominance continued in 2023, with the Dutchman securing 15 race wins and the drivers' championship title.
- Sergio Perez played a crucial supporting role, securing podium finishes and helping Red Bull secure the constructors' championship.
**McLaren Driver Performance:**
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had a solid season, with Norris showing improved race pace and management of Pirelli tires.
- Piastri, in his rookie season, demonstrated strong adaptability and potential for future growth.
**Aston Martin Driver Performance:**
- Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll had a mixed season, with Alonso delivering impressive performances while Stroll struggled for consistency.
**Alpine Driver Performance:**
- Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly had a closely matched season, with both drivers showcasing their strengths on different types of tracks.
- Ocon excelled on street and temporary circuits, while Gasly performed better on permanent tracks.
**Driver Popularity:**
- Lewis Hamilton remained the most searched driver on Google, both globally and in the United States.
- Charles Leclerc's popularity spiked in 2022 due to his championship contention but dipped in 2023.
- Fernando Alonso's popularity increased significantly in 2023, likely due to his strong performances and return to form.
- Lando Norris's popularity was lower than expected, despite his strong performances and social media presence.
* The 2023 Formula One season was filled with exciting races, intense rivalries, and unexpected outcomes.
* The hosts highlight some of their favorite races of the season, including the drama-filled British Grand Prix and the thrilling Japanese Grand Prix.
* The emergence of new talents, such as George Russell and Lando Norris, added an exciting dynamic to the season.
* The hosts also discuss some of the controversies that arose during the season, including the contentious Belgian Grand Prix and the ongoing debate surrounding the sport's cost cap regulations.
**Memorable Quotes:**
* "This season has been a wild ride, and we've loved every minute of it." - Briana L. Klein
* "The racing has been incredible, the rivalries have been intense, and the storylines have been captivating." - Nicole Katz
* "It's been so exciting to see new drivers like George Russell and Lando Norris come into their own this season." - Briana L. Klein
* "The controversies have added an extra layer of intrigue to the season, and it's been fascinating to watch it all unfold." - Nicole Katz