We Predicted the 2023 F1 Dark Horses

Oscar Piastri 

Piastri was front and centre of our most recent video and in that we explained how we think he’s a generational talent. [Insert clip] At the time we hinted he really could rival Lando Norris who is an established start in Formula 1. We’ve hyped up Piastri big time, so how does that make him a dark horse? Well most importantly for us it’ll come down to the battle against his teammate. Many people are already expecting Norris to be the clear number one and Piastri will play back up. But the Australian as we’ve said is incredibly talented and although he isn’t expected to, it might not be a huge shock if he does outscore Lando Norris. With all the pressure on his teammates, watch Piastri thrive!

Fernando Alonso & Felipe Drugovich

I’m renowned for my hot takes but Felipe Drugovich is a shout from one of our editors and he has some interesting reasoning for it. However, I’ll start with Alonso my pick and you’ll see why I’ve combined them in a second. Fernando is a curious conundrum, top three best drivers on the grid yet he’s only won two titles which could’ve easily been four or five. He insists he’s still around to become a World Champion but his move to Aston Martin raised eyebrows. However, if Aston get their act together a hungry Fernando is a dangerous one. I’m not saying he’ll win the crown but he could well drag his car up the grid and he’ll definitely outperform his teammate. I know what you’re saying this contradicts my bold prediction about him retiring and I get that, however, anything is possible with Alonso and I really believe anything is possible.

That leads me nicely onto Drugovich. Well Editor Matt says that Alonso will fall out with his Aston Martin team, prompting his departure and the promotion of Drugovich the F2 champion. It’s bold but could this actually happen? Let us know in the comments!

Williams

Williams’ progress under their new ownership was somewhat stunted last season and so the only way is up for them but I think they’ve got some surprises up their sleeve. With Alex Albon entering his second season with the team, and the fresh energy of the talented Logan Sargent, this is a clean slate for them. Crucially I think the leadership and experience of new team principal James Vowles will elevate them and help them be competitive on occasions with the midfield. Also I think his ties with Mercedes will make that relationship grow stronger, and they’ll benefit big time!

Mercedes

Mercedes are my last dark horse and you’re probably wondering how Mercedes can be dark horses it’s Mercedes! However, I get the impression that because of last season they’re being written off already and they start immediately third favourites behind Red Bull and Ferrari. Mercedes don’t often get it wrong so it is hard to see them having two bad seasons in a row. Their form really picked up at the back end of last season winning in Brazil, dominantly, they didn’t get lucky! And a wounded Mercedes are very dangerous. They’ve got the best driver lineup, probably the most money and this prediction lines up with my bold prediction, Mercedes will be World Champions!

This was a script by Joe Tyrrell written for a video on the GP Blog YouTube channel.