The next instalment of F1 game is almost here, which means we get to see what ratings EA gives each driver in F1 23. But before that, let’s play a game and predict each rating.
In recent years, Driver Ratings have been a major piece of the F1 game anticipation puzzle. Knowing how EA and Codemasters classify one’s favourite driver is exciting, and sometimes shocking. In fact, we often see controversy following rating announcements with fans crying out about their driver’s near-criminal undervaluing.
With the next iteration in the series, F1 23 incoming, we thought it would be fun to try and predict the ratings EA will give each driver. After plenty of deliberation, here’s what we came up with.
Red Bull in F1 23
In last year’s game, Red Bull’s team leader Max Verstappen sat relatively close to the second best driver ratings-wise, Lewis Hamilton. But what the past 12 months have taught us is that the young Dutchman seemingly has an extra gear on the rest of the field.
He consistently claims wins without difficulty and even when the going gets tough like under the Monegasque rain this weekend, he overcomes all challenges.
In last year’s game, the two-time World Champion had an overall driver rating of 95. For F1 23, it’s certain that that figure will rise and 97 sounds like a good number for this seemingly unbeatable driver.
Max’s teammate however is a different story. Like every Red Bull number two driver before him, he is struggling to live up to the pressure of rivalling Verstappen. Whilst the majority of F1 press dubs him the “King of the Streets” for his performances at Jeddah and Baku this year, this weekend
Mercedes teammates
Ever since the end of 2021, Lewis Hamilton has looked like a shell of his former self. He was beaten over the course of the 2022 season by his teammate, George Russell and in 2023, things aren’t looking much better. Whilst the seven-time World Champion ranked at an impressive rating of 93 in last year’s game, he is sure to lose points ahead of F1 23. As a result, we’d give him a score of 92.
By contrast, George Russell’s stock has been exponentially rising ever since he joined Mercedes. After several years learning at the lower end of the grid with Williams, he shot to stardom in his first season with the team.
Today, he sometimes outperforms his more experienced teammate and is looking like the best opportunity for the next British champion. Whereas Lewis drops a rating point, George is sure to gain one this year. Both Mercedes drivers are likely to sit on 92 points at launch in F1 23.
Ferrari Driver Ratings
Once upon a time, Charles Leclerc looked like a young talent certain for World Championship glory. But throughout the 2023 season, mistake after mistake has left the Monegasque trailing in the points’ standings.
In comparison, Carlos Sainz has had a somewhat anonymous 2023 season so far. His results are nothing special, yet he manages to claim consistent points hauls allowing him to show the true potential of his Ferrari team over the multiple races. In F1 22, the Spaniard’s rating trailed behind that of the prodigy of Monaco. But in F1 23, the Prancing Horse’s driver ratings are sure to be closer, around 88 and 89 respectively.
Aston Martin Duo
One of many teams to change their line-up from 2022 to 2023 is Aston Martin. Out goes Sebastian Vettel and in comes Fernando Alonso. Lance Stroll remains at the team as the boss’ son, but that certainly isn’t the only reason he’s at the team. On a good day, the young Canadian is a very capable driver, something fans saw towards the end of last year.
As Lance gains rating points through experience and additional speed found last year, Fernando Alonso has proved himself to be a weapon in the AMR23. Consistent podiums outperforming the car, he is on his way to become one of the highest ranked drivers in F1 23. We expect Alonso to reach a driver rating of 93 as Stroll should rise slightly from 78 to 79.
Alpine F1 23 Driver Ratings
Despite a rocky start to the season with poor results in Bahrain and a double DNF in Melbourne, the Alpine pairing is looking strong prior to the F1 23 launch. Pierre Gasly has done well to step into a new squad whilst matching his teammate.
As for Esteban Ocon, he amazed this weekend to claim a podium on merit, beating top teams like Mercedes, and Ferrari. This result alone is certainly enough to boost his ratings in the eyes of fans and EA alike. Both French drivers should gain rating points, so 87 for Ocon and 85 for Gasly.
McLaren Pairing
McLaren seems to be having a torrid time of things in recent races. Despite receiving an energetic Oscar Piastri, the papaya team is languishing outside of the top ten at most events, which will impact the drivers’ ratings.
For Piastri, the poor results don’t look so bad. He is sticking with his more experienced teammate and often matching the Brit’s pace. Therein lies the problem for Lando Norris, however, as he is seemingly being matched by a rather unexperienced youngster. The Australian can be pleased to get a rating similar to the Brit. Norris seems likely to fall to around 87. Expect Piastri to sit a few points lower, around 84.
Haas
Last year, Kevin Magnussen had a late call up to the Haas seat and managed to impress his critics. This year, another returning midfield star is impressing. Nico Hulkenberg is matching K-Mag on results so far.
With the German unrated in 2022 due to his absence from the field, he surely merits a similar score as Kevin. The Dane should gain a point or two to reach 80, as will the Hulk.
Alfa Romeo
In his first year with Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas became a man possessed. On a multi-year deal, the Finn managed surprising results with the Sauber machine. But this year, that eagerness seems to be disappearing. This, along with a teammate that is coming of age and he may be losing stock in the eyes of his critics.
As one driver fails to impress, another rises. Zhou Guanyu is looking very strong so far this year, being able to match Bottas at most circuits. As a result, the Chinese driver should get a rating boost whilst Bottas will lose some points. One might expect to see Bottas on a driver rating of 81 with Zhou around 79.
Alpha Tauri
Coming into the 2023 season, Alpha Tauri’s driver line-up was of hot debate. With Nyck De Vries coming on board, Yuki Tsunoda faced the choice of either stepping up as team leader or languishing in the eyes of the media. Prior to the season start, the F1 community was firm in the belief that the second option would be true.
However, De Vries is very much struggling to adapt to the 2023 F1 car meaning Tsunoda has well and truly claimed the top dog position. Thanks to this barnstorming start to the season, Yuki will surely see his 2022 rating of 75 grow to at least 79. Like Hulkenberg, Nyck De Vries wasn’t ranked in F1 22, but his F1 23 driver ratings will not be flattering. A lowly 72 points is what we’d predict for the Dutchman.
Williams
Alexander Albon did a similar job to that of Kevin Magnussen last year, maximising every weekend and claiming points in a car that didn’t deserve them. So far in 2023, he is continuing the trend, already on a pair of World Championship points. His rating is sure to build on the 79 of last year. 81 sounds like an appropriate figure.
The Thai driver’s teammate, Logan Sargeant may be a rookie with a pointless tally so far. But keeping out of sight, he is slowly learning and improving to become a quality driver. This quiet approach to his F1 career must be commended and as such, a driver rating of 72 in his first year seems correct.
What rating would you give each F1 driver for F1 23? Tell us on Twitter at @OverTake_gg or in the comments down below!
