My Top 5 Moments of the 2022 Season
Hi, everyone! Long time no see. It’s been a crazy last few months, with starting year 11, turning 15 and upcoming GCSEs. I’m glad to be writing again and if you’re reading this, then know I’m grateful for your continued support. I thought it would be fitting to have my first post back be a “top five moments” one, a tradition I have continued on On The Pit Wall since the end of the 2020 season. (If you want to check out my 2021 post too, click here).
Even though I’ve been quiet on the blog, I’ve still been tuning into races. And what a season it has been! As always in motorsport, the highs and lows have been intense, but I’m here today to recap some of my favourite moments (in no particular order). Let’s get into it!
1. Sainz’s First Pole & Win in Silverstone
This was so, so heartwarming. As one of my favourite drivers, I’ve always rooted for Carlos and the British Grand Prix was clearly the culmination of years of hard work. Achieving both his first pole and race win in the same weekend was very special. I can’t wait to see what these next seasons at Ferrari play out.
Reuters quotes Carlos as having said of the win; “First race win, 150 races later, with Ferrari in Silverstone. I cannot ask for more. It’s a very special day, a day that I will never forget, a very special weekend in general.”
2. Magnussen’s Brazil Sprint Race Pole
Well, this was definitely a surprise! If you’d have told me last year that a Haas would have secured a sprint race pole, honestly, I wouldn’t have believed you. Nonetheless, it was exciting to see the underdogs prevail – the team celebrations were amazing to see after all the difficult times they’ve had.
Magnussen’s first pole, six years since his debut race finish of P2 (his best ever), meant so much to him and the feelings of the moment were evident to all.
Over team radio, Magnussen said, “I have never felt like this in my life.”
3. Russell’s Maiden F1 Win
Brazil brought us fans an amazing race as well as Russell’s first win. For fans like myself that have supported him over the last few years, this was a very satisfying moment.
I remember watching the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020 with my head in my hands, so disappointed about George’s misfortune. And two years later, he finally got his win.
It was Mercedes’ singular win in a year dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull – you could tell how important it was to George and the team.
An article from the Telegraph quotes George as saying, “I’ve dreamt of this so many times. . . It’s just been such an emotional rollercoaster. From go-karting up and down the country as a boy… all the support my parents gave me. It’s not a straightforward life in Formula One.”
The 1-2 for Mercedes, which never looked possible at any point this season, was also a massive boost for the whole team. It hopefully gives a hint that 2023 could be a 3-way manufacturer battle at the top.
4. Leclerc’s 2nd in the Championship
Being a Ferrari fan hasn’t exactly been easy this season, but moments like this make it all worth it. As the title fight gradually slipped out of Charles’ grasp, it all came down to the competition for second place in the Drivers’ Championship against Red Bull’s Sergio Perez. Before Abu Dhabi, they were both tied on points, so the final Grand Prix was the determiner.
With Charles finishing second in the race to Checo’s third, the championship position went to him. In a difficult season, in my eyes, this was incredibly deserved.
Even without the various mistakes and misfortunes he and Ferrari had this year, Max and Red Bull were in a different league so 2nd place was realistically the best he could have achieved.
5. Vettel’s Last Race
I find myself struggling to put this one into words, because how do you? Such an influential driver, a four-time World Champion, one that has left his mark with his activism and strides to make Formula 1 a better place for everyone. It was an emotional moment, watching his last donuts and listening to his team radio over the final lap.
#DankeSeb
And that’s a wrap on the 2022 Formula 1 Season! It’s been a good one – I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings. Personally, I’m hoping for a Lando win, maybe even another team competing for the championship? Let me know what you guys are looking forward to in the comments and please head to my Instagram page, @otpwblog for more content! Thank you!
Cover Image from Motorsport Guides