Analyzing F1 Qualifying Records: A Team-by-Team Breakdown

Formula 1, a sport known for its blend of speed, strategy, and skill, captivates audiences around the globe. One of the most crucial aspects of each race weekend is the qualifying session, where drivers compete for the best starting positions on the grid. This article delves into the qualifying records of each F1 team, focusing on driver performance in head-to-head battles against their teammates. By examining these statistics, we can gain insights into the dynamics within teams and the competitive landscape of the 2023 F1 season.

McLaren: A Look at Driver Battle Statistics

Oscar Piastri vs. Lando Norris

In McLaren, rookie Oscar Piastri has established himself as a formidable competitor against his more experienced teammate, Lando Norris. The current qualifying record stands at 6 wins for Piastri and 4 for Norris, with both drivers tied at 4 wins each when excluding sprint races.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Piastri secured a 2nd place finish, just 0.084 seconds behind Norris in Q3.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Both drivers showcased their skills, finishing 1st and 3rd respectively.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Another close battle saw Piastri finish 3rd, a mere 0.032 seconds behind Norris.
4. Bahrain Grand Prix: Piastri performed admirably in Q3, finishing 6th and just 0.426 seconds behind Norris.
5. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: A challenging session for Norris resulted in no lap time due to a crash, allowing Piastri to take the upper hand with a 2nd place finish.

This competitive spirit between Piastri and Norris highlights McLaren’s potential to rise in the ranks as they continue to develop their car.

Ferrari: The Leclerc and Hamilton Duel

Charles Leclerc vs. Lewis Hamilton

At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc has had a standout qualifying season, dominating his teammate Lewis Hamilton with a record of 8 wins to Hamilton’s 2. Excluding sprint races, the tally is an impressive 7 to 1 in Leclerc’s favor.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Leclerc outperformed Hamilton, securing 7th place while Hamilton finished 8th, just 0.218 seconds behind.
2. Chinese Grand Prix: Leclerc finished 4th in Q3, whereas Hamilton struggled to find pace.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Another solid performance from Leclerc, finishing 4th while Hamilton lagged behind.
4. Bahrain Grand Prix: Leclerc’s qualifying prowess shone through again with a 9th place finish, significantly ahead of Hamilton.
5. Saudi Arabia: Again, Leclerc demonstrated his speed, finishing 7th, while Hamilton was left to chase behind.

Leclerc’s performance throughout the season has solidified his status as a top contender, while Hamilton, despite his experience, has faced challenges in matching his teammate’s pace.

Red Bull Racing: The Verstappen Effect

Max Verstappen vs. Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda

Red Bull Racing has seen Max Verstappen maintain a commanding lead over his teammates, showcasing his skills with a record of 7 wins against Yuki Tsunoda and 3 wins against Liam Lawson.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Verstappen finished 3rd while Lawson struggled significantly, finishing 18th, which highlights the gap between the two drivers.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Verstappen was able to secure a 2nd place finish, showing his consistency.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Verstappen’s qualifying results continue to reflect his dominance in Red Bull, finishing 1st with Tsunoda in 15th place.
4. Bahrain: Verstappen’s 1st place finish further cements his role as a top competitor in the league.
5. Miami: Qualifying in Miami showcased Verstappen’s prowess, finishing 10th while Tsunoda struggled to find his footing.

Verstappen’s mastery behind the wheel, coupled with Red Bull’s competitive car, positions him as a serious contender for the championship, while his teammates face the challenge of keeping up with his pace.

Mercedes: Russell’s Rise

George Russell vs. Andrea Kimi Antonelli

At Mercedes, George Russell has shown impressive form, claiming 8 wins against his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, with a record of 7 wins when sprint races are excluded.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Russell’s performance here was commendable, finishing 4th while Antonelli finished at 16th due to car damage.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Russell finished 7th, showcasing his competitive edge.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Russell continued to shine, finishing 6th while Antonelli fell behind.
4. Bahrain Grand Prix: Russell’s consistency in Q3 helped him secure a place in the top 4.
5. Miami: Both drivers faced challenges, but Russell managed to secure a better position, reinforcing his standing in the team.

Russell’s ascendance within Mercedes illustrates not only his talent but also the strategic decisions made by the team in nurturing their drivers.

Aston Martin: The Stroll and Alonso Comparison

Lance Stroll vs. Fernando Alonso

At Aston Martin, the dynamics between Lance Stroll and veteran Fernando Alonso paint a contrasting picture. Alonso has dominated with a record of 9 wins against Stroll’s single victory.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Stroll finished 13th while Alonso fared better, showcasing his experience.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Alonso’s qualifying result further solidified his dominance over Stroll.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Stroll’s performance was less competitive, finishing 19th compared to Alonso’s steady performance.
4. Bahrain: Alonso’s 13th position was significantly better than Stroll’s, highlighting the gap in performance.
5. Miami: Stroll managed to finish 10th, but it was still a disappointing result compared to Alonso’s consistent finishes.

Alonso’s vast experience and skill have helped him maintain a lead over Stroll, creating a clear hierarchy within the team.

Alpine: The Gasly and Doohan Rivalry

Pierre Gasly vs. Jack Doohan

In Alpine, Pierre Gasly has established himself as a strong competitor against teammate Jack Doohan, with a record of 6 wins to Doohan’s 2.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Gasly showcased his skill, finishing 9th while Doohan struggled to find pace.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Gasly’s consistency was on display as he finished well ahead of Doohan.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Gasly continued his strong performance, finishing 11th compared to Doohan’s struggles.
4. Bahrain: Gasly managed to secure a respectable qualifying position, while Doohan faced challenges.
5. Miami: Both drivers faced difficulties, but Gasly’s experience allowed him to finish ahead of Doohan.

Gasly’s ability to consistently outperform Doohan emphasizes his role as a key player for Alpine in the ongoing season.

Haas: Ocon’s Dominance

Esteban Ocon vs. Oliver Bearman

In Haas, Esteban Ocon has emerged as a leader, with a record of 7 wins against teammate Oliver Bearman.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Ocon secured a 19th place finish, showcasing his capability compared to Bearman, who had a technical issue.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Ocon finished 18th while Bearman struggled to find his rhythm.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Ocon maintained his position, finishing well ahead of Bearman.
4. Bahrain: Ocon’s performance continued to highlight his strengths as he finished higher than Bearman.
5. Miami: Ocon’s experience proved invaluable as he continued to secure better qualifying results.

Ocon’s consistent performance against Bearman underscores his importance to the Haas team as they navigate the competitive landscape.

Williams: Albon’s Competitive Edge

Alexander Albon vs. Carlos Sainz

At Williams, Alexander Albon has had a solid season, finishing with a record of 6 wins against Carlos Sainz.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Albon’s performance was commendable, finishing 6th while Sainz trailed.
2. Chinese Grand Prix (Sprint): Albon continued to display his speed and skill, outperforming Sainz.
3. Japanese Grand Prix: Albon’s consistent qualifying results have kept him competitive throughout the season.
4. Bahrain: Both drivers faced challenges, but Albon managed to secure a better position.
5. Miami: Albon’s experience and skill showed as he finished better than Sainz in a challenging session.

Albon’s ability to consistently outperform Sainz demonstrates his role as a key driver for Williams as they strive for improvement in the standings.

Sauber: Hulkenberg vs. Bortoleto

Nico Hulkenberg vs. Gabriel Bortoleto

In Sauber, Nico Hulkenberg has maintained a competitive edge over teammate Gabriel Bortoleto, with a record of 6 wins to Bortoleto’s 4.

1. Australian Grand Prix: Hulkenberg finished 17th, while Bortoleto managed