F1 rookies in 2023: who has the greatest potential in F1?

The start of the Formula 1 season is an annual moment to remember for every driver, but for three drivers it will be extra special in 2023. Indeed, Nyck de Vries (AlphaTauri), Oscar Piastri(McLaren) and Logan Sargeant(Williams) are preparing for their first year in the motorsport class. All three drivers seem capable of producing positive results, but who can we expect the most from?

AlphaTauri wants to progress with De Vries

De Vries had to wait a long time until he had the opportunity to prove himself in Formula 1. Due to an appendectomy for Alexander Albon, he was suddenly given a chance at Williams in the second half of the season. De Vries seized it with both hands by securing ninth final position in Italy, while teammate Nicholas Latifi remained outside the points.

It immediately earned him a lot of interest from several teams, including Williams and AlphaTauri. The latter team, after a good conversation with Helmut Marko, managed to persuade him to race for the stable next season. Where it means he will start the racing year as a rookie, a very big challenge awaits him at AlphaTauri.

The Dutchman seems to have the ideal character to help AlphaTauri come out on top. The racing stable did not get beyond ninth place among constructors last season, so something big needs to change. However, according to his former team boss Ian James, De Vries is uniquely capable of providing great feedback without sacrificing atmosphere. And that is exactly what AlphaTauri is looking for.

Piastri at McLaren ideal combination with Norris

Of the newcomers in Formula 1, De Vries is still the most experienced, as the other two drivers are still quite young. At McLaren, the 21-year-old Piastri will have to counterbalance the talented Lando Norris, who already has several years of Formula 1 experience behind him. In doing so, expectations around the Australian will be high.

Indeed, Daniel Ricciardo 's replacement in 2022 ensured that all eyes will be on him. As Alpine's reserve driver, Piastri seemed the dream candidate to succeed Fernando Alonso at the team, but the youngster refused. He was already at an advanced stage with McLaren and was vindicated, allowing him to make the switch.

Although Piastri is fully within his rights, his arrival in Formula 1 was by no means silent. While Zak Brown revealed earlier this month that he is confident in Piastri's qualities, the question is whether he can handle the pressure at McLaren as early as next season. However, the driver seems to be the ideal teammate for Lando Norris, as the Briton is clearly the team's first driver for now. And that is exactly what Norris wants.

Sargeant late certain of Williams chance

Following the announcement of the departure of Nicholas Latifi, who failed to prove himself at Williams, the British formation had to look hard for a replacement. De Vries reportedly passed the revue inside, but it was soon clear that the Dutch driver would take up the challenge at AlphaTauri. It made Sargeant one of the last remaining candidates.

Sargeant had to wait a long time before he was sure of his seat at Williams. The American, who was already the team's reserve driver this calendar year, had to work hard to accumulate enough points for his super licence. Only in mid-November in Abu Dhabi did Sargeant manage to get his final points over the line and secure his Formula 1 debut in 2023.

The driver is in an interesting position next race year. In 2022, Williams finished in last place in the constructors' championship with just eight points, leaving much to improve at the team. Ostensibly, it provides Sargeant with little pressure over a few months, as things can only get better. With the three US Grands Prix , however, this will be different with his home crowd.

Who has the greatest potential in F1?

Piastri, Sargeant and De Vries all appear in a different position in Formula 1 next season and each brings a different story. For Sargeant, the focus will be on his personal development as well as that of the team. Williams needs to improve a lot in the coming years to fulfil its ambitions and Sargeant will be given time to get used to the level.

Things will be different for the other two drivers. Piastri, for instance, can get his teeth wet to take on Norris in 2023. McLaren will logically expect the Briton to perform better in his first year, as he already has several seasons of experience in Formula 1. However, a big points difference between the two drivers will put things on edge and Piastri must avoid that at all costs. Otherwise, his adventure could come to an end sooner than expected.

Most of the pressure, however, lies on the shoulders of De Vries, who is the ideal replacement for Pierre Gasly. With his years of experience in Formula E and Formula 2, winning world championships, he seems ready for the big time. As he will be a step ahead of Yuki Tsunoda, Marko will see him as the team's ideal front man.

His position comes not only because of his previous performance at Monza, but also because of the team's potential. With sister team Red Bull behind the scenes, AlphaTauri will do everything possible to make a rapid development and De Vries' experience from other motorsport classes can help with that. Next season, the only thing that has to become clear is whether he can handle pressure as well as compatriot Max Verstappen.