Formula 1 2023: All Driver of the Day Awards winners

In the dynamic world of Formula 1, not only do drivers strive for victory on the racetrack, but their performances are also celebrated through the esteemed “Driver of the Day” awards, a fan-driven acknowledgement introduced back in 2016. As the curtains fall on the 2023 F1 season, these drivers have left an indelible mark with their exceptional performances, showcasing the thrilling and unpredictable nature of F1.

The Origin of Driver of the Day: A Fan-Driven Tribute

The concept of the Driver of the Day was officially introduced in 2016, allowing Formula 1 fans to actively participate in honoring exceptional achievements during races. Unlike other accolades, this title isn’t confined to race winners but celebrates drivers who display extraordinary skill, resilience, or evoke sympathy from the fans.

A notable example is Sebastian Vettel’s recognition after the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking his farewell from Formula 1. Fans paid tribute to his illustrious career, emphasizing that the Driver of the Day award transcends race outcomes.

Voting for Formula 1 Driver of the Day: Fan Engagement Made Easy

Fans can cast their votes for the Driver of the Day through the official Formula 1 website at F1.com/vote. The process is straightforward, requiring no account, enabling fans to actively contribute to acknowledging outstanding performances.

As we reflect on the exhilarating 2023 season, let’s dive into the standout moments and drivers that claimed the title of ‘F1 Driver of the Day’.

Bahrain Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso

The season opener in Bahrain saw Max Verstappen cruising to victory, yet it was Fernando Alonso who stole the spotlight. Alonso’s remarkable race, marked by his 99th career podium and bold overtakes on Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz, earned him the Driver of the Day title with an overwhelming 53.3% of the fan votes.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

Despite a driveshaft problem in qualifying that left him starting from P15 on the grid, Max Verstappen’s steady recovery and strategic pit stops propelled him to a well-earned P2 finish, securing the Driver of the Day award with 26.3% of the votes.

Australian Grand Prix: Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez showcased his prowess in the chaotic race in Melbourne, rising from the back of the grid to an impressive P5. His aggressive overtaking style and strategic moves earned him the Driver of the Day title with 21.3% of the fan votes.

Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez continued his stellar performances, claiming his second Driver of the Day award in 2023 after a remarkable drive to victory in Baku. Despite the timely Safety Car, Perez’s relentless pursuit of teammate Max Verstappen showcased his skill, securing 29.1% of the votes.

Miami Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen, starting from P9, utilized an alternate strategy to secure his second Driver of the Day award at the Miami International Autodrome. Verstappen’s impressive victory, passing teammate Sergio Perez and starting from the hard tires, earned him 27.1% of the fan votes.

Monaco Grand Prix: Esteban Ocon

Esteban Ocon’s superb drive in changing conditions at Monaco, securing Alpine’s first podium of the season, won him the Driver of the Day title with 23.5% of the votes. Despite former teammate Fernando Alonso’s strong performance, Ocon’s podium finish was a fan favorite.

Spanish Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton’s sterling drive to second place in the Spanish Grand Prix earned him the Driver of the Day award with 24.7% of the votes. Hamilton’s impressive performance, surviving early contact and securing a double podium for Mercedes, showcased his skill on the Barcelona track.

Canadian Grand Prix: Alexandar Albon

Alexander Albon’s feisty performance in the Williams, clinching P7 and battling to keep faster cars at bay, earned him the Driver of the Day award with 28.7% of the votes. Albon’s tenacity on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve resonated with fans.

Austrian Grand Prix: Lando Norris

Lando Norris, armed with the upgraded McLaren MCL60, showcased its effectiveness with a P5 finish at the Red Bull Ring. Norris’s performance, pressuring and passing Lewis Hamilton, earned him the Driver of the Day title with 26.1% of the votes.

British Grand Prix: Lando Norris

Max Verstappen’s dominant display at Silverstone was complemented by home favorite Lando Norris, who battled hard to secure P2. Norris’s incredible qualifying and tenacious race earned him the Driver of the Day award with an impressive 45.5% of the votes.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez, starting from P9, showcased his determination with a drive to the podium places, securing P3. Perez’s timely confidence boost and narrow victory in the Driver of the Day vote highlighted his impressive performance.

Belgian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen’s Spa-Francorchamps masterclass, starting from P6 and leading by Lap 17, earned him the Driver of the Day award with 15.5% of the votes. Despite the competition from Charles Leclerc, Verstappen’s dominant win resonated with fans.

Dutch Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso’s outstanding performance at Zandvoort, securing P2 behind Verstappen, earned him the Driver of the Day title with 20.9% of the votes. Despite notable performances from Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly, Alonso’s race impressed the F1 community.

Italian Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz’s stunning defensive display at Monza, holding off Max Verstappen for 15 laps, won him the Driver of the Day award with 31.5% of the votes. Sainz’s pole position and podium finish showcased his exceptional racecraft.

Singapore Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz continued his winning streak with a masterful, controlled drive around the streets of Singapore, earning him the Driver of the Day award with 21.2% of the votes. Sainz’s victory led to an exciting final stint, fending off the charging Mercedes duo.

Japanese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri, securing his first podium finish in F1, earned the Driver of the Day award with 28.2% of the votes. Despite never racing around Suzuka before the weekend, Piastri’s measured drive impressed fans, showcasing his potential as an F1 rookie.

Qatar Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri

Oscar Piastri’s stellar drive to Sprint pole and victory, followed by controlled driving in the main race, earned him the Driver of the Day award for the second weekend in a row with 27.9% of the votes. Piastri’s impressive weekend contributed to McLaren’s significant points haul in Lusail.

United States Grand Prix: Lando Norris

Lando Norris’s early lead in the race at the Circuit of The Americas, despite not fending off Verstappen and Hamilton, earned him the Driver of the Day award with 26% of the votes. Norris’s dominant display resonated with fans, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.

Mexican Grand Prix: Lando Norris

Lando Norris’s impressive drive from P17 to P5 in Mexico earned him the Driver of the Day award with 29.5% of the votes. Norris’s relentless performance, crossing the line ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, showcased his skill and determination.

Brazilian Grand Prix: Lando Norris

Lando Norris’s hat-trick of Driver of the Day awards came with his drive to P2 at Interlagos. Norris’s sublime performance, finishing 26 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso, won him the fan vote with 26.1% of the votes.

Las Vegas Grand Prix:  Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc’s bold move to retake the lead from Max Verstappen and subsequent victory in Las Vegas earned him the Driver of the Day award with 21.6% of the votes. Despite challenges from Red Bull drivers, Leclerc’s determined drive impressed fans.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Yuki Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda finished the season on a high note with a superb qualifying display and additional points in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tsunoda’s strong performance won him the Driver of the Day award with 24% of the votes, closing out a respectable third year in the sport.

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