Formula 1 2022: Midpoint Season Review

Now that Formula One is taking a four-week-long summer break, it's time to sit back and reflect with a midpoint season review. 

Fans have already been spoilt by plenty of excitement and controversy over the past 15 races (including two pre-season testing events), and there's plenty more to come.

At this point, the racing is dominated by three teams — Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes. Despite Mercedes' overall points being the lowest of the three, the recent double podiums of British duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton mean further success in the season's second half is highly likely. 

With closer racing thanks to revamped car designs and regulations, new tracks and nine rounds to go, there's everything to play for. 

Who are the current top drivers in the F1 2022 Championship standings? 

Following the Hungary Grand Prix which is the last race before the summer break, Red Bull's Max Verstappen remains the reigning champion. He currently holds an impressive lead at the top of the driver's standings after scoring his eighth win of the season. However, Charles Leclerc remains in the fight just 80 points behind.

2022 and 2021 F1 cars compared

For our F1 season review, we've looked at the key design differences between the 2021 and 2022 cars, plus the all-new 2022 regulations.

Grand Prix cars look different this year, with a sleeker-shaped front wing, heavier 18-inch wheels (a five-inch increase on last year), a new rear wing design and an under floor tunnel to create the right amount of downforce.

These updates have been implemented to reduce dirty air, meaning drivers can trail cars more closely and continue battling through high-speed corners. This in turn will ensure more cutthroat racing and provide more parity between the lowest and highest ranked teams.

However, with thicker tyres and larger wheel covers comes lengthier pit stops, so new team strategies have been implemented.  

Another significant change on the 2022 cars, and perhaps the most important, is the introduction of the fourth version of the Halo. This safety device has been improved to withstand even more serious crashes, put to life-saving use during the 2022 F1 British Grand Prix when a frightening crash saw Zhou Guanyu roll at high speed on the opening lap.

Following the fiasco surrounding last year's title decider in Abu Dhabi, new regulations have been implemented, including a change in direct communications between Team Principals and the race director and new decision-making technology in the form of a Virtual Race Control Room (similar to football's VAR).

2022 Verstappen vs Leclerc Competition

Leclerc kicked off the 2022 season in style by taking two wins from the the opening three rounds. However since then, Red Bull took victory in the next six races in a row, Verstappen winning five of them.

Leclerc won again in Austria to reduce the points gap, however after sealing victories in France and Hungary, the consistent momentum is with Verstappen at the midway point of the season.

2022 F1 Race Highlights 

Aside from the ongoing battle between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, it's important to remember other standout moments from the first half of the year.

The first ever Grand Prix in sunny Miami debuted in May 2022. Held at the Miami International Autodrome, the Florida race joins its Texan counterpart in Austin to become the second US race on the calendar.

Elsewhere, Max Verstappen survived a late attack from Carlos Sainz to seal his first Canadian Grand Prix victory, while treacherous wet conditions ensured Monaco Grand Prix was a stop-start thriller. The showers bought out red flags before the race had even started, which was eventually delayed for over an hour. Red Bull's Sergio Perez eventually reigned supreme, while Mick Schumacher brought out the safety car after crashing into the barrier at the Swimming Pool complex.

The British Grand Prix saw Carlos Sainz overtake team mate Charles Leclerc to secure first place, but it was the opening lap that was the most talked about part of the race. The first few seconds following the formation lap saw a major crash involving six drivers including Zhou Guanyu, who bought out the red flags after flipping his car. 

Although Mercedes struggled at the beginning of the season, they have performed their best in the last two races. During the French Grand Prix, a crash from Leclerc and an error from Perez allowed Verstappen to secure the fastest time, followed by British drivers Hamilton and Russell in second and third place respectively. 

Following qualifying in Hungary, George Russell took his first pole position in Formula 1 and he eventually finished in third place. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton made his way up from seventh at the start, to seal a second-place finish – his fifth podium finish in a row.

F1 2022 Rest of Year Schedule 

Belgium kicks off the second half of the 2022 season on 26-28 August, followed by Verstappen’s home race in the Netherlands and then Italy. The European leg concludes mid-September, with appearances in Asia, North America, South America, and the Middle East to follow. 

If you want to get a front row view of this year’s racing action, book your place on one of our premium fully-inclusive packages.

28 Aug 2022: Belgium, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps   

04 Sep 2022: Netherlands, Circuit Park Zandvoort  

11 Sep 2022: Italy, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza

02 Oct 2022: Singapore, Marina Bay Street Circuit. Book your place now.         

09 Oct 2022: Japan, Circuit Suzuka   

23 Oct 2022: USA, Circuit of The Americas 

30 Oct 2022: Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez             

13 Nov 2022: Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos

20 Nov 2022: Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit. Book your place now. 

F1 2022 - What's Next

It looks as though Verstappen and Leclerc will be the two drivers competing for motorsport's biggest accolade in the season's second half. 

Verstappen is in the form of his life sitting at the top of the driver standings, currently the favourite to take the title. Yet, the swing in the championship could easily change as we enter the fully-charged second half!

As always, Spectate will be there to see every moment of action. If you'd like to join us, we still have limited availability for Singapore and Abu Dhabi - so, secure your spot today.

Should I book in advance for the 2023 season?

It's never too early to book in advance for the 2023 Formula 1 season. We've already opened pre-registration for Bahrain Grand Prix, as well as the Monaco Grand Prix. If you haven’t already, please register your details today to be the first to hear more. 

Our British Grand Prix Race and Stay package between 30 June - 02 July 2023 is on sale now. Reserve your seat for the chance to mingle with a F1 team and enjoy a full range of exclusive hospitality.

You can also book tickets through Spectate for the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya. One of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Barcelona provides the perfect backdrop for an action-packed racing weekend or city break.