Frederik Vesti, PREMA Racing
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Ranking the top 10 drivers on F1's undercard in 2023

While the firm title favourite had his work cut out to meet expectations in Formula 2, on the rung below a rookie belied his inexperience to win in dominant style. Here’s who impressed Motorsport.com the most in 2023

With fierce competition coming in both F2 and 3 from rookies and seasoned racers alike, junior series continued to produce some of the season’s most exciting racing in 2023.

F3 saw a stunning rookie season from Gabriel Bortoleto, who led from the off to capture Trident’s first drivers’ title of the modern era. The Brazilian topped the standings out of round one with a lead he would not relinquish before claiming the title by 45 points.

He won the opening two feature races of the season, taking a further four podiums to clinch the title despite entering the season as an underdog.

In F2, Theo Pourchaire clinched the crown after finishing as runner-up last season, pipping Frederik Vesti to the title in his third season in the series.

The ART driver faced stiff competition from his Prema rival, but ultimately was crowned in Abu Dhabi, winning by nine points.

With strong performances coming up and down the grid, here's our top 10 across the two junior categories on the bill.

Franco Colapinto vastly outperformed his team-mates in his second year in F3

Photo by: Lionel Ng / Motorsport Images

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