The 2022 Formula 1 season is set to begin with the Bahrain GP today, and the new rules promise closer racing and a stir in order. How does it all add up? Read on and find out!
see photosCarlos Sainz driving a Scuderia Ferrari F1-75 during the pre-season test in Barcelona
Regulation Changes:
While the new rules are in effect this year, the rules were actually planned to be implemented from 2021 and were chalked out a few years before that. The rules revolve around one purpose, to provide close racing, and are designed around the concept of ground effect aerodynamics. Part of that design direction – a simplified front wing – was introduced in 2020, and was followed by a simplified floor covering to reduce foul air and provide closer racing, and these changes helped Last year proved his worth with 2021. Season 2 is shaping up to be one of the best F1 seasons in decades.
Read also: F1: 2021 car revealed; FIA introduces regulations for new Formula 1 era
The cars have been completely facelifted from the ground up for the 2022 season, except for the power units which are largely unchanged. Teams also had the challenge of developing these designs under a cost limit, with all teams receiving the same upper limit on the amount they could spend. However, the top teams got less wind tunnel time unlike last year’s lower-finishing teams, giving them a good chance to catch up with the mammoths – Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
Teams and Drivers:
The Big 3 – Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull:
Until qualifying yesterday, it was really uncertain which team/driver would come out on top. Although Ferrari and McLaren dominated the timing charts of the first test in Barcelona, Mercedes showed up with some very interesting concepts of side pods – or lack thereof – and winglets around the mirrors. Although Red Bull at first tried to oppose side pods with extremely thin profiles, they later found that the side pods were legit. However, Ferrari was not thrilled with the way Mercedes designed their mirrors, and rebuked the FIA for banning their halo-suspended mirrors a few years ago while allowing the concept.
But with a very fundamental design, the Mercedes W13 are largely struggling with pace and it will be interesting to see how they find their winning form later in the season after yesterday’s disappointing qualifying. Even after qualifying an ineffective P5, Lewis Hamilton was content with the finish, highlighting the fact that Mercedes may not win for the next few races at the very least. As it stands, Ferrari and Red Bull seem to be in leagues of their own, with both teams placing their 4 cars in the top 4 spots for the Bahrain GP.
Read also: F1: Leclerc and Ferrari snatch pole from Verstappen in Bahrain GP qualifying
Alfa Tauri, Alpine and Alfa Romeo:
Alpine and Alfa Romeo had a poor test run as both teams faced a number of issues, but they seem to have resolved most of their problems as both teams had one car each in the top 10, the most. was unexpected. Alfa Tauri’s Gasly also managed to keep his car in Q3, but Yuki Tsunoda’s struggle continued as he was knocked out in Q1.
Haas:
Another team that made a lot of headlines in the third quarter was Haas. Haas struggled through the entire 2021 season as the team decided to shift its focus to the 2022 car too early, and finished last without a point in the 2021 standings. The team also struggled through the first test in Barcelona, linking credibility issues to political issues caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the American team had a great second test and they lived up to expectations in qualifying, with Kevin Magnussen scoring an impressive P7 on his return to F1, giving Haas his first Q3 appearance since 2019.
Read also: F1: Kevin Magnussen to return to Formula 1 with Haas
Aston Martin, McLaren and Williams ::
While McLaren’s first Test went well, the team later began to struggle with brake issues and gradually began to drift away from the top, leading to an unexpectedly poor result in qualifying. Aston Martin’s hopes for the 2022 season never really materialised, as the British team is the only team to have both cars eliminated in Q1. Williams showed some promise in the pre-season test, but Alex Albon only managed to finish 14th as Latifi was the last.
Read also: F1: Nico Hulkenberg 2022 Bahrain GP . to replace Sebastian Vettel
Race:
Although it is clear from qualifying that Ferrari is in the best shape, it is important for all teams to maintain the credibility of their car. Since these cars are the first generation of cars under the new rules, nearly every team has suffered from some form of reliability issues, forcing teams to rethink their reliability versus performance balance.
0 notes
It may be easy for some teams to tune their cars to perform at their best in a lap in qualifying, but in order to top the race, they must finish first. This could result in a major stir at today’s GP, as each team’s race pace can differ substantially from their qualifying pace. Add to that the fact that the new rules aim to make it easier for cars to overtake, we’re sure to have a delightful race filled with multiple overtakes throughout the order.
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