The new technical regulations for this season are among the biggest changes to the sport since 2009. Right now, most of the F1 teams are in a mad rush to create the most properly balanced car considering all the new rules.
Teams like Mercedes and Red Bull are ready to assert their dominance in the new era, while teams like Ferrari and McLaren are still hungry to take what was once theirs and challenge for the constructor’s championship once again.
This year marks one of the longest F1 seasons to date, with a record 23 races to make up the F1 2022 calendar. New circuits will be introduced while some old favorites will be reinstated.
A shift in aerodynamics
The 2022 regulations are built around the idea of allowing closer racing with more overtakes and action moments in each Grand Prix. “Dirty air” has been an issue in recent seasons, affecting the downforce of the car behind.
According to an article on the F1 site, cars currently lose 35% downforce when running three car lengths behind a leading car (20 meters) while one car length (10 meters) results in a 47% loss. Other changes are introduced to the car design to help aero, such as over-wheel winglets, wheel covers, and changes to the nose and rear wing design. These are introduced to help reduce the complexity of the car’s aero components and focus on “ground effect” which is a concept reintroduced from the 80s.
Teams are also allowed to change the car’s flat floor for the first time ever, and channel air through tunnels built underneath. This will also have a massive effect on the downforce. These changes, however, could make a slower car and increase the lap times by up to +0.5 from last season.
Other changes
- Wheel rim sizes are increased from 13 to 18 inches, which is meant to affect the tire temperatures on track.
- Teams are not allowed to use hydraulic suspension
- 10% of all fuel should be advanced sustainable ethanol
Tracks of old and new
Speaking of sustainability, the Singapore Grand Prix is extended for seven more seasons with the F1 after a new contract is signed between F1 and the Singaporean Tourism Board. The Marina Bay Circuit’s new deal aims to reduce the event’s overall carbon footprint and focus to build a more sustainable business model moving forward. This is in line with Formula One’s ongoing mission to increase its efforts in making the sport less damaging to the environment.
The Miami Grand Prix makes its debut this season, featuring a race in the Miami International Autodrome at the Hard Rock Stadium Complex. Miami is one of the USA’s most fun and lively cities and is sure to bring this same excitement to the sport.
Lastly, the Saudi Arabia GP will have a tweaked track layout this season to improve the overall safety in the final sector. Drivers expressed their concern over the high-speed section where barriers had limited visibility. This was deemed a safety risk as drivers were unable to see far enough ahead if there was an accident on track.
Return of tracks lost during the pandemic-shortened season
The following tracks also make a welcome return to the race calendar:
- Australian GP
- Canadian GP
- Japanese GP
- Dutch GP
