NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari and Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talk as the prototype for the 2022 F1 season is unveiled during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 15, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc explained the challenges drivers are going to face in the new season
F1 teams are undergoing a massive overhaul to comply with the new regulations. All teams have modified their cars leading to the new season. The new cars are designed with the aim of shifting the aerodynamics focus from the wings to underneath the car. The cars are now heavier which means drivers will have a tough time keeping them under control.
F1 rules have been changed multiple times in the past. Previously, the changes were more focussed to ensuring the safety of the drivers and the cars. This time though, a bit of focus has shifted towards making the competition more even. There has been a complete aerodynamics overhaul besides ensuring that the cars don’t get quicker. The last era of cars were the quickest which meant ensuring safety was even more difficult.
We will have a completely new generation of cars on display this season. The 2022 cars have two long underfloor tunnels which means there is more auction under the car to pull it to the tarmac. In terms of appearance, there is a new simplified front wing and a sharp new rear wing. This season the cars will also have bigger tyres which should improve the handling of the cars. 18-inch tyres with wheel winglets have been introduced this season.
The new changes means Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will have to drive Ferrari’s new F1-75 model cars. Ferrari F1-75 has a unique look on the side pod design permitted by the new technical regulations. The shape of the front wing elements are designed in a different direction. They have made other non-conventional changes in terms of aero shapes.
Leclerc and Sainz will have a better idea once they complete their test drive sessions in Barcelona.
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