> All-new rules will dictate how F1 cars look and drive
> Cars easier to follow
> Less dependence on wings
> Emphasis on ground effect
> New biofuel
2022 F1 car concept
The FIA has revealed its latest iteration of what the 2022 Formula 1 cars will look like. A new strict set of regulations will see the current machines transform into distinctive new shapes in a bid to improve the quality of racing. Of course, these regulations are guidelines, and teams will be working hard to exploit any advantage they can find.
These new cars were set to be introduced in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic saw the 2020 cars modified for the 2021 season instead. F1 2022 will look very different.
2022 F1 car downforce
Downforce is critical to how an F1 car operates. Its aerodynamic appendages generate a force that pushes the car into the ground, creates huge grip, and largely contributes to how fast they can corner. However, the aerodynamic turbulence created makes it very difficult for another car to follow and pass.
The new 2022 machines are far less reliant on wings, instead gaining grip through ground effect. By creating a suction under the floor to boost grip levels, this regains downforce while reducing the wake for pursuing cars. Currently, F1 cars chasing another lose 35% of their downforce at 20m, while the new rules will reduce that to 4% – making getting close much less restrictive.
2022 F1 cars wheels
Traditionally, the size of an F1 car’s wheel has been 13-inches, with the tyres varying in dimensions over the years. For 2022 the rim size will grow to 18-inches with a low profile tyres also being mandatory. Why? It has been deemed that this change in scale is more relevant to road cars, and so the technology transfer would be more relevant.
These bigger wheels will have huge repercussions in terms of aerodynamics and weight distribution. Expect to see teams come up with fancy fairings for the rims and interesting ways to manipulate the ‘dirty air’ that spills over the tyres at speed.
2022 F1 cars power unit
Teams will not be able to make changes to their engines for 2022 come the close of 2021. Development is frozen, and the power units will remain the same in these new cars. That means a 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine with power figures pushing 1,000bhp.
What is new for 2022 is a focus on sustainable fuels. F1 is developing a carbon-neutral means of running its races, but 2022 will see the introduction of 10% biofuel. This will actually match what is soon to be introduced at UK petrol stations within the next year.
2022 F1 cars cost cap
Participating in Formula 1 is a costly business. As well as all of your general running and transportation costs, developing and evolving a car throughout a season runs into many millions of pounds. 2021 saw a cost cap introduced, but budgets will think further shrink to $140 million for 2022.
The aim is to prevent big teams from simply spending their way out of issues and to enable innovative smaller teams a fair shot at the podium.
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Keyword: New 2022 F1 cars: everything you need to know