F1’s new era is coming!
With the seats for 2022 now falling into place and plenty of technical changes, it feels like time to start a new thread for the 2022 season.
Aero: much more prescriptive aero regulations, aiming at clean shapes, less sensitive airflow, and much reduced turbulent wake for a following car. Complemented by the abandonment of the flat floor in favour of two ground-effect tunnels either side of the cockpit.
Wheels: 18” wheels instead of today’s 13” items (as per F2 now)
Testing: Increased differentiation of testing allowances by championship position (twice as much as this year, so a 5% reduction per place gained in championship standings)
Engines: Teams can introduce a new engine for 2022, which spec will then be frozen and used unchanged for 2023/24 also. Honda are understood to be preparing a final 2022 engine as a leaving gift for Red Bull.
Drivers:
Mercedes Hamilton / Russell Red Bull Verstappen / Perez McLaren Norris / Ricciardo Ferrari Leclerc / Sainz Alpine Ocon / Alonso Alpha Tauri Gasly / Tsunoda Aston Martin Stroll / Vettel Williams Latifi / Albon Alfa Romeo Bottas / Zhou Haas Schumacher / Magnussen
Italics for the moves that appear likely but haven't yet been announced.
Thoughts on expected/hoped for driver moves? Predictions for who'll do best with the new regs?