John N
The 2021 season ended in what many F1 fans describe as a spectacle. But we’re already now in the new year and flying towards what has the makings of a thrilling new campaign. Here are 6 things to look forward to ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship season.
- Brand new cars
The 2022 season sees a new era of Formula 1 cars with an all-new design that are as a result of new regulations aimed at improving the racing spectacle. The new features include a focus on ground effect, 18-inch tyres, a redesigned front wing and nose, which means cars would be able to race closer to each other – with the potential for more passing on-track too. The cars also come with a higher ratio of sustainable fuel and should look different from previous years.
Mercedes have already launched their W13 engine – and the coming days and weeks will see more unveilings.
- Verstappen vs Hamilton
After an intriguing 2021 season, the battle between these two protagonists will continue with Verstappen trying to defend his title and do a championship double while Hamilton will be hunting for his record eighth championship title. 2014 was the last time someone other Hamilton was defending his title and this will see the #1 on a car that isn’t Hamilton’s. A new era of F1 cars plus a frozen engine concept means Redbull’s Powertrains could challenge Mercedes once again.
- The longest F1 campaign yet
This season’s campaign marks the return of the Montreal, Suzuka, Melbourne, and Singapore grand prix and a debut Miami Grand Prix. If the 2021 season was anything to go by, it is the fact that every one of the 23 circuits on the provisional calendar provides an exciting and thrilling challenge. The season is slated to start on March 20 and end on November 20.
- Ferrari and McMaren rising to the occasion
Ferrari and McLaren will hope to continue from where they stopped last season. Having shown flashes of what they can do, this season is there for the taking. Lando Norris had his best season yet in 2021and was unfortunate to miss out on a top four finish in the standings while Ferrari ended the season in third place with their line up proved the strongest on the grid, taking points in every race except for France.
Only time will tell if Ferrari vs McLaren would be the Battle of the Titans and if they can challenge Mercedes and Redbull.
- Zhou makes his debut
Zhou Guanyu will make history as the first Chinese driver to race full-time in Formula 1. The 22 years old races alongside Valteri Bottas – a pairing of youth and experience. Though not Zhou’s car debut, he has tested the waters with Alpine and Alda Romeo but he will prove himself on the drid for the doest time and enjoy a home race too, the Chinese grand Prix having recently put pen to paper on a long-term deal which will see them stay on calendar.
- Welcome to Miami
The Miami Grand Prix will make its debut this coming season from May 6-8. The circuits will see drivers take on 19 corners and 5.41 Kilometers of the Miami International Autodrome around the Hard Rock stadium. It also features three straights and a Drag Reduction Zone (DRS) zone with an estimated top speed of 320 km/hr.
