Formula 1 is heading into the unknown in 2022. Its new regulations have ushered in a complete rethink of how the cars’ aerodynamics are designed, and more besides.
While the power units and drivetrains are largely unchanged, there is still plenty the teams need to get right and can’t afford to get wrong. The potential for a major change in the competitive order is obvious, and many teams are banking on that being the key to their success in 2022.
Mercedes have been the pace-setters for much of the past eight seasons, since the current power units were introduced. Their most well-equipped rivals, Red Bull and Ferrari, have tried to close the gap with varying degrees of success.
In 2021 F1 enjoyed it most competitive season for years. But the coming revolution could put a different team at the front of the pack, and potentially well ahead of its rivals. How likely is that? And if it happens, how long might it take for the rest to catch up?
F1 has been through periodic revisions of…