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Gary Anderson’s verdict on Mercedes’ 2022 F1 design.
I like the overall concept. It is following the trend of what I would have pursued if I was still involved in F1 design.
By Gary Anderson
The Race
18 Feb 2022, 14:56
Some areas such as the load distribution of the front wing and the leading edge and splitters of the underfloor I like. The sidepod lines also look right, although I suspect AlphaTauri might be a little tidier in this area.
I think Mercedes has missed a trick on the front wing mounting system that Aston Martin and McLaren have gone for with the forward element creating a full-width slot gap.
But that’s a simple bolt on component so can change easily if you have a couple of million dollars left within your budget cap.
‘W13 overall concept liked’;
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/F1/Mercedes
Russell’s first Mercedes run at stormy Silverstone gave him “goosebumps”
2022 F1 season
Posted on
18th February 2022, 15:2218th February 2022, 15:44 | Written by Will Wood
George Russell said Mercedes firing up the new W13 gave him “goosebumps” as he prepared for his first run as a Mercedes Formula 1 race driver.
“This morning it gave me goosebumps when the car was fired up for the first time,” Russell said. “I’ve driven so many laps in the simulator, I’ve seen so many drawings of it, I’ve had so many meetings about it, but there’s nothing like going to a race track.”
Despite the high winds, the conditions were safe enough for Russell and team mate Hamilton to complete an initial run with the car to test basic systems and that the drivers were comfortable in the car.
‘W13 gives “goosebumps”!’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/18/...ll-goosebumps/
First Images of Mercedes F1 W13; Team Says Car Is '98% New' for 2022
Mercedes hopes to add to record streak of eight consecutive Formula 1 Constructors' Championships
BY MIKE PRYSON
Feb 18, 2022
“Ever since work on W13 began, I have seen an excited enthusiasm in our team members like never before, thanks to the scale of opportunity that these technical regulations provide,” said Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. “Towards the end of the year when the car build project truly came together, I felt a deep passion across the whole organisation, not only in the technical arena but across our bases at Brackley and Brixworth who were embracing a mindset of 'we can do this.'"
‘W13 can do this’, ‘yes the W13 can’;
https://www.autoweek.com/racing/form...rcedes-f1-w13/
Mercedes: W13 aero packaging required 'huge amount of redesign'
Phillip van Osten18/02/2022 at 15:43
Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott says the aero constraints imposed by F1's new regulations required a "complete internal repackaging" for its W13.
"We have talked a lot about the aerodynamic changes, because these are most visible, and these regulations aim to improve overtaking," commented Mercedes' tech boss at Friday's presentation.”
"In fact, most of the car has had to change, which has been a huge challenge for the whole team. Getting to the desired aero shapes has meant a complete internal repackaging, right down to the electrical layout and where we fit things like the ECU.”
W13 Complete Internal Repackaging’;
https://f1i.com/news/432306-mercedes...-redesign.html
Mercedes W13 track shots released from Silverstone
Date published: February 18 2022 - Mark Scott
Launch day for the Silver Arrows began with a special presentation at the iconic British track with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, a returning Lewis Hamilton and new team-mate George Russell all interviewed prior to the covers coming off the W13.
With the talking over, it was time for some action. With Hamilton on filming duties, it was down to Russell to rack up the first miles on the W13 clock.
However, Mercedes got a little more time than they bargained for as they performed their private shakedown during Storm Eunice, which was bringing gusts of up to 90mph in some areas of the UK.
‘The W13 Storm Eunice Shakedown’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...d-silverstone/
Russell: Mercedes can’t afford intra-team rivalry in 2022
by Fergal Walsh
18 Feb 2022, 16:36
George Russell says Mercedes can’t afford to have a heated rivalry between himself and team-mate Lewis Hamilton in 2022.
“Lewis and I need to work together, we can’t focus too much on each other because things are constantly changing and that’s why we need to take a step back.
“We hope Mercedes will still be the fastest team, the fastest car on the grid but there are no guarantees and we need to not be naive to that and work together to ensure that we are.”
‘W13 – No Guarantees the fastest car’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...valry-in-2022/
Mercedes W13 on track at Silverstone shortly after launch
Editor
18 February, 2022
Hywel Thomas, Mercedes engine boss, gave insight 9into the mood at Brackley ahead of the big day: “For all of us, who are so involved and invested, that is quite emotional, to see the chassis and PU go down the pit lane as one for the first time.
“To hear the engine, to sit back and reflect on all the components that are working in there together. All the people, the hard work, the effort. It’s always slightly mind-blowing, and it’s a lovely moment to message back to the factory, telling them the car has hit the track,” added Hywel.
The Mercedes W13 will be trucked this weekend to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the first three days of testing from 23 to 25 February, followed by a second test in Bahrain from 11 to 13 March, before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on 20 March.
‘Emotional launch of the W13’;
https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/02...ormula-1-2022/
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New team apply to the FIA to enter Formula 1.
Michael Andretti is pushing ahead with plans to enter Formula 1, formally asking the FIA for permission to field a brand new team, according to his father, Mario.
Author Mike Seymour
19/02/2022, 20:54
Mario Andretti recently explained to RacingNews365.com that his son was "not giving up" on securing an F1 entry, following Andretti Autosport's failed attempt to buy a majority stake in the Sauber-run Alfa Romeo F1 operation.
The potential takeover towards the end of last year was all but confirmed, with Andretti looking to acquire an 80 percent share of Islero Investments, the current owner of Sauber, which operate the Alfa Romeo F1 team.
New F1 team;
https://racingnews365.com/new-team-a...nter-formula-1
Revealed: How Andretti's team plan to enter Formula 1
19/02/2022, 08:30
Author Mike Seymour
There is, however, a tentative plan for a manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, in which the F1 chassis would be built.
Andretti says his son is going "all in" to make the project happen, with plans also including a Formula 2 and Formula 3 entry in the future, to cover all steps on the F1 ladder.
"From where I stand, I'm excited about it, as you can imagine," Andretti continued.
"No one loves Formula 1 more than I do, and just to have the family involved, in this respect, with Michael [going] all in... his plans are to field a Formula 2 and a Formula 3 team eventually, out of all of it.
"He will be based in England; it's all set up, but I can't tell you at the moment... I cannot finalise all of those aspects.
‘Team Plan’;
https://racingnews365.com/revealed-h...nter-formula-1
Michael Andretti would build new F1 team's cars in Indianapolis, says Mario Andretti
NATHAN BROWN | Indianapolis Star
Mario Andretti says his son Michael would be “ready to go the next day,” should his application to the FIA to create a new Formula 1 team be approved. The goal is to have the team on-track by 2024.
In an exclusive interview with IndyStar, the elder Andretti divulged that F1’s possible 11th two-car team, to be named Andretti Global, would have its home base in England with the cars made at a yet-to-be-built “state-of-the-art” facility in Indianapolis near the team’s IndyCar and Indy Lights headquarters.
When reached for comment, Andretti Autosport confirmed Michael’s application to the FIA but said it could offer no further comment.
Mario said the team has already secured an engine partner, though he wouldn’t confirm the automaker. At the moment, Mercedes supplies power units for itself, Williams, McLaren and Aston Martin, while Red Bull makes engines for itself and sister team AlphaTauri, and Ferrari for itself, Alfa Romeo and Haas. Renault, which runs in F1 under its sports car brand "Alpine" most recently served as an engine supplier for McLaren in 2020 and currently makes its own engines.
‘Ready to go the next day’;
https://eu.indystar.com/story/sports...24/6851237001/
Andretti eyes 2024 F1 entry
NEWS STORY
19/02/2022
"I don't know how confident you can feel, but you just hope that the best intentions are forward. From Michael's standpoint, there's a huge commitment. It's serious and absolutely in good faith, but all that is in the hands of the FIA and the Formula 1 teams to accept it. This isn't just on a whim or a bucket list thing. This is for real. Michael, once he sets his sights on something, he's relentless. He's aligned himself with the right people to support it, and he's doing it right."
Andretti entering the sport would be great news for the F1's owners, Liberty Media, for among the boxes it ticks is that it is American and would no doubt bring an American driver into the sport.
With F1 enjoying unprecedented popularity in the US - with a soon to be confirmed race in Las Vegas joining those at COTA and Miami - there has probably been no better time for such an entry.
‘Ticks the Boxes’;
https://www.pitpass.com/71833/Andret...-2024-F1-entry
Andretti announces advanced plans for 11th Formula 1 team
F1
FEBRUARY 19TH 2022
The team, to be called Andretti Global, will be based in England, said Mario in an interview with the Indianapolis Star. However, the cars are set to be built in a new “state-of-the-art” factory in Indianapolis, where Andretti Autosport’s IndyCar and Indy Lights teams are based.
Formula 1’s growing popularity in America, combined with its new cost cap, will make it relatively easier for Andretti to find enough sponsorship to fund the team. Viewing figures increased by 58% last year, compared with 2020, and the US Grand Prix saw a record 400,000 attendance across the weekend. This year, the Miami Grand Prix joins the calendar.
‘Andretti Global’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...formula-1-team
Andretti Has Officially Applied to Enter Formula 1 in 2024
Mario took to social media to spread the word, with confirmation from Andretti Autosport following shortly thereafter.
FEBRUARY 18, 2022
JAMES GILBOY
When Haas joined Formula 1 in 2016, its arrival marked the first time in 30 years that an American team had competed at the highest level of open-wheel racing. Nobody knew at the time, but it marked the beginning of F1's surge in popularity in the United States, driven largely by Netflix's Formula 1: Drive to Survive, which helped build a record-setting American fanbase that has enticed F1 to add a second U.S. race to its calendar.
Soon, F1's roots in American soil could deepen further, as 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti has confirmed via social media that his racing dynasty has applied to enter its own F1 team.
If approved, and if Haas sticks around, the 2024 season will mark the first time the grid will have consisted of 11 teams since 2016, the final year for Manor F1. It'd also be the first season with two American entries since 1977, when Interscope faced off against Chesterfield, though they were only customer teams using bought-in cars. One doesn't have to look much further back to determine the last time two American constructors competed in F1—that was 1975, when Penske, Shadow, and Vel's Parnelli Jones Racing all entered their own cars.
‘Andretti Autosport Drive to Survive’;
https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator...mula-1-in-2024
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Alpine to launch 2022 F1 car two days before testing.
The French outfit will launch the A522 on February 21, just two days before pre-season testing gets underway in Barcelona.
F1
Connor McDonagh
26 Jan 2022
Two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso will remain alongside Esteban Ocon for a second season.
Ocon took the team’s first win since 2013 at the Hungarian Grand Prix, while Alonso returned to the podium for the first time since his days with Ferrari in Qatar in the second half of the year.
‘Alpine F1 Launch’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/995734...o-days-testing
Alpine boss responds to Prost outrage
February 17, 2022 · by thejudge13
Alpine boss responds to four time F1 Champion Alain Prost’s scathing comments – Alain Prost was outraged with Laurent Rossi the current Renault Alpine boss, to whom he considered responsible for his departure. Rossi has responded with an interview with the French publication L’Equipe.
“Relations became more and more complicated, I felt that there was a lot of jealousy” alledges the Frenchman before adding that “Laurent Rossi’s wish is to be alone, not to be influenced by anyone (…)” and that “There is a real desire to put many people aside. Laurent Rossi wants all the limelight.”
And now, Laurent Rossi replied to him with an interview in the same publication saying: “I was indeed very visible [within the team], because I needed to understand what was going on in the field. And then, being an engineer, I know how my peers work.”
‘Alpine F1 understanding’;
https://thejudge13.com/2022/02/17/al...prost-outrage/
Rossi: The old Alpine structure was not working
Reuters
18 February, 2022
“I want to say that the old structure was not working,” Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi told Reuters and two other journalists in a select media round-table. We went through the season, we never made a fool of ourselves, it was just fine.
“Now was it the right structure to move forward and take the team to the next level because the team has been plateauing and rather was in almost a negative slope,” he added, referencing the triple-pronged leadership matrix management style that was put in place last year at Alpine
‘Alpine F1 Triple-Prolonged Matrix Management abandoned’;
https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/02...-in-formula-1/
Otmar Szafnauer joins Alpine as their new team principal just one month after leaving Aston Martin and has set the French F1 manufacturer the goal of challenging for the championship 'within the next 100 races'
• Alpine have revealed Otmar Szafnauer will be their new team principal for 2022
• Bruno Famin also joins as executive director of Renault's Viry engine operation
• Szafnauer left Aston Martin last month after 12 years at the Silverstone-outfit
• By Kieran Lynch For Mailonline
• Published: 16:48, 17 February 2022
Alpine have appointed former Aston Martin boss Otmar Szafnauer as their new team principle as part of a wider management restructure at the Renault-owned Formula One outfit.
A goal has been set for Alpine to fight for the championship within the next 100 races.
‘100 Race Target for F1 World Championship [EL PLAN!]’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...on-Martin.html
Rossi: 'Overachiever' Szafnauer knows what it takes to build a team
Phillip van Osten18/02/2022 at 06:51
Szafnauer's move to Enstone was an open secret since the end of last season and a question of when rather than if, especially in the wake of his exit from Aston Martin earlier this year.
At the helm of Force India and its Racing Point iteration, Szafnauer built his reputation as a diligent manager who blends his savvy expertise with a keen sense of productivity
‘F1 Team building’;
https://f1i.com/news/432214-rossi-ov...ld-a-team.html
Alpine set for blue & pink livery as BWT becomes F1 title sponsor
F1
Connor McDonagh
11 Feb 2022
BWT will be the Alpine Formula 1 team's title sponsor for the 2022 season, with the new livery set to feature blue and pink.
The new deal will see the team renamed as BWT Alpine F1 Team.
‘BWT Alpine F1’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/996317...-title-sponsor
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'Midfield teams will be challenging for F1 wins in 2022' says Ross Brawn.
Ross Brawn led the changes to F1's 2022 regulation. He says they are still on course to level the playing field and explains why doing nothing was not an option — even after the thrilling 2021 season.
February 17th 2022
Author Adam Cooper
“I’m very excited about the coming season,” says Brawn.
The new aero package is very much Brawn’s baby: “F1 is in a great place. And I think this is another great step. It will take a little while to settle down and bed in. But the alternative, which was to leave the cars alone, really wasn’t a great alternative.”
“And there’s lots of optimism for the season. And I think we’ll see some interesting results this year from some of these young hotshoes who are coming through. They get the right car behind them, and we can all have a lot of fun.”
‘F1 Hotshoes!’, ‘F1 Optimism for the Season’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...ys-ross-brawn#
Red Bull suffer nightmare first track session and Mercedes may have same problem
RED BULL had their shakedown test at Silverstone scheduled for Thursday.
By STUART BALLARD
07:01, Sat, Feb 19, 2022
Thursday was the first scheduled opportunity for both Verstappen and Perez to get their hands on the car around a track.
Verstappen did get a small run in the RB18, reportedly completing 50 laps around Silverstone.
But the shakedown test proved a nightmare for Perez in particular as he failed to get on track due to poor weather conditions, according to RacingNews365.
‘Red Bull shakedown’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...George-Russell
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto looking to copy Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen car tricks
FERRARI will have a close eye on Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen's cars.
By MIKAEL MCKENZIE
06:50, Sun, Feb 20, 2022
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto says he will observe, copy and introduce any ideas that he spots on his rivals' cars during pre-season testing and the first few Grands Prix. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are still expected to be handed the strongest cars on the grid as they continue their title challenge.
"I think that the first tests and the first Grands Prix will tell us how well we have done, but I also think that it will be very important at the beginning of the season to understand the behaviour of these cars, to adapt, to correct, and possibly even to copy,” Binotto told Canal+.
‘Ferrari keeping a close eye’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...tappen-F1-news
Aston Martin reveal F1 Barcelona test line-up
Sam Hall
Thursday 17 February 2022 16:50
Aston Martin has confirmed how Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll will divide the three days of running at the first pre-season test of 2022 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
F1's pre-season begins with a three-day session at the Spanish track from February 23-25.
‘Aston Martin F1 Barcelona test line-up’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/76...-test-line-up/
McLaren to run shakedown ‘very close’ to Barcelona test
Date published: February 14 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse
McLaren do plan to give the MCL36 a shakedown run before the opening testing period at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
“Similar to probably every other team, we’re also planning to do a filming day very close to the start of the official test in Barcelona,” McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl told Motorsport.com.
“That’s in the schedule. [We] still have a lot of boxes to tick in the next week to be finally ready for that.
‘McLaren MCL36 boxes to tick’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclare...arcelona-test/
FIA aiming to avoid "nasty surprises" in Bahrain opener
Ian Parkes
Friday 18 February 2022 08:15
The FIA has revealed to assisting the 10 F1 teams in the build-up to the new era of aerodynamic regulations with a series of legality checks on their cars in a bid to avoid what it has described as "nasty surprises" at the first race in Bahrain.
Asked whether there were any alarm bells ringing from the FIA's perspective over what it had witnessed so far, the head of single-seater technical matters Nikolas Tombazis said: "We have seen some cars launched. We're also undergoing a process with the teams and doing individual sessions with them to track their legalities so that we try to avoid nasty surprises in the first race. That is proceeding okay as a process."
Conceding to seeing "a few surprises here and there", Tombazis added: "There are some areas where there is a bit more difference between the cars than we expected, where engineers have applied their innovative skills to come up with solutions.”
‘A few surprises here and there’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/75...ahrain-opener/
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How Alpine set the groundwork to kick ‘El Plan’ into high gear for 2022.
A rebrand to Alpine for 2021 marked a fresh start with fresh opportunities, as well as a revised target for the future. Driver Fernando Alonso would later encapsulate Alpine’s renewed mentality and overall dedication to the future by coining the mantra of “El Plan”.
2022 F1 season
Posted on
20th February 2022, 18:16 | Written by Will Wood
Rossi made it very clear that, for the team, there was a new target in their sites – and the ambitions went far beyond mere podiums. The new timeframe for success was now 100 races – roughly over five seasons beginning in 2021 – to become a championship winning team. (EL PLAN)
Alonso and Ocon will likely both be looking to move closer to the front of the field in 2022 but, this year more than any, it’s almost impossible to judge what could happen when the radical new cars are let loose in anger at Bahrain. But when the team do unveil their new car on Monday, it will be with the confidence of knowing they now feel they have all the pieces in execute ‘El Plan’ and begin the process of turning their dreams of championship glory into a reality.
‘EL PLAN’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/20/...gear-for-2022/
Fernando Alonso looks ready for 20th F1 season as he shares training insight.
Fernando Alonso is counting down the days to his 20th pre-season in Formula 1, with him sharing some insight into his training programme with just a week to go until the first test at Barcelona gets underway.
By George Dagless
Published: 16 Feb 2022, 08:53
For the drivers, meanwhile, pre-season preparation has already been underway for a while and it’s certainly not a new experience for Alonso who is set to enter his 20th Formula 1 campaign.
He appears as committed as ever to being on top of his game, though, with him preparing his neck muscles for the season to come by putting his head in this resistance band and trying to not let it get the better of him:
‘Fernando Alonso committed’;
https://www.givemesport.com/87973477...aining-insight
Alonso reveals hopes for 2022 Alpine challenger
Ian Parkes
Monday 7 February 2022 13:55
Fernando Alonso has revealed his hopes for the new Alpine A522 after the team stepped up its trackside processes last year.
"More power on the straights and more downforce in the corner, that is what we are aiming for, all drivers," explained Alonso.
"The trackside is quite strong now. We saw [last year] we scored, both cars, in a race where we maybe didn't have the pace to score with both cars so we are strong in many areas.”
‘Alpine A522 hopes’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/75...ne-challenger/
Alonso big wish for this season
February 9, 2022 · by thejudge13
Alonso wants “a more competitive package” this season
“What I want to have on track in a few days in Barcelona? Just a more competitive package coming out of our factories in Enstone and Viry. We have been working for several months and we have high hopes,” said Fernando Alonso.
‘Fernando’s big wish’;
https://thejudge13.com/2022/02/09/al...r-this-season/
Renault putting engine performance before reliability
Date published: February 20 2022 - Frank Parker
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi says Renault are favouring a more performance-driven direction with their engine, ahead of outright reliability.
Rossi admits it was a difficult decision but hopes the team can iron out any reliability concerns from a good performance benchmark.
“Either reliability or performance, you can’t very well have both,” said Rossi, quoted by Motorsport-Total.com. “So where do we push the development? During the [development] year, we had some moments when reliability was lacking. That’s a choice we made because our only leverage [last season] was reliability.”
‘Renault favouring more performance’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/renaul...e-reliability/
Alpine Reinforces Management Structure with New Team Members, Appointment of Otmar Szafnauer as Team Principal
By Ashley Cline
February 20, 2022
BWT Alpine F1 Team have announced Otmar Szafnauer as their new Team Principal last Thursday, as well as the appointment of Bruno Famin as the Executive Director of Alpine Racing in Viry-Châtillon and Davide Brivio as Director of Racing Expansion Projects. This series of management changes come as part of a review launched in November 2021, with the purpose of enhancing team operations in light of 2022’s new technical regulations.
‘Management structuring in detail’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...eam-principal/
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SEASON REVIEW: 2021 Formula 1 World Championship – Alpine F1 Team.
It has already been an eventful build-up to 2022 for Alpine, after the French-side parted ways with their Executive Director Marcin Budkowski. It’s difficult to see how Alpine can improve in 2022 after arguably achieving the best they could in 2021.
By Nick Golding
February 2, 2022
In order to move up the order next season Alpine will have to take the fight to one of the big teams in the sport. It seems unlikely that Alpine will be able to compete regularly against Mercedes, Red Bull Racing or Scuderia Ferrari, leaving only the Mclaren F1 Team who in themselves are considered as a real potential underdog for 2022, after their rapid progression since 2020.
Alpine should be looking to again seal at least fifth in the Constructors’ Standings, anything higher would resemble an exceptional season. For this too happen both Alonso and Ocon need to kick the ground running at the start of the campaign, a clean and positive winter for the team could give their drivers the best chance of doing so
Alonso will just be looking to do what he does best, deliver consistent points week in week out, the Spaniard is also well used to adjusting his driving style to new technical regulations in the sport. This could play massively in his favour at the start of 2022, where the cars will all be drastically different to recent years due to the new technical regulations and guidelines.
‘Alpine F1 El Plan’;
https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...lpine-f1-team/
Alonso "stronger" after achieving "main goal" of F1 return
Sam Hall
Monday 31 January 2022 12:46
Fernando Alonso has declared he feels "strong" ahead of the new F1 season after completing his comeback year.
The Spaniard was outclassed in the early races of his comeback by team-mate Esteban Ocon but as the races passed, Alonso's pace steadily improved.
His podium in Qatar as well as a stout defence against Lewis Hamilton in Hungary to protect the lead of Ocon served as a reminder of those doubting Alonso's continued talents.
"I am happy, I am happy with the comeback," said Alonso in a post-season media briefing including GPFans.
‘Fernando happy and strong’;
https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...-of-f1-return/
Alpine CEO not ruling out white F1 livery
ANDREW MAITLAND
FEBRUARY 21, 2022
The tantalising prospect of a white 2022 livery is not being ruled out by Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi. Actually, the Renault-owned team is preparing to reveal a blue and pink car for the start of the all-new regulations era, with the latter colour marking the switch of Austrian water company BWT from Aston Martin to Alpine.
The next exciting rumour is that a sponsorship with Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs of all time, could be on the cards for Alpine.
“I don’t think Alpine has enough money to sponsor Real Madrid,” Rossi laughed.
“If an agreement is reached, we will paint the car white,” Renault CEO Luca de Meo added.
‘Alpine A522 car colour scheme’;
https://grandpx.news/alpine-ceo-not-...ite-f1-livery/
Leaked images of the real Red Bull & Alpine’s 2022 F1 car
February 20, 2022 · by thejudge13
The French manufacturer, Alpine, will unveil its 2022 car on tomorrow evening (Monday, 2ast February 2022) at around 5.30pm (UK) in an event that will be broadcast live on the team’s various social channels.
Alonso and Ocon’s car will take to the track on Tuesday 22nd of February for a shakedown, while the team will then take part in the first winter test of the year at the same circuit (23rd to 25th February).
‘Alpine A522 shakedown Tuesday 23rd February 2022’;
https://thejudge13.com/2022/02/20/le...s-2022-f1-car/
WATCH the Alpine A522 launch for the 2022 Formula 1 season
Published by Alex Shahini on February 21, 2022
A team that managed a few surprise performances throughout the 2021 season is that of Alpine. After a shock win at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the racing outfit looks to better their P5 in the constructors’ championship with the Alpine A522.
Pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is only two days away and French outfit Alpine is one of the last to reveal the highly anticipated 2022-spec Formula 1 challengers. Driven for the second season by veteran World Champion Fernando Alonso and 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix race winner Esteban Ocon, the team hopes to improve their P5 finish after positive results in last year’s campaign.
‘Alpine A522 launch is GO’;
https://www.carmag.co.za/speed/formu...unch/undefined
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Will Alpine’s end its F1 stagnation in 2022? Our verdict
Alpine – which launches its 2022 F1 design in France on Monday evening – has already revealed a substantial management and technical line-up reshuffle for the new season.
The Race
21st Feb 2022, 13:38
Alpine is neither a top team nor one on a clear path that is taking it there.
You look at McLaren and you see direction. You look at Ferrari and you see vast potential. Alpine is a bigger organisation than Sauber or AlphaTauri with heavyweight infrastructure and which even manufactures its own power units. It used to be a giant but now punches well below its weight, almost as if it’s permanently misfiring. It’s still aspiring to be an actual challenger, in much the same way as Aston Martin. Yet the route to that aspiration is not obvious.
Four-time F1 champion Alain Prost has also departed from his advisory role, firing a broadside at Alpine on the way.
‘Alpine A522 still aspiring’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/will-...2-our-verdict/
Why Alpine's engines are keeping the Renault name alive
21/02/2022, ý15ý:ý00
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Thomas Maher
Speaking exclusively to RacingNews365.com, Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi has explained why the team's engines continue to be badged as Renault.
Despite the F1 team rebranding for 2021, and changing their base livery colour to the traditional Alpine blue, the team opted against rebranding their engines. As a result, the Alpine team continued to be powered by Renault engines last year, and this will not change for 2022.
‘Renault alive’;
https://racingnews365.com/why-alpine...ult-name-alive
Alpine opts for performance over reliability with new engine design
Phillip van Osten21/02/2022 at 12:07
Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi directed the French outfit to go all-in on the development of its new engine for 2022, opting to put performance over reliability.
"It's either reliability or performance, as you usually have a hard time having both," Rossi told the media. "So it's just where do you push the envelope?
"During the year [of development] we experienced a couple of moments where the reliability was not there, but that's our choice because the only lever we are going to have at our disposal this year is reliability.
‘Alpine A522 push the envelope’;
https://f1i.com/news/432459-alpine-o...ne-design.html
Renault pushing performance over reliability with new split-turbo F1 engine
Renault says it is ready to risk reliability headaches with its new split-turbo Formula 1 engine, after electing to push its performance limits.
By:
Jonathan Noble
Feb 21, 2022, 9:33 AM
The French manufacturer has built an all-new power unit for this season which most significantly sees it finally adopt the split turbine and compressor concept pioneered by Mercedes.
Renault is clear that it needs to lift its power figures if it is going to fight at the front of the grid over the next few years, and Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi says he has urged his engine staff not to play things safe and focus only on reliability.
Instead, he has told them to push on in seeking performance gains, as he feels that it will be easier to cure a fast but fragile power unit under F1's new engine freeze rules rather than having to recover any laptime deficit.
‘Renault all-new power unit’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/r...ngine/8365638/
Alpine Boss Says Renault’s Artificial Intelligence Expertise Can Help F1 Team
3 Feb 2022, 10:35 UTC ·
by Sergiu Tudose
The Alpine chief exec knows there is still a substantial performance gap between his team and rival squads such as Mercedes and Red Bull. However, his side does have a bit of an ace up their sleeve, thanks to parent road car company Renault, reports Autosport.
“The fact that Formula 1 is moving more and more towards less and less physical testing, with more and more simulations and data analysis, in the Renault group, we have AI machine learning scientists, of top-notch quality.”
‘Renault’s Artificial Intelligence’;
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/a...am-180691.html
How Renault’s AI can push Alpine forward in F1
Date published: February 3 2022 - Ben Johnston
“We want to win races and possibly a championship, and that’s by the end of 2024 or 2025, depending on when the regulations period ends,” he (Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi) said.
“I believe we have all the tools to get there in the specific environment. We have AI machine learning scientists, of top-notch quality, which has been used for the past 20 years everywhere on the manufacturing side, on marketing, everywhere.”
‘Alpine A522 AI machine learning’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/renaul...lpine-benefit/
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Alpine launch not one, but two, A522 liveries.
Alpine have taken the covers off their 2022 car, the A522, just two days before the start of pre-season testing.
Date published: February 21 2022 - Michelle Foster
Formula 1 has a new look this season, the sport adopting ground effect aerodynamics in a bid to create cars that are easier to follow which would lead to better racing.
To date no two teams designs have been the same with the nose, sidepods and edges of the floors catching the eye.
But with the Alpine, we’re going to have to a little longer to see the actual A522 in all of its glory as the car is already in Barcelona for a filming day on Tuesday.
‘Alpine A522 two liveries’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine...22-challenger/
GALLERY: Check out Alpine’s special pink livery for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs
21 February 2022
Alpine unveiled their blue-and-pink A522 challenger for the 2022 season in a dramatic launch show from Paris. But there was a pink-and-blue challenger to be shown off too, as the team revealed a special livery for the first two Grands Prix of the year.
For the season-opening Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix, the A522 will wear a predominantly pink paint job, in a nod to new title sponsors BWT, before reverting back to the team’s more regular blue-dominated livery thereafter.
‘Alpine A522 pink paint job’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...0PH9IZiML.html
Alpine to run alternative pink livery for first two 2022 F1 races
by Fergal Walsh
11 hours ago
Alpine has confirmed that it will run a predominantly pink livery for the opening two races of the 2022 Formula 1 season.
The inclusion of pink comes the deal it signed with Austrian water treatment company BWT, who is its title sponsor for the upcoming season.
However, for the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, a revised livery will be used, in which the car will be mostly pink.
‘Alpine A522 two races pink’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...f-2022-season/
First pictures: Alpine reveal new car and two liveries for 2022 F1 season
2022 F1 season
Posted on
21st February 2022, 17:4922nd February 2022, 9:51 | Written by Keith Collantine
With Otmar Szafnauer arriving from Aston Martin to take over as team principal following the departure of former executive director Marcin Budkowski.
“I’ve had the displeasure, I would say, of racing against these formidable competitors,” said Szafnauer. “I remember too well the win in Hungary where they didn’t put a foot wrong and I congratulate them that they are such competitors, a group of racers and I look forward to joining them and helping them not just beat the Aston Martins of this world but everybody else on track.”
‘Alpine A522 formidable competitors’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/21/...022-f1-season/
Blue and pink, pink and blue: A look at the Alpine A522
Date published: February 21 2022 - Henry Valantine
Pink has returned to the Formula 1 grid, with the BWT-sponsored Alpine A522 being unveiled to the world on Monday evening.
As with their sponsorship of Racing Point and Force India before that, BWT’s influence has seen pink added to the blue colour scheme seen last season in Alpine’s debut year on the grid.
‘‘Pink has returned’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine...aunch-gallery/
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Gary Anderson: Alpine’s solid 2022 launch spec hints at secrets
It does look like a neat and tidy package and somewhere positive to start from.
21 Feb 2022, 21:06
By Gary Anderson
It’s the only team using the Renault power unit package, so that means just one team and two drivers for development feedback, while reliability-wise that’s just two units worth of mileage for each race weekend – and one during pre-season testing.
Compare that to its rival works teams – Mercedes has eight sets of info, Ferrari six and Honda (under the Red Bull name) four – that definitely is a limitation and will hurt development.
It is going to have to live with that lack of feedback. But what’s crucial is that the feedback is listened to which has not always been the case in the past.
‘Renault power feedback’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-...ts-at-secrets/
Alpine: Redesigned power unit boosted A522 aero gains
Phillip van Osten22/02/2022 at 08:37
Alpine technical director Matt Harman says the new architecture of Renault's 2022 engine allowed the team's engineers to "express themselves" aerodynamically while designing the A522.
"At the very beginning of these regulations, we actually started with the power unit mainly because it does set some of the key areas of the car aerodynamically," said Harman.
"We did a full review of this area of the car and we decided to change the architecture of that power unit extensively in all areas including the internal combustion engine, the ERS, the turbo and its positioning in the car and that has given us some real gains in terms of our ability to express ourselves aerodynamically and achieve that ultimate lap time of the car."
‘A522 aero gains’;
https://f1i.com/news/432537-alpine-r...ero-gains.html
Alpine found “real gains” from redesigned Renault power unit for 2022
2022 F1 season
Posted on
21st February 2022, 19:37 | Written by Keith Collantine
Alpine have found significant performance gains from the new power unit Renault has developed for the 2022 season, according to the team’s technical director.
“The RE22 is a power unit that we’ve reviewed back-to-front,” said Harman. “We have looked at every aspect of it in terms of its integration into the chassis, its base performance and the combination of the two.”
“We’ve looked at the ERS system and its attributes. We’ve looked at the ICE, we’ve looked extensively on the structures that support the ICE. We’ve also looked at some of the electrical machines in terms of the MGU-K and also the turbo, making some quite big changes in that area to complement the A522 architecture and again, to allow us to extract maximum performance from both the power unit, the chassis and the combined product of the two.”
‘Finding “real gains” from redesigned Renault power’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/21/...unit-for-2022/
Engine overhaul allowed Alpine to ‘express ourselves’ on aero
The Race
21 Feb 2022, 19:24
The changes cover a “back to front” review of the power unit, says Alpine technical director Matt Harman, with the engine’s “integration into the chassis, its base performance and the combination of the two” the priority. But the integration of the chassis and power unit is being overseen by new Alpine technical director Matt Harman – a former Mercedes High Performance Powertrains employee.
Unsurprisingly, Harman’s messaging around the launch of Alpine’s A522 has leant heavily on improved integration of the Enstone and Viry facilities – making the focus “not local optimums but broad overall laptimes for the race car”.
“At the very beginning of these regulations, we actually started with the power unit mainly because it does set some of the key areas of the car aerodynamically,” said Harman.
‘Alpine A522 ‘express ourselves’ on aero’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-en...elves-on-aero/
Podcast: Our verdict on Alpine’s 2022 F1 car
The Race
Monday, 21st Feb 2022, 23:08
Alpine is a works team that has been aggressive with its power unit design and that has a strong driver line-up spearheaded by Fernando Alonso, yet as we explain in the latest edition of The Race F1 Podcast, it has conservative objectives for 2022.
There’s a look at the major change to the power unit configuration, and what that means for the car packaging.
We also take a close look at the sidepod concept and the reasons for the various aerodynamic decisions that have been made with the car.
‘Listen to the verdict’;
https://the-race.com/formula-1/podca...s-2022-f1-car/
ANALYSIS: Have Alpine discovered an aerodynamic sweet spot with distinctive A522?
Special contributor
Mark Hughes
21 February 2022
A first glance at the computer render of the Alpine A522 which will shake down on Tuesday at Barcelona suggests it’s a neat-looking car.
The visual points of distinction between the A522 and other cars we’ve seen so far in this 2022 launch period are short, heavily downward-ramped sidepods which form a completely separate structure from a deep engine cover, without the converging of the two parts of bodywork seen on other cars.
‘New PU, Distinctive aerodynamics’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ZGuUOqup5.html
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Alonso: It’s been a year and a half waiting for these car.
“I came back to the sport … because of this regulation,” said 40-year-old Alonso, at the launch of Alpine’s 2022 challenger in Paris, when asked if the new rules could be a game-changer. “So it’s been a year and a half waiting for these cars.”
Reuters
21 February, 2022
Alonso, who scored a podium last year and whose future beyond this season will hinge on how competitive the team can get, said he was confident they were ready to take on 2022.
“I’m more optimistic than last year probably because the new rules gives you that hope that everything can change and you (can) be competitive from race one,” he said.
In the team press release he said: “It’s good to be back and I’ve been working hard to be ready for the new season. The build-up has been a long time coming after the rule change was delayed due to the pandemic.
‘Fernando Alonso optimistic’;
https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/02...for-these-car/
Ocon choosing to ignore rivals’ development rumours
Date published: February 21 2022 - Henry Valantine
Esteban Ocon is preferring to focus on himself and Alpine this year, rather than getting himself wrapped up in the inevitable development war in Formula 1. “This year is extremely exciting for Formula 1 and for us as a team,” said Ocon, quoted by Formula1.com.
“It’s like the cards have been redistributed, it’s a fresh start and there is going to be a real mix without immediately knowing who will be at the front.”
“We don’t know what will happen; you could say that provides some anxiety, heading into the unknown, but I find that exciting. It’s not necessarily about who will start the season the quickest, but more about who will end it the quickest.”
‘Esteban Ocon focus’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/esteba...l-development/
Alonso 'confident' of Alpine's F1 chances
Issued on: 21/02/2022 - 20:42
Paris (AFP) – Double world champion Fernando Alonso said on Monday Alpine are "confident" of their chances this Formula One season as they presented their new car.
"The car looks fantastic with the new regulations in place and I like the new livery.
"We have a new engine and we're confident we had a good development in place for this new generation of car," he added.
‘Alpine A522 looks fantastic’;
https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...e-s-f1-chances
Alonso ready to fight: This is why I came back to F1
Fernando Alonso is excited by the potential for the 2022 rules reset to shake up the pecking order in Formula 1.
Yesterday, 19:15
Fernando Alonso has declared that he and Alpine are "ready" for the challenge of Formula 1's all-new technical regulations, which come into play in 2022.
"2021 was a good season for us; Esteban won a race, I was back on the podium and it was a kind of continuation of the 2020 performance from Renault," said Alonso at the launch of Alpine's 2022 F1 car, the A522.
"I think the team did an amazing job in the last year, building this car, so we are all very motivated. We won't know where everyone stands until [the first race in] Bahrain, but we're excited to take the car for its first spin in testing this week," he (Alonso) said.
‘Fernando Alonso ready to fight’;
https://racingnews365.com/alonso-rea...ame-back-to-f1
Alonso: Alpine’s car has “interesting solutions” to F1’s new rules
2022 F1 season
Posted on
21st February 2022, 18:5421st February 2022, 18:56 | Written by Will Wood
Alonso says Alpine’s new car has been designed to embrace the new technical regulations in an “interesting” way. “The new car, I really like the livery,” Alonso said. “I like the colours, the combination.
“Obviously the technical side of it, we have to keep secret. We have to first hit the track and see how it behaves. I think it’s going to be a very intense winter for us where we need to develop the car as fast as we can and learn from the new regulations. But we have some interesting solutions on the car and let’s see if we can unlock the performance as soon as possible.”
“This my second year with Alpine and, yeah, I’m more optimistic than last year probably,” Alonso said. “The new rules give you that hope that everything can change and you can suddenly be competitive from race one. So I’m optimistic. I’m confident that the team did a good job with the car and we’re ready to go.”
‘Alpine A522 “interesting solutions”!’;
https://www.racefans.net/2022/02/21/...f1s-new-rules/
Ocon opens up on relationship with supposedly ‘difficult’ Alonso
Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon ended 2021 P10 and P11, respectively, in the Drivers' Championship.
by Rob Kershaw
4 February 20224 February 2022
Esteban Ocon has refuted the notion that Alpine team-mate Fernando Alonso is a hard man to work with, revealing that he has only had pleasant exchanges with the Spaniard. He partnered the Frenchman at Alpine in 2021, and Ocon has described him as a “hell of a racer” but denies he is difficult to work with.
“A lot of people said Fernando was very difficult to work with, that he had a reputation for breaking team-mates and all that,” he said, as quoted by Racer.
“I wanted to see it from my eyes, I wanted to see if what people were saying was true and in the end it wasn’t. We’ve just had a fantastic collaboration all together.
‘Fantastic collaboration’;
https://formula1news.co.uk/ocon-open...ficult-alonso/
