2022 - A Look Ahead

Mercedes reveals 2022 F1 car launch and Silverstone shakedown date
F1
Lewis Larkam
18 Jan 2022

Mercedes will shakedown its 2022 Formula 1 car for the first time on February 18 at Silverstone following an online launch event.

The reigning F1 world champions became the fourth team to confirm its launch plans on Tuesday, with Mercedes set to take the covers off its W13 E Performance one day after Ferrari reveals its new car.

After unveiling its 2022 F1 car in a “special digital launch event”, Mercedes’ latest challenger will then make its track debut at Silverstone with a shakedown programme to complete initial system checks.

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/995425...shakedown-date


Romain Grosjean to drive Lewis Hamilton's car as Brit's future remains unclear
LEWIS HAMILTON has not confirmed his return for the 2022 season.
By CHARLIE GORDON
09:24, Wed, Jan 19, 2022 | UPDATED: 09:26, Wed, Jan 19, 2022

Romain Grosjean could be given the opportunity of a private test in Mercedes' 2019 World Championship-winning car, following an offer made by team boss Toto Wolff in 2020. The Silver Arrows, meanwhile, are still seemingly unsure about the future of star driver Lewis Hamilton, whose silence continues following a painful end to the 2021 season.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...des-toto-wolff


CHRISTIAN HORNER
Horner reveals how Verstappen will prepare for title defence
19/01/2022Today, ‎08‎:‎05
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Thomas Maher

Speaking in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, Christian Horner has outlined how Max Verstappen has switched his mental focus to the 2022 season.

"Max went off to do family stuff over Christmas and New Year for a break and last week he has bought back into his training, so he's all good," Horner told RacingNews365.com in an exclusive interview.

"It was a tough season last year, tough for everybody, so [it was] good to get a bit of downtime over Christmas and the New Year to reflect on an amazing year and recharge the batteries a bit.

"Then, in January, he's been ramping it back up and training hard and looking forward to the season ahead."

Horner went on to explain that Verstappen is due back in the Red Bull factory over the coming days, and will take part in all his pre-season administration ahead of the car launch and official testing.

https://racingnews365.com/horner-rev...-title-defence


Ferrari outline PU changes for 2022
Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale
Wednesday 19 January 2022 13:30

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has explained the extensive changes the Scuderia is making to its power unit ahead of the upcoming F1 season.

"We've got a new fuel, which is 10 per cent ethanol, which changes the combustion a lot, we are all losing more or less 20 horsepower, which means that the combustion itself is quite changed.
"There were a lot of opportunities in development on the power unit and we change it quite a lot, especially in the design on the combustion itself."

"When looking at the car concept and what was possible or not, which is not only the external shape, whatever you could have done under the bodywork in terms of layout, in terms of suspension design, in terms of full architecture, including as well the power unit architecture, I see that the team made significant innovations and the overall design we are now finalising is quite different to the 2021 cars."

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...nges-for-2022/

Hülkenberg Queries Whether 2022 F1 Cars will be Easier to Follow than Before After Sim Runs
By Paul Hensby
January 12, 2022

Nico Hülkenberg believes it may still be tricky to follow in the 2022 Formula 1 cars despite a regulation change aimed at making it easier to be in the wake of another car.

“They aimed to [make the cars] a bit slower, more challenging to drive, to have more focus on drivers that can make a difference rather [than] car performance and aerodynamics dominating,” said Hülkenberg on his LinkedIn page as quoted by Motorsport.com.

“From my initial experience, however, the new cars are pretty damn fast and not necessarily slower than the last generation. The driving experience hasn’t changed that much either, at least in the simulator.

More DETAIL in the link;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...fter-sim-runs/


F1 drivers disagree over 2022 cars after first tests
Valtteri Bottas and Lando Norris have different viewpoints on the new car
Sarah Rendell
Thursday 30 December 2021 10:26

“Definitely there will be a slightly different style,” Norris said. “I don’t think it’ll be as nice to drive in a way. I think it’ll be a little bit more on the limit in terms of pushing and so on.

“A little bit like F2 in a way, I think, where you see more fighting the car and stuff. But I could be wrong because things are always changing. It’s like what I drove one month ago is going to be quite very different to what I drive now, and it’s going to be very different probably again when we get to the first race.”

But Bottas, who joins Alfa Romeo from Mercedes for the upcoming season, disagrees and said the difference is minimal.

Further analysis here;

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b1984281.html


Valtteri Bottas Says 2022 Formula 1 Cars “Not Crazy Different” in the Simulator
29 Dec 2021, 13:35 UTC
by Sergiu Tudose

“At least at that point, it felt like the cars are a bit off in terms of downforce,” said Bottas while referencing his run in the Mercedes simulator earlier this year, as well as his experience with Alfa Romeo.

“But the overall feeling, at least in the sim, wasn’t that dissimilar in either of the simulators. We can’t simulate following other cars and stuff like that, but it’s not crazy different. Maybe still a bit less downforce but, like I said, that will change.”

Interestingly enough, Bottas’ comments about 2022 cars in the sim don’t match what McLaren’s Lando Norris had to say about these next-gen racers, which he likened to F2.

“I don’t think it'll be as nice to drive in a way. I think it'll be a little bit more on the limit in terms of pushing and so on. A little bit like F2 in a way, I think, where you see more fighting the car and stuff,” he stated.

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/v...or-177788.html


F1 explains process to delivering more "raceable" 2022 cars
Ian Parkes & Sam Hall
Monday 10 January 2022 07:30

The sport will race to a completely new set of aerodynamic regulations this year with a large focus being placed on improving the raceability of the cars.

F1 managing director, motorsports, Ross Brawn has explained how the sport approached the creation of the all-new aerodynamics for the coming season.

The sport will race to a completely new set of aerodynamic regulations this year with a large focus being placed on improving the raceability of the cars.

One of the biggest issues plaguing action in recent times has been the amount of turbulent air created by aero components, reducing the downforce created by any car following another and adding to the difficulty of overtaking.

Speaking to the New York Times, Brawn explained the process followed by the five-man team led by Pat Symonds in fixing the problem.

Further discussion & explanation here;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...ble-2022-cars/


F1 reveal "rule-busting phase" to combat loopholes with 2022 cars
Ian Parkes
Sunday 16 January 2022 11:30

Ross Brawn has conceded to F1 undertaking "a rule-busting phase" in a bid to stop teams finding loopholes with this year's new regulations.

Asked in an interview with The New York Times whether any potential loopholes had been spotted on this occasion, Brawn replied: "If you look at what happened in real-time, especially when I was a technical director, it was the odd occasion when a team would come up with an interpretation.

"Therefore, it was quite extreme in terms of when that happened. It didn't happen every day of the week.”

"Trying to anticipate every loophole or every interpretation is very difficult but for sure, our process was to understand the problem, design around eliminating the problem.”

Questioned on whether there was the prospect of another Brawn double diffuser in the pipeline, he said: "I don't think so, no.

More DETAIL here;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...ith-2022-cars/

Andretti picks out the F1 drivers he expects to shine in 2022
20th Jan 2022, ‎16‎:‎25
Author Thomas Maher
Co-author Mike Seymour

In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, 1978 F1 World Champion Mario Andretti has picked out the talents he will be keeping an eye on this season.

"I think Lando [Norris] is at the point where he could be a force to be reckoned with," Andretti said in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, before choosing one of the Ferrari drivers as his next contender.

"I think Carlos Sainz has really shown some promise; he's shown to really be coming into his own, in his own comfortable position there, with Ferrari. I think he has pushed Charles Leclerc a little bit and made him a bit nervous at times – you could see [it].

"Daniel Ricciardo has [also] shown tremendous ability to be up at the top with a top team."

Further insight;

https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-...-shine-in-2022


Ex-F1 driver warns Masi decision may have poured ‘big jug of water’ over Hamilton’s raging fire
Sir Lewis Hamilton's silence since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December has sparked rumours that he is considering retiring from Formula 1.
by Rob Kershaw
20 January 202220 January 2022

Former Formula 1 driver Perry McCarthy has said he cannot rule out the possibility of Sir Lewis Hamilton retiring following the contentious end to the 2021 season.

“To win a world championship, what that takes mentally, that sustained drive and living under that pressure, day in day out to win a world championship is absolutely incredible.

“Then what you’ve got with Lewis is that to have won so many championships, there are so many people out there who just say ‘oh well he’s got the best car plug him in and there you go and he’s up against [Valtteri] Bottas who’s no good, So he’s got it all covered.’

The former Andrea Moda driver also affirms that Hamilton’s battle with Verstappen last year will have taken a lot out of him.

More opinion;

https://formula1news.co.uk/masi-deci...s-raging-fire/


Schumacher: No sim testing with Haas ahead of 2022 season
Phillip van Osten13/01/2022 at 10:0913/01/2022 at 10:06

Pre-season preparations in F1 typically involve many hours of sim work for teams and drivers, and the groundwork has been underway for several months now for most outfits given the sport's significant regulation changes.

However, Haas' factory in Banbury is not equipped with a simulator, and while the team's design office has been hard at work on its 2022 contender since early last year, there will be no opportunity for Schumacher or teammate Nikita Mazepin to virtually put their new car through its paces or test its concept.

https://f1i.com/news/430239-schumach...22-season.html


Steiner wants his drivers to ‘learn the hard way’
Date published: January 13 2022 - Finley Crebolder

Guenther Steiner says he doesn’t want to pamper Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin and feels it’s better they learn things “the hard way”.

“We knew beforehand what we were doing. But I didn’t fully understand what was going to happen. You learn and realize what makes these young guys tick. How inexperienced they are and how much help they need.

“Some of the things they need to learn cannot be taught to them. You can only guide them. They have to swim themselves or they’ll go under. It’s a full-time job keeping them afloat. And I don’t want to. It’s better if they learn the hard way. Then they’ll have it in there. It’s better than pampering them.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...rning-process/


Haas full focus on 2022 "wasn't a gamble"
Ian Parkes & Sam Hall
Tuesday 11 January 2022

Guenther Steiner is adamant Haas' sole focus on its 2022 car last season "wasn't a gamble" as he is confident of a points return this year.

Steiner explained: "It wasn't a gamble [not] to do anything for the '21 car. That was just a loss. It wasn't something worth a gamble.

For Steiner, however, there are signs of a recovery he feels are akin to those witnessed during the team's better days.

"I see similarities to the years when we were fighting for the points most of the time," he added.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...sn-t-a-gamble/

Ferrari say NO to Todt, Valentino Rossi also unwanted
Paul Velasco
20 January, 2022

Jean Todt’s availability to return to Ferrari in a figurehead role is unlikely to happen as chairman John Elkann is not interested in the former FIA President returning to aid Mattia Binotto.

…the powers that be at Maranello saw no value in having 42-year-old Rossi as part of the programme, and deemed him too inexperienced to be part of the Ferrari works effort.

Todt’s availability made such a move seem logical, but logic and Ferrari seldom apply these days as Corriere F1 correspondent Giorgio Terruzzi reported: “The proposed return of the former FIA President – who worked at Ferrari from 1993 to 2009 accompanying Michael Schumacher’s happy adventure – was actually presented by Todt himself to John Elkann.

2022 will be a year of reckoning for Ferrari, should they not produce a competitive car – capable of winning races again – it is hard to see how faith will continue in Binotto running the greatest team in F1 alone. For now the future of the team’s management structure remains unchanged, but a ‘2022 SF22-Shitbox’ won’t suffice.

THE HARD hitting article, found here

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...lentino-rossi/


Ferrari ‘very optimistic they will be in the fight’
Date published: January 16 2022 - Jon Wilde

Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz and Karun Chandhok have added their voices to the growing belief that Ferrari could be in for a big 2022 season.

“I’m hearing a lot of positive moves out of Ferrari, a lot of positive noises out of Ferrari,” said pit-lane broadcaster Kravitz during Sky F1’s latest programme reflecting on the controversial events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

“The engine’s going well and they say the car is looking much more aggressive than it has in any of the recent Ferraris we’ve seen over the last two or three years.”

Fellow pundit Chandhok gave a bit of extra insight…

“I had a couple of conversations with people just before Christmas and they were very optimistic because they feel they made big gains on the power-unit side,” said the former F1 racer.”

“They are coming back not quite on a par with Honda and Mercedes, but not a million miles behind and they are confident that side of it will be okay.”

Further insight here;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sky-pu...rari-optimism/


Leclerc talks of importance of family to his F1 success
Andrew Lewin19/01/2022

The 24-year-old born and raised in Monaco feels he was always destined to be a racing driver, but admits he might not have made it all the way to Formula 1 without the early influence of his father Hervé who himself raced in Formula 3 during the 1980s and 1990s.

"My father introduced me to motorsport so I don’t know if I would have become what I am if it weren’t for him," Leclerc said in an exclusive feature for the official Ferrari F1 website this week.

Sadly Hervé died after a long illness in 2017 aged 54. Just four days later, Leclerc took part in the Formula 2 feature race in Baku, Azerbaijan and clinched a victory that he dedicated to his late father.

Charles was GP3 champion in 2016 and then claimed the F2 title the following season, earning him his promotion into F1, initially with Sauber. One year later he was scooped up by Ferrari to race alongside Sebastian Vettel.

https://f1i.com/news/430596-leclerc-...1-success.html


Leclerc: Carlos better than me on tyre and race management
Jad Mallak
5 January, 2022

Ever since Charles Leclerc joined Ferrari, he has been the team sweetheart, but with Carlos Sainz joining in 2021 and beating him, the Monegasque identified his weaknesses against his teammate.

“As always when you have a new team-mate you always learn, [such as] the new ways Carlos is approaching race weekends, the way he works, his talent, his raw speed also, the way he takes the corners.

“He had an amazing year, so he obviously pushed me very, very much to try and perform better at every race and it’s just been extremely interesting,” the two-time race winner reflected.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...ce-management/


Editor’s Desk: Who is Hamilton’s silent treatment aimed at?
Jad Mallak
19 January, 2022

With nothing yet to be heard from Lewis Hamilton, as he has gone AWOL during the Formula 1 offseason, one cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than his Abu Dhabi nightmare.

Yes, the ‘Silent One’ is yet another aspect of Sir Lewis’ armoury as we have witnessed before. Thus for a driver of his caliber to go into hibernation after his high profile loss of the 2021 World Championship, it’s no surprise that so much is written about him as all guess, speculate, analyze and even predict what is going on in his mind.

One can understand Hamilton’s pain in losing the 2021 F1 championship, losing it in the way that he did will make it even harder to accept, but why act in this manner? Why this deafening silence? And what or who is really irking Hamilton?

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...ment-aimed-at/

Prost reveals ‘personal relationship’ led to his Alpine departure
Formula 1 legend Alain Prost is not pleased at how the news of his departure from Alpine was announced this week.
by Rob Kershaw
19 January 202219 January 2022

The 66-year-old took to Instagram to say: “I am very disappointed how this news has been announced today! It was agreed that we would announce together with Alpine F1 Team! No respect sorry!

“I have refused the offer made to me in Abu Dhabi for the 2022 season because of the personal relationship and I was right!

“To the Enstone team and Viry I will miss you!” he concluded.

https://formula1news.co.uk/prost-rev...ine-departure/


Prost reveals 2022 engine ‘reliability problem’
ANDREW MAITLAND
JANUARY 19, 2022

Alain Prost’s parting shot at the Renault-owned Alpine team that he is leaving is to reveal a “reliability problem” with the new engine for 2022.

Alpine, based in Enstone (UK) and Viry (France), is pinning its hopes on a significant power unit re-design to close a reported 30-plus horsepower gap to the front-running engines.

Quadruple world champion Prost told L’Equipe: “There is a small reliability problem in the 2022 engine.

“During the simulations on the test bench, they have discovered that the power unit is still not working at the desired level,” the F1 legend added.

https://grandpx.news/prost-reveals-2...ility-problem/


Prost: Laurent Rossi wants all the spotlight, I could feel a lot of jealousy
Jad Mallak
19 January, 2022

“I accept change, as you don’t have to always do F1 the same way. You can do it differently, and that’s what was done throughout last year. But for me, it has become too complicated.”

“I wasn’t involved in decision making any more, I sometimes disagreed – completely – but I had to keep conveying the official word,” he claimed.

“Even as a member of the board, I found out about some decisions at the last minute. I may not be listened to, but I should at least be informed in time.

“It’s a matter of respect,” Prost insisted. “Relationships have become more and more complicated, I could feel a lot of jealousy.”

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...t-of-jealousy/


Motorsport Explained: What The Hell Is Going On At The Alpine F1 Team?
Personnel changes, damning social media posts, and bad performance: What's happening to the French Formula One team?
By Elizabeth Blackstock
20th Jan 2022

An Unsteady Transition
Just before the 2021 season, former team boss Cyril Abiteboul left the team as it transitioned from Renault to Alpine — which came as a surprise to many F1 fans.

Under Abiteboul’s management, the team grew and found consistent success in many races, which ultimately culminated in three podiums for the team’s drivers in 2020. Without that senior expertise, Alpine would be going into 2021 on shaky ground.

Alpine announced that four-time World Champion Alain Prost would be departing from his role as team advisor — and Prost was not impressed… …Prost was so incensed that he went straight to l’Equipe, a French sports paper, to really lay into Alpine — and he puts all the blame for the chaos straight on Laurent Rossi’s shoulders.

“Laurent Rossi wanted all the light,” Prost said. “Laurent Rossi’s desire is to be alone, not to be polluted by anyone… He told me he no longer needed advice. There is a real desire to put a lot of people on the sidelines.”

MORE of the controversial developments, here;

https://jalopnik.com/motorsport-expl...the-1848390798

Red Bull name their surprise threat to the 2022 F1 title & it isn’t Hamilton
January 21, 2022 · by thejudge13

As Max Verstappen attempts to retain his F1 title in 2022, Red Bull fears competition from Carlos Sainz Jr from Ferrari, a surprise to some that Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes isn’t mentioned.

Helmut Marko made a big announcement about Carlos Sainz Jr’s possible chances for the world championship title. The Red Bull boss explained:

“Carlos is a very good driver. The new rules make it difficult to predict this season. But if Ferrari does a great job on its new car, Carlos can definitely fight for the title.”

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/21/re...isnt-hamilton/


Horner: RB18 taking shape, hitting majority of targets
Jad Mallak
19 January, 2022

Horner was speaking in an interview with RacingNews365.com, as he provided an update on the work being done at Milton Keynes over the winter.

“This is that time of year where everything’s a bit tight,” he said. “It’s lots of long hours and takeaways!

“There’s a lot of hard work going into RB18 [and] it’s taking shape. It’s hitting the majority of its targets so far,” Horner pointed out.

“The team are working incredibly hard, and it’s really coming together. It goes into car build next week, so that’s exciting!” the Briton revealed.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...ty-of-targets/


Verstappen and Perez set to try out RB18 before pre-season testing
21 Jan 2022, ‎13‎:‎00

Red Bull are planning their usual shakedown for the upcoming RB18, with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez due to get behind the wheel.
Author RacingNews365 Staff
Co-author Dieter Rencken

Speaking to RacingNews365.com in a recent, exclusive interview, Team Principal Christian Horner confirmed Red Bull's plans for a shakedown with their new car – the first made for F1's all-new technical regulations.

"In terms of testing, we'll do the usual shakedown, prior to heading down to Barcelona and Bahrain," Horner explained.

"With a new car, it's not a lot at three days a driver – it's pretty intense. But it'll certainly make the first part of the season, for the fans and the followers, more interesting."

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...season-testing


Mercedes engine head Hodgkinson to join Red Bull in May after teams agree release date
21 January 2022

Red Bull’s new powertrain division has received a shot in the arm with news that the Milton Keynes-based squad have agreed a release date for Ben Hodgkinson to join them from Mercedes as their new Technical Director.

Hodgkinson was Red Bull’s first big signing to their all-new engine department, which was created following Honda’s decision to leave F1, with the news breaking last April.

His key focus – when he starts on May 24 – will be on the engine Red Bull plan to introduce in 2025, when a new PU formula is set to be introduced.

“Mercedes F1 and Red Bull F1 today reached an agreement regarding the appointment of Ben Hodgkinson,” said the two teams in a joint statement on Friday.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...XBe7wY6t9.html


Andretti on Verstappen triumph: ‘Things will never be the same, they’ll be better’
Max Verstappen dramatically beat Sir Lewis Hamilton to the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship in 2021.
by Rob Kershaw
21 January 202221 January 2022

The American affirms that winning the title removes a huge burden off a racing driver.

“You can say all you want, but once you accomplish your ultimate goal, a lot of pressure’s off your shoulders,” he said in an interview with RacingNews365.com.

“There’s no better situation than being more relaxed. Sometimes, when you’re in that frame of mind, you just do things even better.”

https://formula1news.co.uk/andretti-...pressure-2021/

Hey , Fortitude , prove you're not a bot and make a post without a link .

Lewis Hamilton is staying quiet because he wants to distance himself from Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, claims ex-F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve... who thinks Brit could turn his attention to a career in HOLLYWOOD
• Jacques Villeneuve says Lewis Hamilton is planning his career in the USA
• Seven-time World Champion has remained quiet since defeat to Max Verstappen
• Villeneuve thinks Hamilton could walk away from the sport for a new challenge
By Sam May For Mailonline
Published: 11:06, 22 January 2022 | Updated: 11:25, 22 January 2022

Ex-Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton could be set for a career in Hollywood, after the Mercedes driver continues to remain quiet ever since his controversial defeat to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...appen-win.html


Villeneuve: Hamilton upset with Wolff’s antics after defeat
Editor
22 January, 2022

Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton has gone silent since the 2021 season deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Canadian suggesting a rift between the Mercedes driver and his boss Toto Wolff is at the bottom of it all.

There has been no word from Hamilton since that night last December in the wake of his defeat to Max Verstappen. Prompting speculation he is so despondent he might quit F1 sooner than later, with Wolff fueling the debate with his well-calculated soundbites amid the deafening silence from his star driver.

On Sky Italia, and quoted by multiple sources including Gazzetta, Villeneuve said: “I see Hamilton’s silence as a way of him deliberately putting some distance between himself and Wolff. After all, you can lose with style, whereas Toto’s antics were like that of a sore loser playing Monopoly, the moment he is down he flips the board into the air.”

Wolff’s antics during and after that frantic and controversial night at Yas Marina, and the week that followed, went viral. A protest was withdrawn at the last minute. Both Wolff and Hamilton failed to attend the FIA Awards the week after the final.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...-dhabi-defeat/


Lewis Hamilton's eerie prediction he would retire from F1 in January 2022
LEWIS HAMILTON may not return to F1 this year.
By MIKAEL MCKENZIE
07:00, Sun, Jan 23, 2022

Lewis Hamilton has previously said he expects to retire from F1 in January 2022 as he continues to ponder his future. The Mercedes star is under contract for another two seasons but he is weighing up whether to quit the sport for good.

…back in 2015, Hamilton had predicted that his time to leave the sport may come once he turns 37 years old, a milestone he celebrated two weeks ago.
"When I think about what year I would probably end up stopping, it'd be about 37 maybe," Hamilton said in 2015.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...mments-F1-news


George Russell warning sent to Lewis Hamilton ahead of Mercedes bow
George Russell has been backed to give the seven-time world champion a run for his money when they take to the track for the 2022 season in the same car
By Daniel Moxon
Sports Writer
20:24, 21 Jan 2022

George Russell has been backed to hit the ground running at Mercedes and maybe even challenge new team-mate Lewis Hamilton for race wins.
That is the opinion of Anthony Davidson, Mercedes' simulator driver and a pundit for Sky Sport's F1 coverage.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...cedes-26017126

F1 news: Kimi Raikkonen happy to be out of Formula 1 ‘bulls**t’
Raikkonen says money and politics have changed the sport
Sarah Rendell
1 day ago

“There are so many things that are making no sense, at least in my head, what happens here,” Raikkonen said as quoted by Motorsport.com. “All kinds of bulls**t that goes around. We know it, but nobody says it. Things that I don’t think that even should be.

“A lot of things are such fake things in here. It’s good to be out. Mentally, it’s very good to be out of all of that bulls**t for a while.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b1997829.html


Kimi Raikkonen admits he could be ‘completely wrong’ as he leaves door open to motorsport return
Kimi Raikkonen spent his final three seasons in F1 with Alfa Romeo, and ended the Drivers' Championship 16th in both 2020 and 2021.
by Rob Kershaw
21 January 202221 January 2022

In an interview in the build-up to his final Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, the Finn was asked whether his final grand prix in F1 might also be his last in professional racing.

“It could be, very easily,” he replied in an interview with Autosport. “But then on the other hand, it could be that I’m completely wrong. That’s why I haven’t made any plans.”

He indicated that there “could be anything” in his future and conceded that he may be tempted to commit to projects should the right offer come along, but for now the Iceman is focused on some well-earned down time.

“I’m sure people will have some nice kind of things that will come up,” he said. “And if there’s something that makes sense, then why not do it? But for sure, I first need to have some time off.”

https://formula1news.co.uk/kimi-raik...en-motorsport/


Sauber Group happy to support a Raikkonen racing return
Date published: January 22 2022 - Ben Johnston

Alfa Romeo team principal Frédéric Vasseur says that the Sauber Group would support Kimi Raikkonen if the Finn decides he wants to return to racing in the future.

Raikkonen, who competed in Formula 1 for over 20 years and won the 2007 Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari in 2007, is no stranger to racing in other forms of motorsport.

In 2010 and 2011, the Finn took time way from Grand Prix racing and competed in the World Rally Championship while also trying his hand at racing in the NASCAR Truck series in America.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sauber...ort-raikkonen/

Video: Go behind the scenes at the Aston Martin F1 factory!
23rd Jan 2022, ‎08‎:‎05
Author Thomas Maher

Aston Martin have offered fans an exclusive look behind the scenes of their factory based at Silverstone in the UK.

As well as visiting areas of the factory such as electronics, scale models, the autoclave and the simulator, the video also reveals the beating heart of the racing operation, with presenter Alex Legouix paying a visit to the outfit's 'war room', where a team of personnel work during a race weekend.

https://racingnews365.com/video-asto...-their-factory


New Aston Martin F1 boss needs Whitmarsh to be his ‘umbrella’
Jan 19 2022
By Scott Mitchell and Sam Smith

Aston Martin’s new Formula 1 team principal Mike Krack has been tipped to excel in the role if he is shielded from the interference that can come within larger organisations.

Ex-BMW Motorsport chief Krack has replaced Otmar Szafnauer at the Aston Martin team, where he will report to Aston Martin Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh.

While Krack’s engineering background, experience in F1 and career with BMW should command respect from all areas of the team automatically, Griffiths expects the way he deals with people to aid that process and get personnel to buy into his leadership.

“He’s obviously a very smart engineer, but he’s very pragmatic about it and he likes to listen to all sides of the story, really based on facts and then making up his own opinion as to where things are,” said Griffiths. “He’s one of these unsung guys that quietly goes about doing his business, doesn’t make big noise, big moves, or anything like that, but just gets the job done.”

https://the-race.com/formula-1/new-a...-his-umbrella/


Vettel could join Mercedes if Hamilton retires after ‘rigged’ Abu Dhabi GP – Schumacher
Sebastian Vettel is an ideal replacement for Sir Lewis Hamilton should the 37-year-old retire, according to Ralf Schumacher.
by Rob Kershaw
14 January 202214 January 2022

…Schumacher reckons Vettel has acclimatised himself with the nuances of the Mercedes car and thus would be able to slot into the seat relatively comfortably, given that Mercedes also supply Aston Martin’s power units.

“And above all, he knows his way around the Mercedes car – and with the engine. And I think the Aston Martin concept is also very close.”

The former team principal was instrumental in bringing Vettel to the team from Ferrari, and his departure last week makes Vettel’s compatriot think that this may persuade him to leave should the right offer materialise.

https://formula1news.co.uk/he-would-...ttel-mercedes/


Mercedes and Red Bull warned Aston Martin plans to win F1 title are 'coming together'
WITH NEW RULES coming into force for the 2022 F1 season which could shake up the grid, every team is hopeful of challenging the big boys at the front.
By DANIEL MOXON
07:56, Sat, Jan 15, 2022 | UPDATED: 07:56, Sun, Jan 16, 2022

Lawrence Stroll has lofty ambitions for his Aston Martin team over the next few years.

"Winning in Formula 1 is all about bringing together the best efforts of all the principal players – drivers, engineers, mechanics, everyone – and Mike is perfectly placed to do just that," the Canadian billionaire said.

"We are hiring brilliant new people every week. Our new factory build is coming along very well. We have a fantastic roster of superb sponsor-partners."

"We are about to embark on year two of our five-year plan, the objective of which is to win Formula 1 world championships."

Read in detail, these VERY ambitious plans;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...-title-F1-news

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bagwan

Hey , Fortitude , prove you're not a bot and make a post without a link .

---

Couldn't do it , eh ?
Boring , dude .

I won't bother trying to include you any more .

Have a nice day .

Steiner: Haas still 'the underdog' with unchanged structure

Haas team boss Guenter Steiner says the US outfit will likely remain "an underdog" this season in F1 given the reduced scale of its structure relative to its rivals.
Michael Delaney24/01/2022 at 12:22

"I think we will still be the underdog which is trying to punch above its weight because our structure is roughly the same as it was in ’18 and ’19," explained Steiner.”

"The quantity of people - we changed a little bit the people. Instead of using Dallara people now we’ve got our own people and some of the people from Ferrari, which were moved from there because of the budget cap.”

Further analysis;

https://f1i.com/news/430803-steiner-...structure.html


Exclusive: Why Steiner believes Haas can return to the midfield in 2022
‎Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has spoken of his hopes for the team's progression as new regulations come into effect for the 2022 F1 season, in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com.
21‎ ‎January‎ ‎16‎:‎00
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken

"In racing, you always look back at your last race, which was not good for us, which was s**t," he explained.

"But, three years ago, from nowhere, without the budget cap, we finished fifth in 2018. So why should we not get back to that one?

"I would say the older teams are closer together now than they were in '18. There was nobody lagging behind. And, again, it doesn't work only for us, the budget cap, it works for everybody else. So you need to do a good job to get there. It's not as easy as we say.

Guenther Steiner speaks boldly in the interview;

https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-...dfield-in-2022


Exclusive: Steiner explains 'improvement' in Schumacher and Mazepin's relationship
In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has given an insight into how relations stand between Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin following some run-ins between them on track in 2021.
24‎ ‎January‎ ‎‎12‎:‎30
Author Anna Francis
Co-author Dieter Rencken

"I think the situation last year got a lot better," Steiner said in an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com.

"I remember after [one] race, when we sat down, I said, 'Guys, I cannot always tell you what to do, like other staff. You need to find your own space, both of you, not to [be] damaging either of you, because it isn't good for either of you, nor for the team'.

"So I think they had this talk, and I could see that there was really good improvement. Going forward, would I put my hand in the fire that they will not run in [to each other] again? But I think there is a lot more respect."

No nonsense Guenther Steiner FULL explains;

https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-...s-relationship


Schumacher and Mazepin 'understand' there is no need for friendship
Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale
Monday 24 January 2022

The season, however, was marred by flashpoints between the team-mates, with the animosity notably coming to a head in the Netherlands.

The relationship eventually appeared repaired when Mazepin invited Schumacher for activities in Russia.

Reflecting on his drivers' relationship in an end-of-season interview with GPFans, Steiner said: "I think in the middle of the season they understood they don't need to be friends but they need to be respectful of each other.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...or-friendship/


AlphaTauri boss disagrees with Haas’ approach
Haas ended 2021 last in the Constructors' Championship, as rookie drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin failed to score points.
by Rob Kershaw
19 January 202219 January 2022

“Nowadays, in Formula 1, [if you] drive [with] two inexperienced drivers you have a really big challenge and the Constructors’ Championship, you will immediately be in the back,” Tost said, as quoted by GPFans.

“There’s no chance with two kids to be in the midfield [or near] the front because the field is far too competitive, it’s too strong.

Tost reiterated that a less experienced driver will develop better if mentored by a more senior team-mate.

https://formula1news.co.uk/alphataur...haas-approach/

Red Bull still expect strong 2022 car despite extended 2021 focus
Ben Issatt
24 January 2022

Horner heaped praise on the team in Milton Keynes for their efforts.

"I think the team have been outstanding," he continued, "because to keep a development rate on a new set of regulations and keep a focus on this year’s car has taken a monumental effort.”

"The commitment shown by all of the team, throughout the team, has been phenomenal.”

"But we will only see when we come back in a couple of months’ time, with completely new cars.”

https://www.bitchute.com/video/4Ry0ERB2PTn3/


Horner: The engine will be branded as a Red Bull engine
Editor
23 January, 2022

The Red Bull team principal told RacingNews365: “It will be branded as a Red Bull engine. As part of our agreement with Honda, the engines continue to be assembled in Japan, in Sakura, with support and technical assistance from Japan.

Asked if they would be transferring the process to their factory, Horner replied: “Most likely. It’s something we’re in discussion about at the moment. The probability is that the engines will, as per 2022, continue to be produced and built in Japan and shipped to us.”

All the working personnel from HRD UK will transfer over to us

He added: “We’re very grateful to Honda to provide that olive branch as we transition into being an engine manufacturer. They’ll come as sealed units from Japan; all the race support will happen from Japan as well this year. It’s a technical agreement, so it’s very broad brush at the moment.”

Further information;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...l-engine-rb18/


New Red Bull engine chief to join in May after Mercedes agreement
• Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths

Hodgkinson’s arrival is seen as a coup by Red Bull given he has worked for Mercedes for over 20 years and been the German manufacturer’s head of mechanical engineering since 2017.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said at the time of Hodgkinson’s signing that his proven track record proved he was capable of “leading a like-minded team of highly skilled engineers.”

Hodgkinson is not the only Mercedes team member to make the switch to Red Bull, with five other engine staff also making the move over to Milton Keynes last year.

https://readmotorsport.com/2022/01/2...des-agreement/


Formula 1: Max Verstappen sends warning to Lewis Hamilton & co. ahead of next season
By George Dagless
Published: 24 Jan 2022, 10:58

Max Verstappen has said that he feels as though he can improve in several areas and make tweaks to get even better as a driver, in a potential warning to Lewis Hamilton and the rest of the Formula 1 field.

Providing the Red Bull is quick enough - and there's no reason why it shouldn't be - Verstappen will surely be one of those drivers to adapt quicker than most given his talent, but he himself admits that there are still areas that he would like to improve on in terms of his overall driving approach:

The Red Bull man is one of the best drivers on the grid so if he feels there are areas that he can get better in that is ominous for the rest of the field.

https://www.givemesport.com/1826371-...of-next-season


Verstappen explains where he can improve in 2022
Max Verstappen might have clinched the World Championship in 2021, but the Red Bull driver still feels that he can work on areas for improvement going forwards.
Author Anna Francis
Today, ‎07‎:‎00

"For me, I always say to myself, you're never perfect in any area," Verstappen said in an interview with personal sponsor CarNext.

"So let's say you're at 98 percent, whatever you can call it, I always look at it [as something] I can always improve.

"Because it's not, 'I can improve massively in this or massively in that'. It's just tiny things, or, how can I try to influence the weekend a bit better?

Further analysis;

https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...mprove-in-2022

F1 chiefs decide next step amid Lewis Hamilton retirement threat
The FIA have been addressing the ruling of the deployment of the safety car following the controversy caused in last month’s season finale.
By Joshua Lees
18:02, 13 Jan 2022

“FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem has asked Secretary General Sport and recently appointed single-seater director Peter Bayer for proposals to review and optimise the organisation of the FIA structure for the 2022 season.”

Seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton is said to be ‘disillusioned’ with the sport following the controversies, and is reportedly waiting on the findings of the FIA before he makes a decision on his future.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ilton-25940579


Call on F1 title chaos to be made two days before new season as Hamilton retirement rumours swirl
January 14th, 2022 9:27 am

“The outcome of the detailed analysis will be presented to the F1 Commission in February, and final decisions will be announced at the World Motor Sport Council in Bahrain on 18 March,” added the FIA.”

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...f02ec777d91d5b


Lewis Hamilton’s retirement decision spoiled by FIA report date and Michael Masi could be fired following Abu Dhabi finale that handed Max Verstappen the title
Connor Andrews
14th January 2022, 8:32 am

Lewis Hamilton’s plans to leave his retirement decision until after the FIA’s inquiry into the controversial 2021 season finale have been complicated by the news the report won’t be ready until the new campaign.

However, that plan has now likely been scuppered with the news that the FIA won’t release the report until pre-season testing in February, with final decisions not announced until March 18.

That is just two days before the opening race of the 2022 season in Bahrain.

https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/1020335/


Hamilton’s post-2021 silence ‘is not ok’ – report
ANDREW MAITLAND
JANUARY 24, 2022

Lewis Hamilton’s almost total silence since losing the 2021 title showdown against Max Verstappen is “not ok”.

That is the view of Bild newspaper correspondent Helmut Uhl…

“Don’t these fans have the right to hear a few words of explanation now that their heroes and role models aren’t standing on the top pedestal?”

“Perhaps they think their silent retreat is diplomacy. I see it as cowardice.”

VERY controversial views found here;

https://grandpx.news/hamiltons-post-...not-ok-report/


Mercedes could have Charles Leclerc opportunity if Lewis Hamilton ends contract early
MERCEDES could soon be forced to reshuffle their driver line-up.
By CHARLIE GORDON
05:40, Mon, Jan 24, 2022

Mercedes could be landed with a blockbuster opportunity to recruit Charles Leclerc if Lewis Hamilton decides to end his contract early at the end of the 2022 season.

His deal was renewed in July of last year, midway through an electric F1 campaign in which he and Max Verstappen went toe-to-toe for the world title.

But when the Dutchman prevailed at Yas Marina in a thrilling but controversial final-lap shootout, Hamilton's long-term reaction suggests that he may have had a change of heart.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ussell-f1-news


Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has already hinted when Mick Schumacher could drive for Ferrari
MERCEDES team principal Toto Wolff teased when fans can expect to see Mick Schumacher drive for Ferrari.
By LIAM LLEWELLYN
15:52, Mon, Jan 24, 2022 | UPDATED: 15:53, Mon, Jan 24, 2022

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has hinted at when Mick Schumacher will drive for Ferrari. The 22-year-old, son of the legendary Michael, became an icon of the sport by winning six of his seven titles with the famous Italian team.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...errari-f1-news


Steiner: Fittipaldi will replace Schumacher at Haas in event of Ferrari call-up
Pietro Fittipaldi filled in for the injured Romain Grosjean in the final two races of the 2020 season.
by Rob Kershaw
23 January 202223 January 2022

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has said that Pietro Fittipaldi will be next in line for a Haas drive if Mick Schumacher is needed at Ferrari in 2022.
“I’m happy for Mick and I obviously spoke about it with Mattia [Binotto],” he said in an interview with RACER.

“What it means for us is that Pietro will be very happy! In the end, this is part of being a partner and part of what we agreed to do. Obviously if you have a good car and want an experienced driver, Pietro’s done a good job for us before.”

https://formula1news.co.uk/steiner-f...rrari-call-up/

AlphaTauri to prepare for pre-season with extra F1 test
Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda will return to the wheel of an F1 car as part of a private test session starting on Tuesday, AlphaTauri have confirmed to RacingNews365.com.
25th Jan 2022, ‎17‎:‎45
Author Mike Seymour
Co-author Dieter Rencken

AlphaTauri have arranged an extra track session for Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda to help them readjust to F1 machinery ahead of pre-season testing.

A team spokesperson confirmed to RacingNews365.com that a private, three-day test will be held at the Imola circuit from 25-27 January, using the 2020-spec AT01 car.

AlphaTauri are not the only team returning to action in the coming days, with Ferrari revealing that they will stage a test at Maranello this week.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will be joined by test driver Robert Shwartzman for the four-day session, which also starts on Tuesday, using last year's SF21.

https://racingnews365.com/alphatauri...tra-f1-session


AlphaTauri can navigate F1's "unknown story" - Tost
Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale
Tuesday 25 January 2022

Asked in an end-of-2021 interview with GPFans whether he was excited for the new season or whether there was a sense of trepidation given the changes, Tost replied: [It is a] Very unknown story because it's completely new everything.

"The AT-01 was already a good car, [the AT-02] was the next step forward and so why shouldn't they be able to make the AT-03, even if it's a completely new car, also very competitive?

"From the technological side, there are also different philosophies, and I just hope that we go in the right direction.

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...wn-story-tost/


What AlphaTauri is taking from Red Bull for 2022
Jan 15 2022
By Edd Straw

AlphaTauri has long leaned on Red Bull to run what used to be referred to as non-listed parts, which are now formally called transferrable components. This became a more formal strategy for the 2019 car, with the push for to increase the “synergy” in terms of components.

For 2022, it will lean on Red Bull’s ’22 designs in that area. It will have the option to expand on this for the 2023 car. We’ll take the gearbox, hydraulics and rear suspension from the 2022 Red Bull,” said technical director Jody Egginton. “The subtle difference is that all the aero surfaces on the suspension, the cladding, have to be team-specific. But the mechanical bits will be Red Bull’s.”

“The front the car will all be our own. Over the last three years we’ve sort of done mix and match. Sometimes we’ve taken more, in the first year of synergy [2019] we took pretty much all of the front suspension, then we took the inboard [suspension parts] and then in the final year we mixed it up.”

More technical details found here;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-...bull-for-2022/


Reduced Red Bull parts sharing a cause for concern at AlphaTauri
‎
The nature of the 2022 rule changes means that AlphaTauri can't depend on as many hand-me-downs from Red Bull. RacingNews365.com gets the latest from respective team bosses Franz Tost and Christian Horner.
18‎ ‎January‎ ‎18‎:‎00
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Thomas Maher

With the teams entering the second year of the new financial rules, which sees the budget cap shrink to $140 million dollars, the belt-tightening coincides with the introduction of the new technical regulations, meaning there's precious little carryover of older parts.

As a result, for the new season, AlphaTauri can't simply purchase older parts that were designed for use by the main Red Bull team prior to '22.

"It's a financial balance," Tost told RacingNews365.com when asked about how his team are coping with the new, extra hurdle.

More technical details found here;

https://racingnews365.com/reduced-re...-at-alphatauri


AlphaTauri increases its partnership with Fantom
By Balazs Szabo on 23 Jan 2022, 14:30

Scuderia AlphaTauri has announced its latest global partnership with the highly scalable blockchain platform, Fantom ahead of the 2022 FIA Formula One season.

https://www.f1technical.net/news/23583

Ferrari back on track with four-day Fiorano test with 2021 car
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on
25th January 2022, 0:0124th January 2022, 23:59 | Written by Will Wood

Ferrari will run their 2021 car once more after announcing they would begin a four day private test at their Fiorano test track today. Ferrari academy driver Robert Shwartzman will start the test today, with race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jnr sharing driving responsibilities in the car. Shwartzman will conclude the test on the Friday.

Over recent seasons, teams have been barred under the regulations from running tests using cars that were built to either the current or the previous year’s regulations. However teams will be allowed to use year-old cars this season due to the drastic change in rules for 2022.

“The difference is that if you look at the sporting regulations now, it is considered a ‘previous’ car, also a car from 2021,” explained Pirelli’s head of motorsport Mario Isola at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month. “In the past, the car from the year before was still considered a ‘current’ car.

Read more about Ferrari;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/...nd-up-25-01-4/


Rumour: Ferrari discovered ‘trick’ suspension for 2022
January 24, 2022 · by thejudge13

The 2022 Formula 1 car by Ferrari will have a “surprising” (and more aggressive) front axle according to sources close to the team – Indeed paddock rumour has it from Abu Dhabi in December that at least two teams may have designed a loophole and it could well be in the suspension area of the 2022 F1 car design.

Could we see another ‘Brawn GP’ situation this season? When a surprise design loophole gives a team a massive advantage in performance over the rest? Sources suggest that as the 2022 cars will have a rather different load distribution compared to the 2021 cars: that the front axle will produce less downforce compared to the past, balancing towards the levels generated by the rear aerodynamic elements.

Ferrari speculation;

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/24/ru...sion-for-2022/


Ferrari expect big budget cap impact on 2022 upgrades
Date published: January 23 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies believes the budget cap has brought an end to piling on upgrades throughout a season.

Although Ferrari’s upgrade plan will not be like 2021, when it was “almost nil” due to their focus on the 2022 challenger, Mekies does not see how Ferrari can bring through upgrades in the same numbers as previous years now the budget cap is in force.

Therefore, it has become vital for teams like Ferrari to carefully plan out what upgrades they will look to bring, agreeing with each department what is achievable considering the budget restraints. But since these regulations are completely new for 2022, the upgrade plan could shift drastically if a major issue crops up in pre-season testing or the opening rounds that needs an urgent fix.

Development processes found here;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...pact-upgrades/


Why Ferrari’s Leclerc/Sainz pairing is F1’s best balanced
25th Jan 2022
By Edd Straw

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have a complementary skillset and good relationship that makes the pairing “as good as it gets” according to the Formula 1 team’s racing director Laurent Mekies.

It’s not unusual for senior personnel in Formula 1 teams to talk up their current drivers, but Mekies should be taken serious given Leclerc and Sainz is arguably the best-balanced driver line-up in Formula 1. That’s for far broader reasons than the fact they ended 2021 separated by just 4.5 points – the narrowest margin of any pairing outside of pointless Haas.

One aspect Mekies picks up on is their feedback. This is a particularly strength for Sainz, who has proved over his six seasons in F1 so far that he’s an intensely analytical driver – something that has been refined through his experiences with Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren prior to joining Ferrari last year.

Ferrari analysis;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-f...he-best-in-f1/


Leclerc "weakness" fixed by Sainz
Sam Hall
Monday 24 January 2022

Charles Leclerc believes Carlos Sainz assisted to eradicate his "weakness" after the pair raced as team-mates for the first time last year.

"As always, when you have a new team-mate, you always learn with the new ways of how Carlos is approaching race weekends, the way he works, his talent and raw speed also, the way he takes the corners.”

"He had an amazing year. He pushed me very much to perform better at every race and it has just been extremely interesting.”

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...ixed-by-sainz/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fortitude

Ferrari back on track with four-day Fiorano test with 2021 car
RaceFans Round-up
Posted on
25th January 2022, 0:0124th January 2022, 23:59 | Written by Will Wood

Ferrari will run their 2021 car once more after announcing they would begin a four day private test at their Fiorano test track today. Ferrari academy driver Robert Shwartzman will start the test today, with race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jnr sharing driving responsibilities in the car. Shwartzman will conclude the test on the Friday.

Over recent seasons, teams have been barred under the regulations from running tests using cars that were built to either the current or the previous year’s regulations. However teams will be allowed to use year-old cars this season due to the drastic change in rules for 2022.

“The difference is that if you look at the sporting regulations now, it is considered a ‘previous’ car, also a car from 2021,” explained Pirelli’s head of motorsport Mario Isola at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month. “In the past, the car from the year before was still considered a ‘current’ car.

Read more about Ferrari;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/25/...nd-up-25-01-4/


Rumour: Ferrari discovered ‘trick’ suspension for 2022
January 24, 2022 · by thejudge13

The 2022 Formula 1 car by Ferrari will have a “surprising” (and more aggressive) front axle according to sources close to the team – Indeed paddock rumour has it from Abu Dhabi in December that at least two teams may have designed a loophole and it could well be in the suspension area of the 2022 F1 car design.

Could we see another ‘Brawn GP’ situation this season? When a surprise design loophole gives a team a massive advantage in performance over the rest? Sources suggest that as the 2022 cars will have a rather different load distribution compared to the 2021 cars: that the front axle will produce less downforce compared to the past, balancing towards the levels generated by the rear aerodynamic elements.

Ferrari speculation;

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/24/ru...sion-for-2022/


Ferrari expect big budget cap impact on 2022 upgrades
Date published: January 23 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies believes the budget cap has brought an end to piling on upgrades throughout a season.

Although Ferrari’s upgrade plan will not be like 2021, when it was “almost nil” due to their focus on the 2022 challenger, Mekies does not see how Ferrari can bring through upgrades in the same numbers as previous years now the budget cap is in force.

Therefore, it has become vital for teams like Ferrari to carefully plan out what upgrades they will look to bring, agreeing with each department what is achievable considering the budget restraints. But since these regulations are completely new for 2022, the upgrade plan could shift drastically if a major issue crops up in pre-season testing or the opening rounds that needs an urgent fix.

Development processes found here;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...pact-upgrades/


Why Ferrari’s Leclerc/Sainz pairing is F1’s best balanced
25th Jan 2022
By Edd Straw

Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have a complementary skillset and good relationship that makes the pairing “as good as it gets” according to the Formula 1 team’s racing director Laurent Mekies.

It’s not unusual for senior personnel in Formula 1 teams to talk up their current drivers, but Mekies should be taken serious given Leclerc and Sainz is arguably the best-balanced driver line-up in Formula 1. That’s for far broader reasons than the fact they ended 2021 separated by just 4.5 points – the narrowest margin of any pairing outside of pointless Haas.

One aspect Mekies picks up on is their feedback. This is a particularly strength for Sainz, who has proved over his six seasons in F1 so far that he’s an intensely analytical driver – something that has been refined through his experiences with Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren prior to joining Ferrari last year.

Ferrari analysis;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-f...he-best-in-f1/


Leclerc "weakness" fixed by Sainz
Sam Hall
Monday 24 January 2022

Charles Leclerc believes Carlos Sainz assisted to eradicate his "weakness" after the pair raced as team-mates for the first time last year.

"As always, when you have a new team-mate, you always learn with the new ways of how Carlos is approaching race weekends, the way he works, his talent and raw speed also, the way he takes the corners.”

"He had an amazing year. He pushed me very much to perform better at every race and it has just been extremely interesting.”

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...ixed-by-sainz/

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Well, Wolff explains why he ‘absolutely’ thinks Ferrari will be a threat in 2022
Ferrari improved to third in the Constructors' Standings in 2021, and Toto Wolff believes the Scuderia will be competitive in 2022.
by Rob Kershaw
4 January 2022

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is confident that Ferrari will cause disruption at the pointy end of the F1 grid in 2022, placing them among the teams that will be strong next year.

https://formula1news.co.uk/wolff-exp...i-threat-2022/


Ferrari: ‘very naive’ to assume catching Mercedes and Red Bull will be easy
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths
04/01/2022

Ferrari says it would be “very naive” to expect it can easily close the gap to Red Bull and Mercedes under Formula 1’s new technical regulations this year.

Mercedes and Red Bull’s season-long title fight meant neither team could afford to shift focus to their 2022 challengers, giving its rivals renewed hope it can challenge the pair for both championships this year.

But Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies doesn’t expect Mercedes and Red Bull to be left playing catch up this year, despite both teams developing their 2021 cars until late in the season amid their title battle.

https://readmotorsport.com/2022/01/0...-will-be-easy/


Brad Pitt to star in $140-million Formula 1 movie
Editor
6 January, 2022

Hollywood appears to have been swooped up in Formula 1 mania in the wake of an epic 2021 season with Brad Pitt now reportedly set to make a big-budget Apple-backed movie with the sport as the theme.

The storyline is reportedly about an F1 veteran (Pitt) coming out of retirement to mentor a young upstart while trying to win a final World Championship.

Deadline reports that the budget for the project was in the $130-million to $140-million range “before above-the-line compensation” and adds that the big appeal is the star power of Pitt.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...rmula-1-movie/


Alonso: Alpine set ‘benchmark’ in off-track operations
Date published: January 7 2022 - Henry Valantine

Fernando Alonso believes Alpine are “almost a benchmark team” when it comes to how they execute their plans at race weekends.

The team finished mid-table in the Constructors’ Championship, with Esteban Ocon’s win in Hungary alongside Alonso’s podium from Qatar being the high points of their season overall.

While their on-track performance didn’t match up to their rivals overall, Alonso acknowledged the need to put themselves in contention for victories in 2022 – having shifted their focus onto their new car early in the season.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/fernan...enchmark-team/


Alpine experiencing ‘encouraging’ signs for 2022
Date published: January 5 2022 - Henry Valantine

Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski says he’s seeing “encouraging” signs at the team ahead of 2022, but admits it’s not yet possible to know where they stack up against others on the grid.

They pinpointed the need for their 2022 power unit to improve if they are to make a “big leap” in their performance. Away from the track, Budkowski credits behind-the-scenes changes in recent seasons beginning to “bear its fruits” for the team’s upturn, and hopes it will be able to continue.

“It has changed an awful lot in the last few years and that change is starting to bear its fruits. It certainly does at the track, and it certainly does at the factory, even though it is not visible yet because our focus for more than two years has been next year’s car.

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine...igns-2022-car/


Do you agree?

Mercedes - New F1 regulations laced with "landmines" and "treasure"
Ian Parkes
Monday 24 January 2022

Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison has labelled F1's new regulations for this year as being laced with "landmines" and "treasure".

"The ruleset is not only enormous, the regulations are about twice the size of what's preceded them, but they're all almost entirely different to what came before them.

"That has meant we've had to reinvent the car tip to toe. Everywhere you look it's completely new."

"And when everything is as new as this, then everywhere you look in that regulation set - twice as thick as the old one - there is opportunity and, of course, there's jeopardy.

Technical appreciation;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...-and-treasure/


Wolff predicts six-team fight for 2022 wins after end to "arms race"
GPFans Staff
Saturday 22 January 2022

Assessing the impact of the budget cap on this season, speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Wolff said: "Of course, the teams that had deep pockets weren't particularly happy that we lost an advantage there.

"But the whole thing had degenerated into an arms race between Red Bull, Ferrari and us. Now everything will be more balanced.

"I think there are five or six teams that can win in the future. That's good for sports. It's not always the same team that wins the Super Bowl."

Further thought provoking thoughts;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...-to-arms-race/


Mercedes: We've had to reinvent our car from tip to toe
Today, ‎10‎:‎40
Author RacingNews365 Staff

James Allison, Chief Technical Officer at Mercedes, says the team have effectively "reinvented" their car ahead of the 2022 season, with F1 introducing an overhauled set of technical regulations.

Spearheaded by a 'ground effect' aerodynamic concept, updated bodywork and bigger, 18-inch tyres, the new regulations will produce markedly different cars from those seen during the 2021 campaign.

Allison, a veteran of F1 who started out with Benetton in the early 1990s, says he has never before witnessed such a technical change in the sport.

https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-w...rom-tip-to-toe


JAMES ALLISON ON NEW REGULATIONS: “WE WILL LOOK AT OTHER CARS AND THINK ‘OH, WHY DIDN’T WE THINK OF THAT?’”
James Mackenzie 20 mins ago

Speaking in a Mercedes YouTube video, he said:

“I would imagine, given that the cars are so new and so different, that one or two cars on the grid will have got it really badly wrong. And they will have a terribly painful year.”

“I would imagine that all of us to some degree will have will have left things on the table that we just didn’t anticipate. And we will look at other cars and think ‘oh, why didn’t we think of that?’”

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ja...think-of-that/


Lewis Hamilton future: David Coulthard's prediction for Mercedes man will please his fans
By George Dagless
Published: 25 Jan 2022, 11:00
David Coulthard’s thought;

"The big decision was when he committed to that new two-year [Mercedes] contract midway through last season. I don’t think Abu Dhabi changes anything. Of course, he would have liked to have won, and I think he was very emotional, as anyone would be under the circumstances.”

"But I think the reality is the shock was probably far less for him than it would have been for Toto [Wolff], or the rest of the team, or his fans. I can’t compare myself to Lewis in terms of success or speed but one thing I think I can relate to is that emotional detachment, once the moment’s gone.”

"The euphoria of success wears off quite quickly, and the disappointment of defeat wears off quite quickly as well."

More here;

https://www.givemesport.com/1827097-...lease-his-fans

Why new floors should help enhance F1's wheel-to-wheel action in 2022
Special contributor
Mark Hughes
25 January 2022

Central to the whole concept of the new aero regulations for 2022 is the floor. Gone is the flat floor, which has been regulated since 1983, and in its place is a floor featuring two big channels running from front to rear either side of the central plank.

The total downforce generated will be roughly comparable, with any shortfall expected to have been recovered by the end of the season as the teams develop their understanding of the new cars. But it is the proportion of underbody/overbody downforce that will be crucial in improving the racing.

The floor channels are ‘venturi’ shaped, with a wide inlet, a narrowing central constriction and a wide outlet. With the ground forming the bottom surface of this shaped tunnel, the effect on the air pressure of the expanding section at the rear is for it to pull the air through the constricted section much faster than it would otherwise do.

Further information;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...vgKxTYSij.html


8 reasons the pecking order could be shaken up in 2022
Special contributor
Chris Medland
24 January 2022

Driver line-ups change, cars evolve and rules get tweaked all the time in Formula 1, but when at least one of those areas undergo a major overhaul, that’s when the term ‘a new era’ starts to appear.
And 2022 is a new era for Formula 1.

1. A whole new car for teams to get on top of
2. Closer on-track racing
3. A fierce development battle that could see order change dramatically throughout the season
4. Experience and adaptability will be key attributes for drivers
5. The bigger impact of the budget cap
6. A new driver pairing dynamic at Mercedes
7. Red Bull now in charge of their own engines
8. 18-inch tyres

Detailed analysis;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...uP2TLAZgC.html


2022 18-inch tyres a ‘huge achievement’ says Pirelli boss as he reveals test findings
19 January 2022

Pirelli boss Mario Isola has outlined the findings from last season’s rigorous testing of the new-for-2022 18-inch tyres, which he hopes will help improve the racing spectacle alongside the brand-new breed of Formula 1 cars.

F1’s tyre suppliers held 28 days of testing for the new, larger tyres in 2021 using mule cars from nine out of 10 teams (Williams having opted out) and Isola – Pirelli’s Head of F1 and Car Racing – began 2022 by hailing the efforts of his motorsport team.

He said: “In a busy season with all the constraints and 22 races, it was, I believe, a big achievement [to develop the 18-inch tyre]. Also, because… this tyre is designed in a different way, with different targets: our drivers are asking for less overheating, less degradation, they want to push on tyres, they want to fight on track, and clearly we decided and we agreed with the FIA, FOM and the teams to follow this direction.

Methodology of the research, found here;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...MKAXSXCai.html


How the front wing on the all-new 2022 cars has been designed to improve overtaking
Technical contributors
Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola
18 January 2022

The starting point for the whole aero concept is always the front wing, as that’s where the onrushing air first encounters the car. Hence the 2022 front wing is radically different to what we’ve become used to – both in how it looks and how it works.

In terms of meeting the objectives of creating a car with a much cleaner, less disruptive aerodynamic wake, the number one priority of the new wing has been to banish the ‘Y250 vortex’ which was utilised on the previous front wing, where the 250mm gap between the nose and the inboard end of the wing elements was used to create a series of spinning air vortices which accelerated the whole airflow through there towards the bargeboards, with the aim being to push it as far outboard of the car as possible.

With the new wing, there is no longer a gap between the nose and the elements – which run up flush to the nose. There can no longer be a Y250 vortex which, together with the banning of bargeboards, means the air flows through the wing in a way which keeps it directed within the width of the car.

Although the resultant full-width elements give a greater total wing area than before, it actually produces less downforce. The less downforce produced, the less it will tend to disrupt the air – and the less sensitive it will be to disrupted airflow from the car in front.

Technical details found here;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...XrClOQtRg.html


Feature
DIARY DATES: The 2022 F1 calendar and F1 car launch schedule
14 January 2022

2022 F1 car launch dates

Aston Martin February 10

McLaren February 11

Ferrari February 17

Mercedes February 18

More diary dates;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...7YlNWypNf.html

Ferrari change test plans amid confusion over regulations
Ferrari will switch to a 2018-spec car for their private F1 test at Maranello, having initially announced that they would be using their 2021 contender.
25th Jan 2022, ‎14‎:‎05

Author Mike Seymour
Co-author Dieter Rencken

The team announced on Monday that they would be using their 2021-spec SF21 for the four-day session on the Fiorano circuit, seemingly in breach of the current testing regulations, which state that cars cannot be used from the previous year's championship.

A statement released by Ferrari on Tuesday afternoon read: "This morning, the test programme which Scuderia Ferrari was due to carry out, starting today at the Fiorano track, has been changed.

"While awaiting an update from the FIA as to how rules relating to 'Test Previous Cars', which establish the criteria for which cars can be used in this type of test, are being applied for 2022, the decision has been taken to use a 2018 SF71H car.

Details here;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-ch...er-regulations


Ferrari: We will see less car development in 2022
Jad Mallak
25 January, 2022

Ferrari have been historically part of the big spenders club, but things will have to change now, as the cost cap will play a role in how they develop their car throughout the 2022 F1 season

In case of a major issue, the racing director revealed that budgets had to be re-shuffled around to recover from the setback.

“If you have a big issue at the beginning of the year and nothing is correlating and so on, you may invest some of your package two or package three money,” he explained, before concluding: “You need to fix it anyway now, so you take your parts, you put them into the bin and that’s the way you will deal with it.”

Ferrari’s racing director, Laurent Mekies explains more;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...pment-in-2022/


AlphaTauri testing as well, Ferrari change test plans
Editor
25 January, 2022

A report revealed that AlphaTauri are running a pre-season test for their drivers at Imola, while Ferrari announced that their initial test plans for this week have been altered.

The report that was published by RacingNews365.com, confirmed that the Faenza-based team are conducting a test for both its drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda at Imola between January 25 and January 27 to get both drivers reacclimatized with Formula 1 machinery ahead of the 2022 season.

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...ge-test-plans/


A racing fraternity
Words: Davide Marchi
Photography: Yann Rabanier
21 Jan 2022, 12:09

The world of sport is full of stories of competing brothers and motor racing is no exception.

However, of Formula One’s current twenty drivers, only one has a brother racing in a top category: Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow’s Monegasque driver, Charles Leclerc. His brother Arthur, three years his junior, is closely following in Charles’ own footsteps

https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB/magazi...charlesleclerc

So , with so much more of the car's downforce coming from under the car , will the stewards have to spin the cars on a rotisserie to check for compliance with the rule book ?

I can't wait to see the F1 version of the "super flipper" at the front of the pit lane . They're flipped up , weighed , and instantly photographed and measured , all in one fluid motion , then sent on their way .

Of course , the alternative to that would obviously be to up the pit entry speed and put in a loop for them to drive on the way in , so that everyone in the crowd as well could see that drivers stay within the rules .

That particular idea certainly fits well with the rumoured plan to replace Masi with a robot , since it lets the crowd think their opinions matter , even if the real reason was that the robot was cheaper .

Some speculate that the real race this coming season will be harder to see than what's under the car as the hackers may be hard at work trying to control the robot .
Remember , that red team has a Russian firm doing cyber-security .
And , what's the likelihood of the new FIA president owning a red car ?
Is Lewis afraid of robots ?
Lewis is obviously afraid of George .
Is George actually a robot ?
If so , don't his arms contravene the rules about moveable aerodynamic devices ?
Normally , they would be removed and sent to the scrutineers , but , I have yet to see any news from the FIA about this subject at all .

So many questions .

From what I've seen, we will still be able to see most of the aero goodies that matter on the floor section. There isn't a lot of leeway on the tunnels themselves, but the various vanes and fences will probably be where the teams differ the most. Compared to recent years the cars will look almost bare from the side views, without the loads of little flip ups and crazy fences all over the place. Craig Scarborough seems to think that the damage done on cubs and such might be quite a bit less, and the cars overall a little more robust as far as aero damage is concerned.

Though I'm fairly sure George isn't a robot, I think he will come out of the gate charging hard and trying to stamp some authority on his position on the team. I'm sure to some extent having a new driver on the team will impact Lewis some, especially being it's the new cars and his previous advantage of familiarity is mostly gone. That is assuming of course that Merc get it right and stay one of the teams near the front. With the new cars we just don't know... plenty of teams have spent a lot of money to get it horribly wrong in seasons with new regs.

Everything I've been seeing so far leads me to think the cars should be closer to each other this year. I sure hope so. And if the changes in aero wash are as great as many expect them to be, the opportunities for tighter racing should be a lot more frequent.

Another interesting things mentioned by ScarbsF1 is that with the new cars, the best place to follow will likely be nose to tire, rather than directly behind. Due to the vast changes in how wash will be directed he thinks that will become common as the most advantageous from the aero perspective. If so that might lead to some really interesting "dummies" with the driver following to the left and then ducking right to make the pass. But it could also mean that either driver getting it wrong leaves even less room to correct, so it might result in more attempts going bad suddenly.


I'm really, really, really hoping the pack tightens up and we have several constructors in the hunt for titles. Though I've watched and enjoyed F1 for quite some time, the years of team dominance often make the race at the front boring, and often they still don't show the better racing back in the pack as much as they should.

No spectators or live television coverage at first test for new 2022 F1 cars
2022 F1 season
Posted on
26th January 2022, 14:33 | Written by Keith Collantine
Formula 1 teams’ new cars for 2022 will run together for the first time behind closed doors with no live timing or television coverage, the series has confirmed.

F1 described the opening test as “a lower key, pre-testing track session” which will “[allow] the teams to shake down their all-new-for-’22 cars for the first time in the same place”.

So-called shakedown tests typically involve a limited amount of running over a single day. Mercedes has previously announced its new W13 will “be put through a shakedown programme to complete initial system checks on the Silverstone circuit” on February 18th.

https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/26/...-2022-f1-cars/


‘One or two teams will get new cars really badly wrong’ – Allison
2022 F1 season
Posted on
24th January 2022, 22:04 | Written by Keith Collantine

Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison believes the scale of the change in the overhauled technical regulations for the 2022 Formula 1 season means at east one team is likely to have made a serious error with their new design.

“But it’s a brilliantly exciting thing to contemplate precisely because none of us know,” he continued. “One of the things that is the essence of sport is not knowing we all of us have done our level best – I’m talking about everyone in our team, [but] everyone in every other team – we’ll have done our level best to try to find a design and an approach that will be a happy match to this new regulation set. And we’ll all get to find out together at the start of this season and the races that unfold from there exactly how that shakes out.”

https://www.racefans.net/2022/01/24/...wrong-allison/


FIA expects ‘more exciting’ 2022 F1 season with ‘more cars in the mix’ for Grand Prix wins
Teams like Alfa Romeo and Haas could have more race wins under their belt this season
Sarah Rendell
27 Jan 2022.

Head of Single Seater Technical Matters at the FIA, Nikolas Tombazis, says he expects those underdog teams to challenge for race wins.

“It is difficult to expect it to be more exciting than [2021] because that is a very high point of reference,” said Tombazis, quoted by Autosport. “But I think once there’s a bit of convergence, I think there will be more cars in the mix and I think that would be positive.

“When I was looking at some old championships, I read recently we once had 11 winners in a year and you could win a championship with a few wins. I’m not saying we will get to that point, but of course I think to have more variability would be good.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b1997937.html


How the increasing weight of F1 cars is giving teams a headache
‎20‎ ‎January‎ ‎13‎:‎45

F1 cars will become even heavier in 2022, leading to a whole host of considerations for teams and drivers. RacingNews365.com spoke with Alfa Romeo Technical Director Jan Monchaux for some insight into the situation.
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Mike Seymour

"We have increased safety, which comes along with quite a severe weight addition on the car, but with all the additions on the regs and the bigger tyres, bigger rims, bigger brake discs, the weight is clearly a big, big topic for all the teams," he explained.

"It is going to be extremely challenging; it is certainly a big, big factor for us. I suppose a touch more difficult," he said, when asked if the next generation of cars will be harder or easier to drive.

"It's going to be heavier, which is not necessarily great, and I suppose, even if all the teams are very creative, we will struggle to recover the authority we used to have on some specific aero characteristics, as was the case [before].

https://racingnews365.com/how-the-in...causing-issues

ON TRACK AT FIORANO WITH THREE DRIVERS
Maranello 24 January 2022

Scuderia Ferrari takes to the track for the very first time in 2022 this week at the Fiorano circuit. However, this is not a surprise debut for this year’s world championship challenger, which goes by the project code number 674 and will break cover in a few weeks time, on 17th February to be precise.

https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB/formul...-three-drivers


Ferrari drivers happy with 'wake up call' run at Fiorano
Phillip van Osten28/01/2022 at 07:4128/01/2022 at 07:54

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz returned to action this week with Ferrari, the pair kicking off in earnest their preparations for 2022 with a full day of running at Fiorano.

Amid cold conditions at Fiorano, test driver Robert Shartzman was entrusted on Wednesday with the opening day of running with Sainz taking over on Thursday morning and completing a trouble-free 59 laps.

Leclerc took over from the Spaniard in the afternoon to rake up 48 laps - or 143 kilometres - onboard Ferrari's SF71H.

In between runs, Sainz and Leclerc ventured over to an area where a group of tifosi had braved the cold weather and assembled to watch the day's proceedings to salute the fans and hand out signed caps.

More detail here;

https://f1i.com/news/430972-ferrari-...t-fiorano.html


Leclerc and Sainz complete first laps of 2022 for Ferrari
Date published: January 27 2022 - Mark Scott

The Fiorano event, which is becoming somewhat of a traditional ritual for the Scuderia, concludes on Friday with Shwartzman returning for another blast.

Following their worst result in four decades, Ferrari’s road to resurgence took a step in the right direction by finishing P3 in the Constructors’ Championship during the 2021 season, seeing off a sustained challenge from old foes McLaren.

Key members of the Ferrari outfit, team boss Mattia Binotto included, are quietly confident of more success in 2022 with wholesale regulation changes coming into effect.

Project 674 is the working title given to Ferrari’s as yet unnamed 2022 challenger, due to be unveiled to the world on February 17.

Further background;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/charle...-laps-ferrari/


Can rejuvenated Ferrari take the lead in F1’s new era?
F1
Lewis Larkam
27 Jan 2022

Having spent the last two seasons in recovery mode, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Ferrari heading into Formula 1’s new era of regulations.

F1’s most famous team was able to recover large amounts of its power deficit last year on its way to beating arch rivals McLaren to third place in the 2021 constructors’ championship after a fierce season-long tussle.

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said the achievement provided the Italian outfit with “serenity” heading into the winter and the 2022 season. The ability to jump from sixth to third, despite largely focusing its development efforts on the 2022 rules reset, made Ferrari’s progress all the more impressive.

Further comments;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/995...d-f1-s-new-era


Mekies explains upgrade process under F1 budget cap
Date published: January 27 2022 - Michelle Foster

Last season Formula 1 introduced a budget cap, the teams allowed to spend just $145 million, a huge blow to the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull who were spending triple that in previous years.

For many of the teams their 2021 budget went on designing and building this year’s all-new cars with some teams, such as Alfa Romeo and Haas, not spending a penny on updating last year’s cars.

Others, most notably Red Bull, continued to update their 2021 car for most of the season, the Milton Keynes squad focused on winning the World title for Max Verstappen. Ferrari had a more even split, introducing a few early season upgrades before turning their full focus onto 2022.

Further insight here;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/ferrar...-process-2022/

Honda had ‘rethink’ after F1 exit – Marko
JANUARY 28, 2022
ANDREW MAITLAND

Honda will be more deeply involved in Red Bull’s Formula 1 program this year and beyond than was previously thought.

Officially, the Japanese carmaker has already departed as Red Bull’s works F1 partner. The energy drink company intended to use Honda’s engine IP this year and beyond whilst building up its own Red Bull Powertrains offshoot.

However, Dr Helmut Marko says those plans have changed.

“We don’t have to touch the engines until 2025, because they will come entirely from Japan,” the Austrian told Autorevue.

“So the intellectual property will remain with Honda. We will then be a newcomer under the new regulations of 2026.”

https://grandpx.news/honda-had-rethi...f1-exit-marko/


CHANGE OF PLAN: HONDA WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPLY ENGINES TO RED BULL
Lena Ferle
28 th Jan 2022.

Honda wanted to stop supplying engines directly to Red Bull Racing and thus AlphaTauri for the 2022 season. Pulling out of F1 originally meant that Red Bull would now produce its own powertrains with the help of Honda. This decision has now been changed – Honda will remain in Formula 1.

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ch...s-to-red-bull/


Red Bull engines now coming from Honda until 2025
Date published: January 28 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

In an interview with Autorevue magazine, Marko said: “We have now also found a completely different solution to the one originally envisaged.

“The engines will be manufactured in Japan until 2025, we will not touch them at all. That means that the rights and all these things will remain with the Japanese, which is important for 2026 because it makes us newcomers.

“In the course of our ever greater successes, a certain rethinking has taken place among the Japanese. And also that they could of course use the battery knowledge for their electrification phase.

“It was initially planned that they would only make our motors for 2022. Now it has been decided that this will continue until 2025, which is of course a huge advantage for us. This means we only have to make fine adjustments and calibrations.”

More detail;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...a-engine-deal/


F1 Froze Engine Development Because Honda Left Red Bull. Now Honda's Back.
Was Honda exempt from the freeze since it wasn't technically in Formula One? Will Red Bull Racing have the advantage?
By Elizabeth Blackstock
Today 10:28AM

As with most things in F1, this decision has come with a lot of speculation. Should this move by Red Bull be considered cheating? Did they actively lie to F1 to freeze the powertrains, only to catch everyone off guard by keeping Honda’s efforts? Should F1 immediately lift the development freeze? Could Honda have undertaken engine development in secret? Did Red Bull use this opportunity to intentionally poach engineers from competitors? Or was it legitimately just a case where Honda rethought its original business strategy?

Speculation in detail;

https://jalopnik.com/f1-to-froze-eng...d-b-1848439340


Honda to continue supplying Red Bull's engines until 2025
NEWS STORY
28/01/2022

Marko suggests that Honda's change of heart was largely influenced by Max Verstappen's title win.

"In the course of our ever-greater successes, a certain rethinking has taken place among the Japanese," says the Austrian. "Also that they could of course use the battery knowledge for their electrification phase.

Further information;

https://www.pitpass.com/71746/Honda-...nes-until-2025

Crisis unfolds: Aston Martin will not make first test
January 28, 2022 · by thejudge13

“The car is miles behind to the point if it makes 1st test at Barcelona on Feb 23rd everyone will be so surprised you’ll hear the cheer from outer space….”

Despite being first out of the blocks with the show car, TJ13 understands that the real car will be far from ready when the first winter tests start later in February. Furthermore the source reveals that:

Shocking update here;

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/28/cr...ke-first-test/


Aston Martin details revealed, but all is not well
January 27, 2022 · by thejudge13

The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has announced the time of the unveiling of its new F1 car for the 2022 season, the AMR22, which will be driven by Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll this year.

But rumblings persist around the Aston Martin Formula 1 team that all is not well, story to be continued…

Rumblings to be read here;

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/27/as...l-is-not-well/


Ralf suggests Vettel as potential Hamilton replacement
Date published: January 15 2022 - Finley Crebolder

Ralf Schumacher feels Sebastian Vettel would be a strong candidate for the Mercedes seat should Lewis Hamilton vacate it.

If Hamilton did choose to walk away from the sport, Wolff and co would of course have to find a last-minute replacement for him – and Schumacher thinks Vettel would be a logical choice.

“The experience Sebastian has, the speed he still has,” he told Sky Deutschland by way of explanation.

More on Ralf Schumachers speculation;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sebast...ralf-mercedes/


Sebastian Vettel admits debut Aston Martin disappointment wasn’t what he signed up for
SEBASTIAN VETTEL endured a difficult first campaign with Aston Martin, and is hoping for an upturn in fortunes going forward.
By DANIEL MOXON
05:01, Mon, Jan 17, 2022

Reflecting on the season, Vettel admitted that it wasn't exactly what he had "signed up for".

"I think the team’s great – I really enjoy working with the team, and I think it’s been a big change obviously," he said. "But no in terms of the results, obviously. The whole team and myself, we were hoping for more.”

"I think we got hurt quite badly by the regulation changes as the team had a great car [in 2020] but not [in 2021], so we did what we could."

More Sebastian Vettel reflections;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ntment-F1-news

No concerns at Red Bull after crash test failure rumours emerge
RacingNews365.com understands there are no concerns at Red Bull regarding their new RB18 after rumours of the chassis failing FIA crash tests emerged.
29/01/2022, ‎16‎:‎10
Author Thomas Maher
Co-author Dieter Rencken

Rumours have recently emerged regarding Red Bull's 2022 Formula 1 car, with a report in Italian media suggesting that the RB18 has failed the FIA's frontal crash tests for the new regulations.

It would not be the first time an Adrian Newey-penned design has fallen foul of the FIA tests, with Newey's 2003 McLaren MP4-18 never actually taking part in a Grand Prix after being troubled from the start.

The rumours appear to centre on Red Bull's failure to confirm a launch date for the RB18, as the majority of the teams have now done so – including Red Bull sister team AlphaTauri.

Further analysis;

https://racingnews365.com/no-concern...rumours-emerge


Former Top Gear ‘Stig’ warns Red Bull could be hit hard by 2022 shake-up
Sir Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battled for the championship in 2021, and took 19 race wins between them.
by Rob Kershaw
29 January 2022

With scope for development seemingly being largely reduced, McCarthy suggests that this may take some weapons out of the Milton Keynes-based team’s armoury.

“I wonder if the new regs may damage Red Bull a little bit because, you know, as they’re coming down on the arrows, or at least changing the aero, the aerodynamics, principally we’ve always felt that Red Bull are masters in the art of aerodynamics and their downforce may be better than anybody else,” he philosophised.

“Maybe if you take some of those toys away, they might not have that advantage to play on.

“So they might have to look at other things.“

Further insight & analysis;

https://formula1news.co.uk/former-to...2022-shake-up/


Horner wary of rules reset: It'd be foolish to underestimate any team
In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365.com, Christian Horner has offered his thoughts on the 2022 rule changes and how they might impact the pecking order.
29/01/2022, ‎19‎:‎00
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Mike Seymour

Horner admitted that the pecking order is difficult to predict, and is not ruling out the prospect of a team leaping forward from the back of the grid.

"I think it's probable that the big teams will be at the front. Which order they'll be in is difficult to predict," Horner told RacingNews365.com in an exclusive interview, when asked if he thinks the momentum will continue from 2021, with Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren in the lead pack.

"The big challenge for 2022 is that one, the budget is reduced by five million, and two, every component is different, is brand-new. [We've got] a new chassis, new steering wheel, new pedals, new suspension – new everything! That obviously carries a considerable cost with it.

Christian Horner full interview;

https://racingnews365.com/horner-war...imate-any-team


Lewis Hamilton warned Max Verstappen's new Red Bull car 'already as good as title winner'
MERCEDES superstar Lewis Hamilton has been given an ominous warning ahead of his bid to regain the world championship.
By ANDREW GAMBLE
18:51, Sat, Jan 29, 2022

World champion Max Verstappen will have a fast car as he attempts to defend his title in 2022, with Red Bull’s 2022 machinery allegedly as quick as the 2021 version. Red Bull are one of four teams yet to announce the presentation date of the new car ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Motorsport.com reported the new Red Bull car did not pass the frontal crash test, which perhaps has delayed the Milton Keynes-based outfit’s announcement.

However, Red Bull Racing chief technical officer Adrian Newey is reportedly not worried.

There have been several reports that the RB18 is already faster than the RB16B in the simulator.

Further news;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...s-title-winner


Verstappen’s salary already ‘close to limit’, say Red Bull
Date published: January 29 2022 - Mark Scott

We have already seen team principal Christian Horner recently sign a new five-year deal to remain as Red Bull boss and Verstappen appears to be the next high-profile Red Bull employee on the list.

“We are in the process of extending all contracts by five years to ensure continuity within Red Bull,” motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko is quoted has having told Autorevue.

“We will be having talks with Max in the coming weeks. His manager was difficult to approach because his son and Jos Verstappen were at the 24-hour race in Dubai.”

More here;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...d-bull-salary/

Verstappen Mercedes link 'cracked' as Wolff rues Horner fights - GPFans F1 Recap
Max Verstappen is unlikely to entertain any future thoughts of joining Mercedes due to "a real crack" opening up between the driver and team following the events of last season's British Grand Prix.
Ian Parkes
Saturday 29 January 2022 23:30

That is the verdict of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who feels the Verstappens - including father Jos - were left dismayed by Mercedes' behaviour at Silverstone.

erstappen had been courted by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff prior to the 24-year-old opting to join forces with Red Bull, since when the pair then always maintained a healthy relationship.

Last July's British GP, however, altered the perspective as Verstappen pulled no punches in condemning Mercedes for showing a lack of respect in celebrating a Lewis Hamilton victory while he was in hospital after the Briton had sent the Dutch driver into a barrier at 150mph following their lap-one collision.

More details;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...ionship-marko/


Marko praises Perez: There's a big difference between him and Bottas

Helmut Marko says Sergio Perez proved that he "doesn't break" under pressure during the 2021 F1 season.
30/01/2022, 07:00
AuthorThomas Maher

It was Perez's mental fortitude that impressed Marko the most, with the Austrian saying the team's new signing simply "didn't break" during his rollercoaster campaign.
"It's clear to us that there is currently no driver who can stand up to Verstappen in qualifying," Marko told AutoRevue. But then you need someone who won't break – that has happened with Perez."
As for where Perez needs to improve, Marko highlighted his qualifying performances. "If you start ninth or 11th, all the qualities he undoubtedly has in the race won't help you," Marko said.

Further comments;

https://racingnews365.com/marko-prai...him-and-bottas


Verstappen "always exploded" but now a calmer figure
GPFans Staff
Sunday 30 January 2022 08:30

During the early stages of Verstappen's career, the Dutchman found himself in front of former FIA race director Charlie Whiting on occasion due to his driving standards that angered his on-track rivals.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, speaking to Austrian magazine Autorevue, revealed: "This maturation process was sometimes not so visible from the outside, but it quickly reached a peak because when something didn't go right in training he always exploded. Today he is calm. We had technical problems a couple of times. Now he just sees the whole thing."

Marko feels it served Verstappen well with regards to his maturity that he did not have a title-challenging car in his first few years with the team. Conversely, Marko also feels Verstappen deserves praise for opting to remain with Red Bull through difficult times when he could have moved elsewhere.

Further insight;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...calmer-figure/


Perez pushed by Verstappen and the media
Date published: January 28 2022 - Ben Johnston

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez says that his first season with the team was very intense as he teamed up with Max Verstappen in 2021.

Perez joined Red Bull from Racing Point ahead of the 2021 season after losing his seat to Sebastian Vettel.

It took Perez time to find his feet at Red Bull but when he did, he really stepped up and feels that the pressure applied by Verstappen last season helped him, as did the media’s reaction to him joining the team.

More analysis;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...stappen-media/


Exclusive: Perez ready to find another gear after 'starting from zero' at Red Bull
Sergio Perez has spoken exclusively to RacingNews365.com about his first season at Red Bull and how he hopes to apply the many lessons learned in 2022.
26 January, 11:45
AuthorDieter Rencken
Co-authorMike Seymour

Sergio Perez feels that he has reached "another level" as a driver thanks to his rollercoaster first season with Red Bull, describing his adaptation to the team as a "great challenge".

Having spent the previous seven F1 campaigns with the Force India/Racing Point operation after being dropped by McLaren, Perez was given a chance to return to front-running machinery when Red Bull opted to look outside of their own talent pool for 2021.
"Basically, I had to start from zero, learn new techniques of setting up the car, of driving the car, and it's been a great challenge. I think it has put me into another level as a driver, [in] that I had to learn a different way of driving.

"The car is unbelievable when it's at its right window. [But] it's very, very challenging to get the tyres and to get the car in that sweet spot – it's not been easy."

Great analysis;

https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-...ro-at-red-bull

McLaren's Key seeking more 'balanced' car for 2022

McLaren believes F1's new regulations has allowed it the opportunity to field a more balanced car in 2022, with its all-new contender enjoying better strength in slow-speed corners than its predecessors.
Michael Delaney 29/01/2022, at 14:53

McLaren technical director James Key has centered part of his efforts for 2022 on conceiving a new design that will offer better low-speed performance.

"We did pay a lot of attention to drag on the 2020 car, and as we did for the ’19 car, that was a bit before my time, but I know that was a priority for that car and it all carried through," Key said, quoted by Motorsport.com.

"Efficiency is good. I think what we’ve seen with straight-line braking, which is one of our strengths, and high-speed corners reflects the sort of performance we can generate with the nature of the car we have.

Further discussion;

https://f1i.com/news/431057-mclarens...-for-2022.html


Technical Insight: Pull rod suspension confirmed on McLaren MCL36
by Rosario Giuliana
30/01/2022, 12:26

Teams have begun teasing images of their cars and McLaren has been particularly active on social media throughout January. Although the images have mostly been obscured, we can begin to gather some small details, thanks to a video of their engine fire-up.

Through the video clips and photos published, we were able to take a first technical look, managing to capture some small fundamental details on what will be the 2022 car of the Woking team.

It appears McLaren have abandoned the push rod suspension philosophy in favour of a return to the pull rod layout, which could be motivated by the larger 18″ Pirelli wheels.

Excellent reporting and analysis;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2022/...mclaren-mcl36/


Two big questions for McLaren in 2022: Can Ricciardo and Norris return their team to glory?
30 January 2022

Fourth in the 2021 constructors’ standings, this outfit aims to fight their way back to the very front of the grid and emulate the results that cemented their place in Formula 1 legacy, with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo at the wheel.

Can McLaren challenge for wins and podiums consistently in 2022? Under the (quite possibly papaya) bodywork of the MCL36 will lie the aforementioned Mercedes power unit which propelled the Silver Arrows to an eighth consecutive championship in 2021. So there’s probably no need for McLaren to worry about power struggles.

McLaren have been more reserved about their winter gains, but that shouldn’t detract from their potential; CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andreas Seidl have assembled a solid technical team….

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Te1Qo3or1.html


MUST-SEE: McLaren fire up their 2022 car, the MCL36
27 January 2022

McLaren have reached a landmark moment in the development of their all-new 2022 car, the MCL36, with the team firing up the Mercedes power unit in the back of the machine on Wednesday.

McLaren enter the new era of Formula 1 off the back of their highest-scoring season since 2012, with Daniel Ricciardo having secured their first victory in nine years at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3aI34s4mc.html


THE ‘STAGGERING’ PROBLEM MCLAREN FIXED IN ITS F1 RECOVERY
Jan 27 2022
By Scott Mitchell

There were hints of core organisational and cultural weaknesses in the McLaren structure when various operational errors and reliability problems took Lewis Hamilton out of the 2012 championship fight – McLaren’s most recent title challenge.

That’s thanks in no small part due to McLaren committing to deep “cultural changes”, according to technical director James Key, primarily aimed at “being very open with stuff and removing the blame cultures. Not that they were necessarily an issue when we arrived,” adds Key, who joined McLaren in early 2019. “But definitely not have them at all so people were free to talk and attack issues in a very sort of mature and open way.”

“There was a BIG blame culture,” says McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “And James would have just caught the tail end of it. So, if he didn’t think it was that bad, that’s because he was part of the solution. Not part of the problem!”

VERY revealing and interesting article;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-s...s-f1-recovery/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fortitude

Crisis unfolds: Aston Martin will not make first test
January 28, 2022 · by thejudge13

“The car is miles behind to the point if it makes 1st test at Barcelona on Feb 23rd everyone will be so surprised you’ll hear the cheer from outer space….”

Despite being first out of the blocks with the show car, TJ13 understands that the real car will be far from ready when the first winter tests start later in February. Furthermore the source reveals that:

Shocking update here;

https://thejudge13.com/2022/01/28/cr...ke-first-test/


Aston Martin details revealed, but all is not well
January 27, 2022 · by thejudge13

---

These couple headlines don't bode well for Aston Martin. I guess somebody has to finish last, might as well be Aston Martin.

Red Bull and Mercedes 2022 F1 cars fail FIA crash tests
Editor (Grandprix247)
30 January, 2022

The Italian branch of Motorsport reported that Red Bull’s RB18 has failed the front FIA mandatory homologations crash test, and that may be the reason why the Milton Keynes outfit are yet to announce a date for their 2022 F1 machine.

The publication also reported that Mercedes’ W13 has faced the same fate and failed the side impact test, and thus the 2022 F1 cars for both of last season’s title rivals are yet to be homologated by the FIA.

Like the Red Bull RB18, the report claims that the W13 (of Mercedes) will also have a long wheel base close to the 3,600mm regulation limit, to extract maximum downforce from the car’s Venturi channels.

MORE details;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...a-crash-tests/


Mercedes reportedly join Red Bull in failing crash test
Date published: January 30 2022 - Henry Valantine

The teams have been hard at work to finalise the designs of their car ahead of the new era of Formula 1, which Mercedes design boss James Allison says sees the biggest regulation changes in the sport’s history take effect.

“It has been incredibly hard,” Allison said on a video posted by the team.

“Very challenging, and long, to get our heads around this and to try to figure out what the best response is to these regulations, and where the opportunity is to be found in order to put a car on the track in a few short weeks from now, that gives us a chance of being competitive right from the beginning.”

https://www.planetf1.com/news/merced...22-crash-test/


Red Bull reportedly unfazed after failing frontal crash test
Date published: January 30 2022 - Michelle Foster

The Italian edition of Motorsport.com reports that the car “would not have passed the earlier crash test for chassis homologation.

“At Cranfield, where the British teams converge for dynamic tests, Red Bull would have registered a failure in the front of the car that would force Milton Keynes’s team to review the ability to absorb energy from the nose and the chassis in the front.”

Many pundits are predicting Red Bull, with Newey at the helm – a designer famously said to be able to “see air” – could have an advantage over the chasing pack with the new regulations.

Further information;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/red-bu...al-crash-test/


Aston Martin deny claim they may miss Barcelona test
Date published: January 30 2022 - Michelle Foster

Aston Martin have rubbished a report that their 2022 challenger won’t be on track at the Spanish test, saying “we will be ready”.

A spokesman for the team told Speedweek.com: “Work on our 2022 vehicle is making good progress and we will be ready for the first winter test in Barcelona.”

https://www.planetf1.com/news/aston-...arcelona-test/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by F1nKS

These couple headlines don't bode well for Aston Martin. I guess somebody has to finish last, might as well be Aston Martin.

---

I think they have already squashed the info as rumors, and expect to be ready for testing without issues.

Ferrari's 2022 F1 car set for airbox tweak
Ferrari will unveil its 2022 challenger on the 17th February and it could change tact in a notable design area.
By: Matthew Somerfield
Co-author: Giorgio Piola
Jan 30, 2022, 11:46 AM

According to rumours filtering in from Maranello, the team could return to a triangular shaped airbox, without the two horns that set the SF21 apart from the rest last season.

However, with the shape of the sidepods having to undergo an extensive redesign for 2022 it may have opted to repackage the various radiators and electronics housed around the power unit and in the sidepods.

Further information on Ferrari ‘tweaking’ and redesigns;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f...tweak/7734296/


Ferrari explain "no compromise" 2022 approach
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has explained "no compromises" have been made with the team's 2022 car as the Scuderia eye "long-term" success.
GP Fans
Sam Hall
Sunday 30 January 2022 17:30

F1 raced to a budget cap for the first time last season with Ferrari electing to stop development early to focus on the coming year, compromising 2021 to ensure no such compromise in '22.

"As Ferrari, as first, we identified 2022 as our top priority, so no compromises have been done in developing the 2022 cars. The reason for putting 2022 as a top priority is, I think, quite straight and obvious.”

More Ferrari;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/74...2022-approach/


New rules could mean rapid design convergence, warns Ferrari
Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies has suggested that all Formula 1 cars could look more or less the same as soon as next season, as a result of the new technical regulations being introduced.
Andrew Lewin30/01/2022 at 11:33

“There is less freedom, definitely,” Mekies said. “We are all excited, because it’s going to be completely different compared to last year. But how different will the cars be from each other? We will see.

"The first go at it, we may see enough difference to our liking, all of us," he continued. "I think the first go at it, you say: 'Okay that’s not too bad.'

Further Ferrari analysis;

https://f1i.com/news/431080-new-rule...s-ferrari.html


Ferrari drivers happy with 'wake up call' run at Fiorano
The Scuderia had initially programmed a four-day test using its 2021 car but a confusion over Formula 1's sporting regulations forced the team to dust off and roll out its 2018-spec SF71H and reduce its schedule to three days.
Phillip van Osten28/01/2022 at 07:41

"At the moment, like all the other drivers in fact, we are working in the simulator or training really hard in the gym," commented Sainz. However, when it comes to demands placed on the body, nothing can match actually being in the car.”

"That’s why, being able to drive before the start of the season, no matter in what car, is always very useful for a driver. It gives your body a wake-up call, reminding you what it means to be a Formula 1 driver."

More about the Ferrari ‘wake up call’;

https://f1i.com/news/430972-ferrari-...t-fiorano.html


Sainz: Driving at Fiorano is always special
Editor
29 January, 2022

Carlos Sainz feels that driving at Fiorano is always special, after he concluded his driving duties in the private test held at the Ferrari-owned circuit, and that was rounded off in Friday.

Sainz said at the end of his test: “Exactly one year ago, I drove a Ferrari for the first time, and I have to say that, even if a lot of things have changed, given that I now know everyone and I feel really at home, driving here is always special.
“I was very happy to see so many of our fans watching from outside the track, which is why I wanted to go and say hello to them when I’d finished my session.”

Scuderia Ferrari insights;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/01...lways-special/

Alonso unsure what 'El Plan' means as Alpine eyes F1 success
Ben Issatt, 27 January 2022
Insider Racing.

Fernando Alonso admits even he doesn't know exactly what 'El Plan' is.

Throughout the year (2021), Alonso became associated with 'El Plan' and it gained something of a cult following, even appearing on the rear wings of the cars in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a good question, I started to see it too,” Alonso was quoted by Soymotor.com when asked about the trend on Spanish TV.

“It’s one of the things that social media networks have now. They started with ‘El Plan’, ‘El Plan’, ‘El Plan’ and, it’s a bad thing to say, but I don’t know what ‘El Plan’ is either.

“I think it’s part of ‘El Plan’ that I don’t know exactly what ‘El Plan’ is. You will have to bet. That’s ‘El Plan’…to scare without knowing.”

Details of ‘El Plan’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula...yes-f1-success


Two big questions for Alpine in 2022: Can Alonso boost his team up the grid?
Formula 1 Feature.
29 January 2022
Will Alonso’s experience pay dividends as new regulations come on song?

Now the oldest driver on the grid, Fernando Alonso returned to F1 in 2021 after two years away. The two-time champion put in some crucial performances last season, most notably his staunch defence against Lewis Hamilton in Hungary, which ensured team mate Esteban Ocon would go on to win the race – and followed that up with a podium finish in Qatar.

Not only will the Spaniard’s influence in developing the car be a crucial factor – he’s competed through a number of big F1 rules changes, including the massive overhaul in 2009 and the dawn of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014 – but his own experience in adapting to those rules changes will help him hit the ground running.

More on Fernando Alonso experience and ‘boost’ effects;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...lFLoKpQeH.html


Alonso back to ‘normal’ after surgery
ANDREW MAITLAND
JANUARY 26, 2022

It is full speed ahead for Fernando Alonso as he recovers well from his recent facial surgery. Throughout 2021, the 40-year-old carried the titanium remnants of his surgery with him following a pre-season cycling crash ahead of his return to Formula 1.

After the season ended, he returned to hospital to have those remnants removed from his mouth and jaw – and his recovery has proceeded well.

https://grandpx.news/alonso-back-to-...after-surgery/


Alpine to unveil 2022 car two days before first F1 test
Alpine will roll out its all-new A522 charger on February 21, just two days before the start of Formula 1's pre-season testing in Barcelona.
Michael Delaney26/01/2022 at 14:10

The Enstone squad heads into the 2022 season on the back of a maiden campaign under its new Alpine identity that yielded a milestone win in Hungary thanks to Esteban Ocon and fifth place in F1's Constructors' Championship.

While the French outfit's line-up remains unchanged with Ocon and teammate Fernando Alonso, the team has yet to announce the new members of its upper management that will answer to Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi.

https://f1i.com/news/430900-alpine-t...t-f1-test.html


Alpine’s F1 team has something it sorely lacked as Renault
Jan 22 2022
By Scott Mitchell
The Alpine Formula 1 team is not currently an advert for stability.

One year on from the rebranding of Renault’s works team, three senior members of its management have left – engine technical director Remi Taffin, executive director and de facto team principal Marcin Budkowski, and non-executive director Alain Prost.

here’s probably been more upheaval in the first 12 months of the Alpine era than the five years the team spent badged as Renault.

This team wouldn’t be called Alpine if Renault had full faith in its own F1 factory project.

'El Plan' speculation, maybe explained here!!!

https://the-race.com/formula-1/alpin...ed-as-renault/

Wolff warned ‘be careful what you wish for’ as questions about Masi replacement raised
Fans of Sir Lewis Hamilton are calling for Formula 1 race director Michael Masi to be axed after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
by James Clifford (Formula1News.co.uk)
29 January 202229 January 2022

Earlier this month, it was reported that Mercedes had agreed a “quid pro quo” with the FIA that will result in the Australian being replaced as race director prior to the 2022 Formula 1 season commencing in March. However, the Silver Arrows have reportedly denied striking any such deal with the FIA.

https://formula1news.co.uk/wolff-war...cement-raised/


FIA provide update on Michael Masi's future amid Mercedes' push for his sacking
Michael Masi's future as FIA race director has been up in the air ever since the dramatic and controversial ending to the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi, which saw Max Verstappen pip Lewis Hamilton to the title
By Liam Llewellyn
Sports Trends Writer
17:11, 31 Jan 2022

Recent reports have suggested that Hamilton is said to be waiting until the review is finished before deciding whether or not to continue racing.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that Hamilton was left "disillusioned" with F1 following the end to the 2021 season, and BBC Sport also reported that one senior source said Mercedes only dropped their Abu Dhabi appeal on the basis that Masi would be sacked.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...cedes-26098879


FIA strongly warned against using Masi as ‘sacrificial lamb’ after Abu Dhabi controversy
Max Verstappen beat Sir Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 championship in controversial fashion.
by Rob Kershaw
27 January 202227 January 2022

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was on the radio to Masi to tell him that the finish was “so not right,” before the Brackley-based team would eventually drop an appeal against the championship classification.

The FIA have begun an investigation into what happened in the four minutes between Masi’s contradictory decisions. Since then, the Silver Arrows have reportedly denied reports that the rescindment was contingent on the dismissal of Masi and FIA head of single-seater technical matters Nikolas Tombazis.

https://formula1news.co.uk/brundle-w...rificial-lamb/


Masi made the ‘right decision’ despite it being not a ‘great call’ for Hamilton
Romain Grosjean maintains that Max Verstappen won the world championship over the course of the whole season, not just the final round in Abu Dhabi.
by Rob Kershaw
25 January 202225 January 2022

“There’s a few ways of seeing it, it would have been very strange to not unlap those cars and have Lewis first and then Max four [five] cars behind over one lap for the World Championship,” he told reporters during an Indy 500 press conference.

“On the other hand, for Lewis it was definitely not a great call, but as a TV fan, as a spectator, for the sport, I think Michael Masi make the right decision.”

“I don’t think the championship would have been nice to finish under the Safety Car,” he affirmed. “It would not have been nice to finish with the guys being separated on track being first and second separated by a few cars.”

https://formula1news.co.uk/masi-righ...call-hamilton/


New VAR-style system on the way for Formula 1?
Date published: January 29 2022 - Mark Scott

Brace yourself…for video assistant referees (VAR), or a modified version of it, could form part of Formula 1’s plans to reform in 2022.

The clock is ticking on the FIA and Formula 1 to agree and implement changes on how the sport is to be governed and refereed in future following the hugely controversial title finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2021.

One element that looks almost certain is the introduction of a new structure that will take all of the responsibilities of the race director and spread them out across multiple people rather than just one person being solely in charge.

And, according to German publication Motorsport-Magazin, that structure could include a central hub of video assistants that will help advise Race Control throughout a Formula 1 race week, much like a panel of officials do in football, feeding back and advising to the referees in the thick of the action.

Further analysis;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/new-va...-in-formula-1/

7 key rule changes for the 2022 season
Special contributor: Chris Medland
Formula 1 Feature

Brand new cars have been an area of major focus for the teams over the past 12 months, and we’ll soon see them in action when pre-season testing gets underway. But that’s not the only thing that is different this year compared to last season, and there is plenty more to look out for when it comes to changes in 2022.

1. Frozen power units

2. A return to a two-part pre-season test

3. A tightening of aerodynamic testing restrictions

4. A lower budget cap level

5. A new weekend format

6. Mandatory practice outings for rookies

7. New tyre regulations

More details;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...xxw6r5yDS.html


The 25 most influential people in Formula 1
‎Author Dieter Rencken
27‎ ‎January‎ ‎11‎:‎00

RacingNews365.com presents its first-ever 'Power List' ahead of the 2022 F1 season, capturing the most powerful and influential people involved in the sport today.

In formulating the first RacingNews365 'Power List' we applied two criteria: the levels of power and influence individuals have to disrupt Formula 1, for better or worse. Five senior journalists submitted their respective top 10 lists based on the above parameters; these were tallied, distilled, obvious anomalies purified, and our Top 25 arrived at.

In depth analysis;

https://racingnews365.com/the-25-mos...e-in-formula-1


Norris on why he's 'happy and confident' to be a mental health pioneer in Formula 1
24 January 2022

McLaren’s Lando Norris has spoken about tackling the unwarranted stigma surrounding those who open up about their mental health, with the 22-year-old having said that he’s “proud” to be an athlete that stands up for those who are struggling.

Norris has spoken candidly about his own mental health struggles, particularly those that hit him hard during his 2019 debut season. The Briton, along with team mate Daniel Ricciardo and other members of the McLaren team, has also been proactive in working with the squad’s chosen mental health charity Mind.

Further details;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...sGUIn2ZHb.html


Feature
DIARY DATES: The 2022 F1 calendar, pre-season testing and car launch schedule
14 January 2022

Aston Martin February 10

McLaren February 11

AlphaTauri February 14

Ferrari February 17

Mercedes February 18

Alpine February 21

Details found here;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...7YlNWypNf.html


Formula 1 Feature
2022 F1 GRID: All the drivers and teams racing this season
05 January 2022

Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton – #44
George Russell – #63

Red Bull
Max Verstappen – #1
Sergio Perez – #11

Ferrari
Charles Leclerc – #16
Carlos Sainz – #55

McLaren
Daniel Ricciardo – #3
Lando Norris – #4

Alpine
Fernando Alonso – #14
Esteban Ocon – #31

AlphaTauri
Pierre Gasly – #10
Yuki Tsunoda – #22

Aston Martin
Sebastian Vettel – #5
Lance Stroll – #18

Williams
Nicholas Latifi – #6
Alex Albon – #23

Alfa Romeo
Zhou Guanyu – #24
Valtteri Bottas – #77

Haas
Nikita Mazepin – #9
Mick Schumacher – #47

Further details;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...9GNMZcE5m.html

Felipe Massa ‘not surprised’ by Ferrari’s downfall in Formula One
Ferrari last won the world championship in 2007
Sarah Rendell
01 Feb 2022, 11:31

“That did not surprise me,” he told Spanish daily AS. “Ferrari’s best years were with [Michael] Schumacher, then 2006, 2007, 2008.”

“After 2009, Ferrari was no longer the team of the hour. There have been many changes and it is important to keep a cool head. That is difficult at Ferrari.”

Difficulties about keeping a cool head at Ferrari;

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b2004256.html


Massa ‘not surprised’ by Ferrari’s decline
Date published: January 31 2022 - Michelle Foster

He (Massa) added: “Ferrari’s problem is not a driver problem, it’s a car problem, a team problem. Sainz and Leclerc form a very important driver pairing.”

Looking ahead to this season and its all-new cars, Massa reckons Formula 1 will most likely again witness a Red Bull versus Mercedes battle for the big prizes. But, he adds, Ferrari and McLaren will likely get involved.

“If there are big changes there can be surprises, although that’s difficult,” he said. “I think the big teams will still be at the top, like Mercedes and Red Bull. But maybe also Ferrari or McLaren. Usually the big teams are more likely to start the year at the top.”

https://www.planetf1.com/news/felipe...rrari-decline/


Two big questions for Ferrari in 2022: Can the Scuderia hit the ground running as F1’s new era gets under way?
31 January 2022

Will Ferrari shake off their chequered ‘new regulation’ history?

Two of F1’s biggest regulation overhauls in recent years – namely 2009 and 2014 – did not got well for Ferrari.

Can the Scuderia return to their form of 2019?

Singapore 2019 was the last time a Ferrari took a victory in Formula 1, the team enjoying a purple 'post-summer break' patch that year that saw them take six poles on the bounce, and win three races. Getting back to that level of performance – of the red cars turning up at a race weekend and being counted among the favourites – is where Ferrari would dearly love to find themselves in 2022.

Questions, questions… …speculation;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...A8k3El7Yl.html


Horner: ‘If Ferrari crush us in the first race, you can say we suffered’ from 2021 title battle
Red Bull are optimistic that they will remain competitive in 2022 after the major changes to the technical regulations.
by Rob Kershaw
1 February 20221 February 2022

Team principal Christian Horner is not sure where the regulation changes will leave Red Bull in the standings next season, and jovially suggested that being beaten by Ferrari would display their frailties after 2021’s titanic championship fight.

“If Ferrari will come out with the fastest car and crush us all in the first race, you can certainly say that we have suffered from the intense title battle,” he joked.

https://formula1news.co.uk/horner-fe...-title-battle/


CMA CGM’s CEVA Logistics becomes official partner of Ferrari
By Antonis Karamalegkos
January 26, 2022

CEVA Logistics will provide all logistics support services for the Scuderia Ferrari cars and equipment for Grand Prix events, as well as for the GT racing series and other Ferrari Challenge events.

As a team partner of Scuderia Ferrari, CEVA Logistics will have its logo featured on the new 2022 Scuderia Ferrari single seater, as well as on team trucks and driver and pit crew equipment and apparel.

https://container-news.com/cma-cgms-...er-of-ferrari/

Mercedes respond to claims Lewis Hamilton's 2022 car failed FIA crash test
Reigning constructors' champions Mercedes have reacted to reports that Lewis Hamilton's new W13 car for the upcoming 2022 season had failed its FIA safety crash test.
By Fraser Watson
Sports Trends Writer
12:22, 1 Feb 2022

Mercedes have issued a strong rebuttal to claims that Lewis Hamilton's car failed a crash test in the lead up to the 2022 F1 season.

Team members have been working vigorously on their new W13 vehicle, as they seek to adapt to major changes in regulations ahead of the opening race of the season in Bahrain on March 20.

However, a report that first appeared in the Italian version of Motorsport.com claimed that the Silver Arrows, the constructors' champions for the past eight seasons, had this month failed the crash test last on the side of the car.

Mercedes have now clarified the rumours though, by issuing a statement confirming their W13 model "completed its FIA homologation process on January 13 2022."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...-test-26105260


Mercedes quash failed FIA crash test claim, Red Bull rumour remains
Mercedes has quickly quashed a claim that their 2022 Formula 1 car failed an FIA crash test.
Ben Issatt
Formula 1
01 February 2022

On Sunday, a report by Motorsport Italy stated the Brackley-based team had attempted to pass an extreme design concept for the W13 but had fallen foul of a side impact test.

As a result, Mercedes had to "resort to Plan B" for the car which will be officially launched and shaken down at Silverstone on February 18.

On Monday, however, the team took a cheeky dig at the rumour with a tweet confirming the W13 had been given the green light by the FIA in mid-January.

https://www.insideracing.com/formula...rumour-remains


Mercedes denies failing 2022 crash test
ANDREW MAITLAND
FEBRUARY 1, 2022

“The new chassis will be around twice as strong on the side as compared to before,” FIA technical boss and well-respected F1 car designer Nikolas Tombazis told Auto Motor und Sport.

“The energy that needs to be absorbed has increased by about 80 percent,” he added. “We are researching how this value can be increased in the future.”

https://grandpx.news/mercedes-denies...22-crash-test/


Formula 1: Top Mercedes figure outlines 'huge challenge' teams face with new 2022 regulations
By George Dagless
Published: 01 Feb 2022, 12:32

Mercedes Technical Director Mike Elliott has explained how the new cars for 2022 will be dramatically different from 2021 and previous seasons, with him stating that it has been a huge challenge for the Silver Arrows, and every team, to meet the new regulations.

“I think the most visible difference will be the aerodynamic shape of the car. Not only are the aerodynamics different, but the whole way the regulations are constructed is completely different.”

“With such a significant aerodynamic change pretty much all the components underneath the skin of the car need to change.”

Further technical analysis;

https://www.givemesport.com/1831703-...22-regulations


Mercedes sees performance of new cars 'relatively similar' to 2021
Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott believes there will be little performance difference between this year's cars and last season's machines, although they will look very different.
Phillip van Osten31/01/2022 at 17:51

Elliott sees the performance of F1's new-spec cars as being "relatively similar" to their predecessors.

"The overall performance of the new cars is probably not going to be very different from the old," Elliott said in a special video released by Mercedes on its YouTube channel.

"Obviously the intention of these regulations was to try and improve overtaking, and it will be a little bit of time before we can see whether that's actually happened.

"The car is a bit heavier, the power unit on the E10 fuel is going to perform slightly differently, and the way the aerodynamics are going to work and the set-up of the car that goes with it will be different as well. Until we get the best out of that, until we've developed that through testing and the first few races, we're not really going to know.”

https://f1i.com/news/431140-mercedes...r-to-2021.html

Honda: Recovering lost power due to E10 fuel 'difficult'.
Honda says F1's switch this season to E10 fuel has led to a loss of power for its engine that it is struggling to recover, and the Japanese manufacturer reckons its rivals are facing a similar challenge.
Michael Delaney02/02/2022 at 08:2302/02/2022 at 09:04

The fuel switch has impacted the new engines' performance, but just how much power output has been lost due to the change is a closely guarded secret according to Honda's power unit manager Yasuaki Asagi.

"That's a secret," said the Japanese engineer, quoted by Motorsport.com. "It seems that other companies say it's about the same but, on the contrary, making such an announcement means that it's difficult to get the same power as last year."

Further information;

https://f1i.com/news/431191-honda-re...difficult.html


Rivals downplaying impact of 2022 F1 fuel, says Honda
By: Jonathan Noble
Co-author: Ken Tanaka
Jan 30, 2022, 8:52 AM

Honda believes that other Formula 1 manufacturers are deliberately playing down the difficulty all of them are facing in recovering power lost due to a switch to more sustainable fuel.

(Honda’s Yasuaki) Asagi said that the challenge of the new fuel had not been easy, although there were some hidden benefits from the change.

“The response to E10 fuel is the largest [challenge],” he said. “The engine architecture had already been set (with the new 2021 power unit) so we have made changes to bring out the best performance with E10 fuel.

"When it comes to E10 fuel, the power and energy that it has with the same weight are reduced. That is the characteristic of alcohol fuel.

Further technical details;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/r...honda/7732959/


No, Honda Says It Hasn’t Agreed to New Red Bull F1 Engine Deal Past 2022.
Reports last week claimed a deal was made through 2025, though Honda tells us that's not the case.
BY HAZEL SOUTHWELL JANUARY 31, 2022

When that quote came out, some outlets reported it as gospel that what Marko said was happening. The Drive reached out to both Red Bull and Honda to check in on the story, though, which seems far from set in stone.

For its part, Red Bull downplayed the story and told me that nothing was agreed despite Marko's comments. Honda got back to me to confirm that "Honda will support Red Bull Powertrains in building the 2022 PU and also provide trackside and race operation support from HRC throughout the 2022 season. And we received a request from Red Bull to extend the period, however we have not yet decided at the moment."

More detail;

https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator...deal-past-2022


HOW CHANGED RED BULL-HONDA F1 DEAL WILL WORK FROM 2022
Jan 26 2022
By Scott Mitchell

Next month the first Red Bull-badged Formula 1 engine will hit the track for the first time. But it is a Red Bull engine only in name. It has also long been known that Honda planned to develop that 2021 F1 engine in the background, so Red Bull could inherit an up-to-date specification from 2022.

This was vital for two reasons. First, an engine development freeze is coming in two phases – the internal combustion engine, MGU-H, turbocharger, fuel and oil specifications will be frozen from March 1 and the MGU-K, energy store and control electronics from September 1.

Second, and linked to this, is that F1 fuels are changing for this season with the increase from a 5% biofuel component to 10%. This has caused a power deficit of around 20bhp for all manufacturers according to Ferrari and required adjustments to re-optimise the internal combustion engine.

Further interesting technical details;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/how-c...ork-from-2022/


THE CONSEQUENCES OF HONDA’S LACK OF F1 COMMITMENT
Jan 23 2022
By Scott Mitchell

The four eras are Honda’s first works entry as a constructor (1964-1968); its first dedicated stint as an engine supplier in which it won titles with Williams and McLaren (1983-1992); returning as a works engine manufacturer before taking full ownership of its partner team BAR (2000-2008); and the V6 turbo-hybrid era that began with McLaren and ended with Red Bull (2015-2021).

Whichever way the four eras are viewed, they show Honda never had a consistent idea of how best to be represented in F1 and that it cannot be trusted to stick around.

Further discussion;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-c...f1-commitment/

Why F1 2022 could be the most exciting season ever.
With huge changes being made to the F1 rulebook for 2022, our journalists Dieter Rencken, Mike Seymour and Thomas Maher look ahead to the new season.
Author Thomas Maher
5‎ ‎January‎ ‎11‎:‎30

Which teams and drivers could spring an upset in the new season? Analysing the changes for 2022 are F1 journalists Dieter Rencken, Mike Seymour and Thomas Maher, who offer their thoughts and predictions ahead of car launches and pre-season testing.

Audio link found here;

https://racingnews365.com/why-f1-202...ng-season-ever


FIA expects ‘more exciting’ 2022 F1 season with ‘more cars in the mix’ for Grand Prix wins
Teams like Alfa Romeo and Haas could have more race wins under their belt this season
Sarah Rendell
Friday, 21st Jan 2022. 14:10

“It is difficult to expect it to be more exciting than [2021] because that is a very high point of reference,” said Tombazis, quoted by Autosport. “But I think once there’s a bit of convergence, I think there will be more cars in the mix and I think that would be positive.

“When I was looking at some old championships, I read recently we once had 11 winners in a year and you could win a championship with a few wins. I’m not saying we will get to that point, but of course I think to have more variability would be good.

More exciting expections;

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-b1997937.html


Formula 1: Toto Wolff predicting new race winners in exciting comments about sport's next era
By George Dagless
Published: 21 Jan 2022, 10:35

Toto Wolff, though, is suggesting that with the budget cap and new technical guidance, things are going to close right up and get more competitive – which can only be a good thing:

“I believe that the budget cap will bring a lot of things into line,” Wolff told Auto Motor und Sport. “If one finds a loophole and runs away with it, everyone will copy it. The cars will all be very similar. There may still be differences in the first year.”

“After that it will even out. There will no longer be a team that is a second ahead. Of course, the teams that had deep pockets were not particularly happy about the fact that an advantage was taken away from us.”

More on Toto Wolff predictions;

https://www.givemesport.com/1825000-...ports-next-era


NEXT GEN: 20 of the most exciting up-and-coming talents on the road to F1
F2 & F3 editor
Craig Draycott
22 January 2022

From karting sensations to Formula 1-ready racers, and all of the budding junior talent in between, we look at 20 of the hottest prospects striving to make it to F1, ranked in descending order according to their age – and detail why, and where, you should be watching them in 2022.

Formula 1 exciting prospects;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...4FlQezFC6.html


The data that suggests Carlos Sainz should be Ferrari's No1 driver
F1
January 17th 2022
Carlos Sainz finished ahead in the drivers' championship but did Charles Leclerc have the better season? This is what the stats say

Which of the Ferrari duo had the better 2021 season? It's tough to call...

Ferrari has two of Formula 1’s biggest talents under one roof in Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. The former is a grand prix winner with the Prancing Horse already while the latter’s arrival at Maranello has been mightily impressive.

‘Stats’ and discussion;

https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...m-mate-battle#