2022 - A Look Ahead

[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 .

[Fortitude]

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/

[Fortitude]

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

[Fortitude]

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/

[Fortitude]

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

[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/

[Zico]

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/

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?

[Fortitude]

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

[Fortitude]

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

[Fortitude]

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