Ricciardo realistic: 'Formula 1 will resemble Formula 2 in 2022'

Formula 1 is going to look different in 2022 because of the new regulations. Daniel Ricciardo is particularly concerned that Formula 1 will increasingly resemble Formula 2.

2021 was a difficult year for the Australian. He won the race at Monza, but otherwise team-mate Lando Norris managed to get the better results more often. Ricciardo had to adjust his driving style to make the most of the McLaren car, but it was very unnatural for him.

The new regulations may help Ricciardo, but the former Red Bull Racing driver is not so sure yet. He's still not sure what to expect from the new cars, and is therefore questioning the new aerodynamic set-up. "Now they are going to look more like Formula 2 cars, because they are going to be significantly lower at the rear. I'm sure it will affect the balance of the car," he told Autosprint.

New era

Even though they do not know everything just yet, many drivers are ready for the new challenge, including the McLaren driver. There are still plenty of circuits where it is difficult to follow and overtake other cars. The 'honey badger' hopes that this will improve. "The sensations behind the wheel should be totally different and I really hope it will be a new era for Formula 1."

The 32-year-old driver especially hopes he can start scoring more points. He finished last season eighth with 115 points. Teammate Norris was sixth with 160 points, after being in third place for a long time. McLaren was overtaken by Ferrari at the end of the season and so the team finished fourth in the Constructors' Championship.