Sainz surprised: 'Thought everyone would come up with a similar design'

Carlos Sainz is surprised by the different designs the teams are coming up with in 2022. The rules have become a lot stricter as of this season, so the Spaniard assumed that the cars would be a lot more similar.

Different designs

On Thursday, Ferrari came up with one of its most striking designs to date. The sidepods of the new F1-75 are collapsing considerably, somewhat reminiscent of the McLaren MP4-26 from 2011. There are also big differences in designs of the nose and front wings seen in different teams.

Sainz said in conversation with Formule1.nl that he was surprised by the different designs. "The regulations were so strict that we all thought everyone would come up with a similar design," he said. Instead, so far the cars are very different and the teams are all interpreting the new regulations in their own way.

Many teams competing

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto said earlier that Ferrari has put 'heart and soul' into the car. In 2022 the Scuderia wants to join top teams Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. While that's a nice plan, Sainz also knows it won't happen by itself. "Teams like Alpine, McLaren and Aston Martin all have a chance to compete at the front," said the Spaniard.

Sainz will start his second year at Ferrari in 2022. The Spaniard had a strong first season with the Italian team and beat teammate Charles Leclerc in the final standings thanks to four podium finishes.