Column | The one question which is gripping the world of Formula One

With both winter testing sessions wrapped up and the first race of the season right on the doorstep, many would think that a lot has been revealed as to how the season will shape up. However, we take a closer look at the one question which is gripping the world of Formula One. 

The cars

It’s almost a case of: “you name it, it’s changed” for the 2022 season. The new cars which the teams have presented are incredibly different in almost every way. Rolled rear-wing tips, significant use of the ground effect, 18-inch wheels, shorter wheelbases, limited “on-body” aero, altered rear suspension and tyre winglets are just some of the massive changes coming to the new generation of cars this season. With these changes comes a sense of uncertainty. Teams will have had to gather as much data as possible, either through simulations or on-track laps, to try and understand the effects of each component on the car. Along with this, they would have also had to understand their own philosophies applied to the car. Each team has displayed their angle of approach, especially when it comes to the front wing and sidepod construction. With this, teams will need to understand their own approaches, how they differ from their competitors and how they can successfully add upgrades into the future.

The driver 

Even though there have been very few changes in the driver market, there are a lot of unknowns surrounding each driver in the grid. Will Daniel Ricciardo be able to recover from his slump in form? Will Kevin Magnussen be able to adapt and perform consistently when the season starts? Will Max Verstappen retain his championship success? Each and every driver is surrounded by these question marks, even more so with the new regulations. While estimations can be made, with references to their previous seasons, a consistent platform and environment is something that each driver lacks for this coming season. Each driver is eagerly eyeing the new season’s opportunities, with high excitement for their start to their new era.

What we can tell

The few assumptions that can be derived all heavily revolve around the number of laps put in by the teams through testing. Teams with a higher amount have obviously built a much more reliable car, with components able to withstand the wear and tear of repetitive tours of the circuit. It also displays how well the car is able to be set up so that it can meet the driver’s needs. If the drivers were feeling more uncomfortable with the car, the driver would pit to allow for the incremental changes to the setup in order to feel more comfortable. Other than that, we can also tell which cars seem “planted” when they are being pushed. If there is a high amount of stability on the fast laps, drivers won’t have to fear sudden snaps of oversteer or a car that is difficult to handle. With this, drivers can build more confidence, bed into the vehicle quicker and set out on their fast laps with greater success.

Overall, we are left with more questions than answers, even after the two segments of winter testing. The constructors all have had a good look at each other's cars to try to lift and replicate their ideas for the coming season. However, it will be the first race that gets the ball rolling and truly reveals all. Make sure not to miss the coming Bahrain Grand Prix!