Brawn predicts wider gaps between teams from 2022: 'Going to take a step back'

Where this year the teams on the grid are closer to each other in terms of speed and performance than many previous years, F1 sporting director Ross Brawn sees this situation quickly evaporating from 2022 onwards. The Formula One expert argues that the new regulations will unquestionably make for a less competitive situation, although he does not see this getting in the way of excitement on the track.

Asked about the possibility of a further dispersed grid as a result of the new regulations in 2022, Brawn replied, "Yes, I think that's exactly what could happen." This reports the Briton in conversation with PlanetF1.

"We're enjoying a vintage year," the sporting director continues, "but the cars are still incredibly difficult when they are following each other, so we could potentially take a step back in terms of closeness of the field."

Nevertheless, Brawn believes that the new regulatory situation will also lend itself to excitement and thrills: "I think we will see in the next couple of years some great racing," he predicts.

More testing opportunities

One of the options to ensure that teams can get off to the best possible start in 2022 is, in Brawn's view, a longer pre-season test. “I think for 2022 we will have a longer pre-season test, or a series of tests", he argues.

"Because with the new car we have to give the teams time to really understand and settle in, so I think we are anticipating having at least two tests pre-season", Brawn concludes.