PREDICTING WHO COULD BE DARK HORSES IN 2022
The 2022 season is fast approaching and the hype is certainly building ahead of the season opener in Bahrain. Understandably the eyes of the F1 world are on Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton as they resume their duel, but what about some of the other characters, those who might be going under the radar and might cause a bit of a shock. Who might be a dark horse in 2022.
Ferrari
Now this one is a weird one because many Formula 1 fans are backing Ferrari to be title contenders, especially with the new rules being introduced. However, their form over the last few years has been below par and inconsistent which is probably a bit generous but that’s exactly why they are dark horses. They arguably have the best driver lineup on the grid in the form of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, it’s fast, dynamic and immensely entertaining. There’s no doubting their drivers, but it all depends on what package they can bring. They may be fancied by many but their form in recent years is what makes them dark horses.
Alex Albon
Having spent a year away from the full time grid, Alex Albon is back and with a rejuvenated Williams, he could be one to look out for. I don’t expect Williams to tear it up and challenge at the front of the midfield, but I think they are on the up for sure and will be in and around the midfield. Nicholas Latifi will continue to be a tidy driver, but I expect Albon to be the leader, a role he thrived in at AlphaTauri. I have high hopes for Albon who also has valuable experience and information, so as long as Williams can provide him with the materials it could be a great move for both.
Yuki Tsunoda
From a former-AlphaTauri driver to a current one. It’s fair to say Yuki Tsunoda had a rough first year in Formula 1, and it was compounded by two things, the hype surrounding him, and the immense form of Pierre Gasly. The Frenchman is in a different league to Tsunoda but 2022 is a real opportunity for the young Japanese driver, to show he is able to kick it in the pinnacle. Time is definitely on his side, and with a year under his belt which did show improvements, Tsunoda might be one to look out for.
The Red Bull Engine
Last year I said the Ferrari engine was one to look out for as a dark horse, and this year I’ve picked rival Red Bull’s power unit as one to watch. Red Bull are entering their first year developing their own power unit, and I think it could go one of two ways; Nothing changes and they stay competitive at the top with probably the second strongest engine, or they completely nose dive. Red Bull have a massive job on their hands developing their own engine and it will be interesting to see how they fare, although they will still have some assistance from Honda. They are one to keep an eye because no one really knows what they could produce, it could be incredible or incredibly bad.
Mick Schumacher
Alright, alright, I know what you are saying, Haas have been about as useful as a chocolate teapot for the last couple of seasons and their performances have been woeful. So what’s to say 2022 is going to be any different, and why Mick Schumacher? Well, Mick is young and obviously talented but it’s a massive year for him to really start to make moves and show he’s more than just a talent. Mick is the obvious number one at Haas and he’s got a chance to shine or at least do better than many expect. Expectations are through the floor at Haas and that might help young Mick thrive with the pressure off. It’s a big year for Schumacher Jr!
