The excitement around the new era of Formula 1 is ramping up so let’s taking a look at the sweeping technical changes that will be introduced this year.
Closer racing is the name of the game here with a new aerodynamic philosophy aimed at helping cars follow each other much closer through the corners without losing downforce.
The cutting-edge turbo-hybrid engines will also evolve, with more standardised parts plus E10 biofuel, which is part of F1’s commitment to making a fully sustainable fuel in the future.
Safety changes, plus 18-inch Pirelli tyres, wake-control winglets and wheel covers will also feature on the new-for-2022 cars.
Ahead of the 23-race 2022 season, watch the video above to find out more about the new breed of F1 machines.
Mercedes teases image of W13 F1 car for 2022 rules overhaul
F1 is undergoing its biggest-ever rules overhaul this year, with a brand new car part of a set of regulations aimed at creating greater competition between the teams and producing closer, more exciting racing.
The 2022 cars will look strikingly different to their predecessors thanks to new aerodynamic regulations based around a ground-effect philosophy and the inclusion of a simplified front wing, endplate and a prescriptively-shaped rear wing.
Wheel covers will adorn Pirelli’s new 18-inch tyres for F1’s era as the world championship moves away from its long-used 13-inch compounds.
On New Year’s Day, Mercedes became the first team to provide a glimpse of the new generation of F1 cars by sharing a silhouette of what appears to be its W13 challenger, or a very early iteration of it.
Up until now, F1 had only released renders of its radical new concept for 2022. A full-size model was also presented at last year’s British Grand Prix for promotional purposes.
The image shared on social media by Mercedes featured the caption “New year, new Me-rcedes” and gave away little about the design that the German marque hopes will help it defend its constructors’ world title for a ninth consecutive year.
New year. New Me-rcedes. pic.twitter.com/y9SIEKaFhY
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 1, 2022
Only Mercedes’ logos are visible on the image which has been heavily darkened. It is not clear from the image whether the W13 will feature a black or silver livery.
However, a recent report by German publication Bild claimed that Mercedes is set to return to its traditional silver colour-scheme for the upcoming season after running its cars in an all-black, anti-racism livery for the past two years.
Last month, Mercedes published a short video revealing a successful first fire up of the new W13, with the Brackley-based outfit becoming the first F1 team to do so.
Mercedes remains the only team to have released any content relating to its 2022 car.
Another unique feature is that Mercedes has Returned To Silver Livery For 2022 F1 Season
Mercedes has returned to the silver livery for the 2022 season after running 2021 in black to support .
AC/DC may have said, back in black. But for, Mercedes AMG Petronas, they’re going back to the future.
The Silver Arrows will go back to the silver livery for the 2022 season after running with black last season, according to German site Bild. As noted, Mercedes won the constructors and driver championship in 2020 and 2019 with the silver livery.
Mercedes ran with black in 2021 as part of the continued Black Lives Matter social awareness initiative that has been so important to Sir Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who is Black, came less than one lap from winning his eighth F1 drivers’ championship after F1 race director Michael Masi allowed lapped cars in-between Hamilton and Max Verstappen to pass the safety car ahead of the last lap restart.
At the time of the announcement of the black livery for the team, Mercedes AMG Petronas made it clear they wished to see more inclusion and social justice. In a statement, they said, “For 2020, we have chosen to race in an all-black base livery as a public pledge to improve the diversity of our team – and a clear statement that we stand against racism and all forms of discrimination. The call to ‘End Racism’ will feature on the halo of both cars, and the united F1 initiative #WeRaceAsOne will be featured on the mirrors of the W11.”
Since then, Hamilton has kept the 2022 season on edge as rumors swirl that he may retire after the controversial finish to the season.
The move to silver is not seen as an affront to the Black Lives Matter effort by Mercedes. They, and Hamilton, are dedicated to stamping out racism. Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One announced in June of 2020 that the black livery would be just for the 2020 season. Hamilton has formed a panel to increase diversity in motorsports.
The move back to silver will see George Russell piloting his first year with Mercedes AMG Petronas back to the classic livery.
According to the Bild report, what has been rumored through the paddock for some time regarding the return to the silver livery was decided by the Mercedes AMG Petronas bosses in the season finale.
Mercedes has been quick to get into testing the new 2022 F1 car, not revealing much but showing next season’s engine being fired up.
The W13 car for 2022 will address downforce in traffic to increase passing, 18” wheels with low-profile tires, a new front nose, and wing design, changes to the aero kit, rolled-tipped rear wing, but the same engine as was speced for the 2021 season.
On top of the change in the car, F1 will continue to decrease the cap on spending in an effort to increase competition. The spending cap will drop from $145 million in 2021 to $140 million in 2022 and $135 million from 2023 forward.
