The cars of 2022 follow each other better, the drivers are satisfied

It was one of the main points to achieve with the new regulations: to facilitate overtaking and make it easier for cars to follow each other. The first tests in Barcelona have yielded an initial assessment, and it has proven to be particularly positive.

Indeed, the majority of drivers are quite unanimous in saying that cars follow each other better in traffic and that dirty air is less of a problem than in previous years.

“It’s quite interesting because I would say that from three seconds to one second behind the car in front, in fact, you can follow each other more closely,” said Charles Leclerc. “Then, from one second to five tenths, I would say it’s similar to the feeling I had last year. And then, from five tenths to being extremely close, well, it’s much better than last year. It’s nice and interesting. I’ll have to do a few more laps behind a car, but it looks good for now,” added Leclerc.

It’s the same story from his garage neighbor, Carlos Sainz, who explains that he has already felt a real difference.

(I) I have already felt some differences. It’s already quite evident. And I am relatively positive about it, and optimistic that I think it is going in the right direction. » the Spanish person confides.

On the side of the reigning world champion Max Verstappen, the opinion is more moderate but still emphasizes the smoother behaviors in the Dirty air.

« I followed a few cars, and it seems that it’s a bit easier to stay behind. At least, you don’t have that strange loss of downforce where you suddenly have a lot of understeer or massive oversteer. Of course, I don’t expect it to be completely gone and for you to be able to follow on the rear diffuser, due to the speeds we still reach in an F1, but everything feels a bit more under control. The cars are doing well. » declared the Red Bull driver.

If single-seaters have suffered from various issues, notably the particularly impressive phenomenon of “porpoising,” the fact that the single-seaters are less aerodynamically disturbed suggests good things for the on-track spectacle.

Returning to F1 after a year’s absence, Williams driver Alexander Albon also admitted to having a good feeling with this type of car, whereas he was originally quite pessimistic.

The initial feeling is good. Obviously, I haven’t been running for a while, so it’s a bit more challenging on that front. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was able to stay in turns 2 and 3, because I was expecting worse. So the feeling is really positive.

The second preseason testing session will take place in Bahrain from March 10th to 12th. Another opportunity to get acquainted with these new models before the start of the competition on the same track on Sunday, March 20th.