The lessons to be learned from the Barcelona trials

The first certainty of the Barcelona trials concerns the appearance of the cars. The new aerodynamics has produced truly superb results: the cars are streamlined, devoid of unsightly appendages, and feature an aggressive design. From an aesthetic standpoint, it is a success.

The liveries, as a whole, are well-crafted and very beautiful: Aston Martin has enhanced its “British Green”, reminiscent of the stunning Jaguars; Ferrari has darkened its red, and Mercedes has returned to its iconic silver color.

The pink of BWT on the blue of Alpine was the subject of questions, but the result is positive. We will just have to deal with a completely pink French car for the Bahrain and Jeddah races.

Ten cars all different.

Apart from the liveries, all the single-seaters have opted for technical solutions that are specific to them. Just take, for example, the hollowed-out sidepods of the Ferrari or the wide nose of the AlphaTauri.

Some feared that the 2022 regulations would lead to too little differences between the cars. That’s not the case, and it’s a good thing!

It is still quite difficult to know which car will make the difference. It is customary for all teams to hide their cards during winter testing. Better answers will be given in Bahrain, for the race weekend.

The tenors are still here, the pursuers are getting closer.

In the absence of a hierarchy, the winter tests in Barcelona were able to provide a glimpse of the teams’ strengths this year.

It is clear that Red Bull and Mercedes will always be at the top of the pack: Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time of the three days last week. Max Verstappen, now equipped with number 1, has shown confidence. His car is performing well, except for his teammate Sergio Pérez’s breakdown.

However, it is possible that the two leading teams will be caught up: McLaren and Ferrari seem to have a strong package, which has not failed to attract George Russell’s attention.

The dream scenario would be four teams and eight drivers in a position to win (and more if there’s a connection). It will all depend on one thing: the proper understanding of the new regulations.

The 2022 rules: between satisfactions and unexpected effects

The objective is achieved for engineers: the next-generation cars are capable of following each other at shorter distances in curves.

Over the years, Formula 1 cars have gained in aerodynamic downforce: the draft (slipstream) was indeed stronger, but it was impossible to stay behind another car for a long time. Carlos Sainz doesn’t complain about it!

But this year, it’s the opposite: these machines generate their downforce through the floor. This is more akin to mechanical grip, through the ground effect.

In return, the drivers experienced two surprising effects: the first of them is the phenomenon known as “porpoising” (see the full explanation here!). The cars bounce in a straight line. Not good for the vertebrae, so to speak…

And then, a worrying drawback: a lower suction than last year. Less aerodynamic support on the surface means a decrease in this suction. This would paradoxically pose a problem for the following car.

Hamilton-Verstappen: the time for revenge has come.

Despite doubts looming over his future, Lewis Hamilton will indeed be at the start of the 2022 season.

He will set off for a historic eighth world title. The defeat in Abu Dhabi, on the contrary, did not harm him!

But for the seven-time world champion, one must be wary of a hungry George Russell, who represents the future of Formula 1.

The question remains whether 2022 will be a repeat of 2021. Or perhaps it will be impossible to be more intense. Or maybe this year will be even crazier.

So many questions waiting for answers, which will come on March 10th: the second wave of winter testing, one week before the first race of the season!