New F1 rules and car changes for 2022
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Formula One has implemented major changes for the 2022 season to improve racing and try to make the series more competitive
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Wheels: 13-inch abandoned in favour of 18-inch rims with low-profile tyres

2021
13-in
660mm

2022
18-in
720mm

Engine: Cars retain 1.6-litre V6 turbo-hybrid units. Shift to E10 fuel – comprising 10% ethanol – to reduce CO2 emissions

Rear wing
New “rolled tips” lift wake high into air and over following car

Over-wheel winglets: Re-direct air away from rear wing

Front wing
Simpler shape designed to generate consistent downforce when running close behind another car

Wheel covers 
Smooth out wake from wheels

Drag reduction system (DRS) Due to remain on rear wing for 2022 season
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AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE 2021: Drivers complain about “dirty air” churned off leading car

Clean air
Downforce loss 47% at 10m

Trailing car loses downforce, making it slower in turns

Dirty air
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2022: Changes aim to make it easier for drivers to race closer together and give more chances of overtaking

No bargeboards 

Dirty air: Higher, narrower wake

Clean air

Underfloor tunnels: Allow teams to generate downforce through aerodynamic concept known as “ground effect”

Downforce loss 18% at 10m
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SAFETY FEATURES

Chassis: Needs to absorb 48% more energy in front impact tests (15% at rear)

Power unit
Designed to separate from chassis without exposing fuel tank in event of severe crash

Longer nose
Helps dissipate energy in crash

Side structures
Stronger to resist T-bone incidents

Components: Some parts covered in rubber membrane to stop them shattering so easily on impact
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OTHER CHANGES 

Minimum car weight
Increased by around 5%, from 752kg to 790kg

Budget cap
Team spend on car performance limited to $140m during calendar year

Schedule
New three-day race weekend – media session moved to Friday morning

Rookies
Teams will have to give some Friday practice sessions to junior drivers

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Sources: AP, Autosport, Formula 1.com, Pirelli
Picture: Newscom

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