MOTORSPORT: 2022 Formula 1 prototype race car revealed

A new generation of Formula 1 cars, which promise closer racing with greener credentials, is being readied for action in 2022.

The prototype for the new grand prix racers has been built by Formula 1 and was revealed in the lead-up to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Teams are now working on their own cars, which are likely to be similar in style but different in detail, for next year’s world championship.

The most obvious change is a switch to 18-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli tyres.

But the car’s aerodynamics have also been radically simplified, there are more controlled components and the FIA is also working on fully synthetic fuel for the 2025 season after a first step to E10 ethanol in 2022.

“This is the start of a new journey. The race-ability of these new cars is going to be vital to the future of Formula 1,” said F1’s managing director of motorsport, and former F1 team owner, Ross Brawn.

“We do that because we want to entertain the fans. The whole objective behind this has been closer racing.

“We want the best drivers to win. We want much closer competition.”

The 2022 technical package comes after the introduction of an F1 financial cap and ahead of the change to an all-new mechanical package, beyond the current turbo V8 hybrids but somewhere short of a fully-electric drivetrain, in 2025.

The presentation of the 2022 car was made in front of all 20 of this year’s drivers, but it was not their first experience with the car.

“We’ve already tried it on the simulator and it is a very different car to drive,” said Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Formula 1 has done many millions of computer simulations to develop the car, as well as testing a range of prototypes in the highly advanced Sauber wind tunnel in Switzerland.

The objective is to cut the aerodynamic influence on F1 racing, both in the way it is used to produce grip and to reduce the ‘aero wash’ impact on cars following each other closely.

The obvious changes are simplified front and rear wings, but there are also wheel covers to restrict airflow and spats over the tyres.

More of the aero grip is expected to come from beneath the bodywork in a similar way to the ‘ground effect’ F1 cars of the 1980s, allowing less disturbance behind the car.

F1 says the 2022 cars will be much safer, with stronger front and side-impact structures, and must absorb 48 and 15 per cent more energy respectively in the front and rear impact tests needed to certify a chassis.