In this comprehensive motorsport round-up, we delve into critical developments across Formula 1 and IndyCar as the 2022 seasons approach. From driver concerns about new F1 car designs to ongoing investigations into past controversies and the final stages of pre-season preparations, the world of racing is abuzz with anticipation.
Key Motorsport Updates
New F1 Wheel Fairings Pose Visibility Challenge for Drivers, Says Lando Norris
McLaren’s Lando Norris has voiced concerns regarding potential limitations to driver visibility in the upcoming 2022 Formula 1 season. With the introduction of new 18-inch wheels and mandatory wheel fairings, drivers face an altered perspective, particularly when navigating the tight confines of street circuits like Monaco and Singapore.
The revised regulations for 2022 aim to revolutionize F1 car design, promising closer racing and a fresh aesthetic. However, these significant technical changes bring a steep learning curve for drivers. Norris highlighted that the compulsory wheel fairings, designed to manage airflow and reduce aerodynamic turbulence, could inadvertently obstruct drivers’ sightlines into critical corner apexes and barriers.
Speaking after McLaren unveiled their new MCL36 challenger, Norris underscored the minimal pre-season testing allocation for teams and drivers. With just two three-day tests scheduled, competitors will have a mere three days each to acclimatize to cars that are expected to handle dramatically differently from their predecessors. “It’s not a lot,” Norris commented, emphasizing the challenge of mastering an entirely new machine, both in terms of feel and physical appearance.
The British driver elaborated on the visual impact of the fairings, suggesting that the car’s overall perceived height might increase relative to trackside elements. He drew a parallel with drivers in Formula 2, who have already experienced similar visibility issues with larger wheels. “For certain tracks, it might be extremely different like Singapore or Monaco,” Norris explained. “One of my friends who’s in F2 said that they have to put cones on top of the barriers in places because the barriers were lower than the new tyres that we have, and that they can’t actually see where the barrier is, because the car looks higher than the barriers.” This anecdotal evidence from F2 underlines a tangible concern for F1 drivers, who operate at even higher speeds and closer proximity to walls on demanding street circuits. Adapting to the new visual cues, including the size of the front wing, will be a crucial aspect of early season performance.
FIA to Present Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Analysis Findings to F1 Commission
The motorsport world eagerly awaits further clarity on the controversial conclusion of the 2021 Formula 1 season finale. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is scheduled to deliver the initial findings of its “detailed analysis” into the events of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at a crucial F1 Commission meeting in London today.
Following the widely discussed Safety Car restart on the final lap of the race, which significantly influenced the championship outcome, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem mandated a formal investigation. This extensive inquiry, led by the governing body’s Secretary General for Sport, Peter Bayer, sought to meticulously review the circumstances and decisions made during the pivotal moments of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Today’s F1 Commission meeting represents a significant step in this process. This representative body comprises key stakeholders from Formula 1, including team principals who articulate the interests of all ten championship competitors. The presentation of the investigation’s initial findings to such a diverse group underscores the FIA’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness.
While the initial report will be shared with the F1 Commission, the FIA has confirmed that its final decisions and actions stemming from the investigation will be formally announced at the World Motor Sport Council meeting. This critical gathering is set to take place in Bahrain on Friday, March 18th, notably coinciding with the first practice session for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. The outcomes of this investigation are expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially shaping future sporting regulations and governance within Formula 1, while also aiming to restore confidence in the consistent application of rules.
Final IndyCar Pre-Season Test Commences at Sebring
Anticipation for the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season is building as teams and drivers descend upon the Sebring International Raceway in Florida for the final pre-season test. This crucial two-day session marks the last opportunity for competitors to fine-tune their cars and strategies before the championship officially gets underway.
Sebring, renowned for its challenging and historic circuit, offers a diverse mix of track characteristics that make it an ideal testing ground. Its notoriously bumpy surface, a legacy of its airfield origins, effectively simulates the conditions encountered on many of IndyCar’s street circuits, allowing teams to assess car performance and driver comfort over varied terrain. All 26 full-season drivers slated to compete in this year’s championship are participating, indicating the high stakes of this final preparation phase.
While the test spans two days, not all teams will be present for the entirety. Major outfits such as Andretti Autosport, McLaren SP, Chip Ganassi Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL), and Team Penske are scheduled to run exclusively during today’s session. This strategic decision often reflects varied testing programs, resource management, or a focus on specific setup validations. The limited testing period places immense pressure on engineers and drivers alike to maximize every minute on track, gathering critical data and optimizing car setups for the forthcoming season.
With this final test concluding, all eyes will turn to St. Petersburg, Florida, where the 2022 IndyCar season is scheduled to kick off with its first race on Sunday, February 27th. The insights gained from Sebring will be vital for teams as they finalize their preparations for what promises to be another thrilling season of open-wheel racing.
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Social Media Highlights
Catch up on notable posts from across social media platforms:
2 weeks ago I had to correct online rumours that @AstonMartinF1 wouldn’t be ready for the first test in Barcelona (see below); 2 days ago we became the first team to run our 2022 #F1 car on track. There are some great F1 journalists about, but don’t believe everything you read! https://t.co/DrsKIMYzsp
— Matt Bishop 🏳️🌈 🏁 (@TheBishF1) February 13, 2022
YEEESSSS 🤩 it’s P1 for @arthur_leclerc7 in the #FormulaRegionalAsia 👊
Well done!!#FDA @MumbaiFalcons pic.twitter.com/st5nRZ5I93
— Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy (@insideFDA) February 13, 2022
Check out this Instagram post: Behind the scenes from the paddock
- Discover more official F1 accounts to follow in our F1 Twitter Directory
Further Reading and Motorsport Links
Here’s a selection of interesting motor racing articles and resources from around the web:
Hamilton looks ‘totally focused’ on the 2022 campaign says Domenicali (Formula 1)
“From what I see in the picture he has posted, he seems to be totally focused on this year’s challenge that, sporting-wise, will be very interesting. We are all looking forward to seeing how the new cars behave and sure this will be as exciting as the last one.”
Once again Max wins the Bathurst 12 Hour with Team Redline: ‘Went super’ (Verstappen.com)
“It was great to race, the car went super, just like last year even though we had a different car then. Our young protégé Luke drove a solid race, which is enjoyable to see. It is great that we could win this race together for Team Redline.””
Five reasons why Williams Racing fans should be excited for 2022 (Williams)
“It’s a new dawn for the sport and there are plenty of reasons why fans should be giddy with anticipation for what promises to be an enthralling spectacle. We’ve rounded them up into five handy points so you know what to keep an eye out for this year.”
Job listing: Social Media Executive (Mercedes)
“We have an exciting opportunity in our Communications Team to become Social Media Executive for one of the world’s leading sports franchises. We are aiming to set the standard in social media and across the digital ecosystem – and we are looking for the right candidate to deliver that ambition.”
Max Verstappen invited to Stefanos Tsitsipas’ party ahead of Rotterdam Open final (Express)
“Max, if you’re watching this, you’re invited. If he wins, come to Rotterdam. There I arranged it. Max is invited”
A Review of every Safety Car Deployment Since 2012 (AlexDoesF1Stuff via YouTube)
A YouTuber looks back at the last ten seasons of Formula 1 to analyse every instance of the Safety Car being deployed and how lapped cars were factored into restarts.
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Comment of the Day
This weekend’s Caption Competition winner is @imcdnzl! Our congratulations go to Ian McDonald for this witty entry:
So that’s where Lewis has been all this time…
Ian McDonald
A big thank you to everyone who participated and submitted their creative caption ideas this week. Special mentions go to JackySteeg, kartguy07, EffWunFan, and Sonny Crockett, who all contributed particularly strong captions.
Happy Birthday!
There are no RaceFans birthdays to celebrate today.
On This Day in Motorsport History
- Born today in 1944: Ronnie Peterson, the legendary Swedish Formula 1 driver, often remembered for his spectacular driving style and his career with Lotus.