Verstappen Dominates F1 22 Ratings, Russell Surges Past Leclerc

In Focus: Key Motorsport Developments

F1 22 Driver Ratings Shift: Russell Surpasses Leclerc, Verstappen Reigns Supreme

Just two months after its highly anticipated launch, the official F1 22 racing game has received a pivotal update (Version 1.09) from developers Codemasters, bringing with it a comprehensive re-evaluation of the 20-driver grid’s performance metrics. These dynamic ratings, designed to reflect real-world performance, have once again sparked intense discussion among the F1 gaming community and motorsport enthusiasts alike. Among the most talked-about adjustments is the elevation of Mercedes’ rising star, George Russell, who now boasts a higher overall rating than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Furthermore, the reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, has cemented his status at the pinnacle of the sport by becoming the highest-rated driver in the game outright, a testament to his relentless form and dominance.

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The adjustments made by Codemasters are clearly a direct reflection of recent on-track performances. Charles Leclerc, who started the season with strong championship aspirations, has seen his overall rating drop from a formidable 92 to 91. This one-point reduction includes a crucial one-point decrease in his ‘Awareness’ attribute, likely a consequence of his highly publicized crash during the French Grand Prix while leading the race. More significantly, his ‘Pace’ rating, a critical factor for in-game performance, suffered a substantial three-point drop. This downgrade underscores a period of challenging races and missed opportunities for the Monegasque driver, reflecting the real-world pressure and execution errors that have impacted his championship bid.

In stark contrast, George Russell’s stellar and remarkably consistent performances throughout the 2022 Formula 1 season have been duly recognized. Russell has seen his overall rating boosted by two points, climbing to an impressive 92. This significant upgrade positions him as the third-highest rated driver in the entire field, placing him ahead of Leclerc and just behind his legendary teammate Lewis Hamilton (94) and the formidable Max Verstappen. Russell’s ability to consistently extract maximum performance from his Mercedes W13, often outperforming expectations despite the car’s early-season struggles, has solidified his reputation as a future champion. His ascent in the F1 22 ratings mirrors his real-world trajectory as one of the sport’s most promising talents.

Max Verstappen’s journey to the top of the F1 22 driver ratings is hardly surprising given his utterly dominant displays on track. Moving from an already impressive 94 to an unparalleled 95 overall, Verstappen now stands as the undisputed best driver in the game. This upgrade signifies his exceptional skill, ruthless race craft, and the unwavering consistency that has propelled Red Bull Racing to the forefront of the constructors’ championship battle. His ability to perform under pressure, execute daring overtakes, and manage races with precision has made him a formidable force, both in the virtual world of F1 22 and in the real-life Grand Prix circuits.

Beyond individual driver statistics, the Version 1.09 patch for F1 22 also addresses critical gameplay improvements. Players will be pleased to discover fixes for an automatic gearbox glitch that had inadvertently been introduced in a prior update, ensuring a smoother and more authentic racing experience. Additionally, an issue causing excessively cold tire temperatures for players who opt to skip the formation lap has been resolved, enhancing realism and strategic depth. Crucially, this patch lays the groundwork for the highly anticipated crossplay functionality, which will officially launch later this week. This groundbreaking feature will enable players across different platforms (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC) to compete against each other, fostering a more expansive and competitive online multiplayer environment and significantly boosting the game’s longevity and community engagement.

Looking at the rest of the grid, other notable changes include a two-point drop for Valtteri Bottas, reflecting a tougher period for Alfa Romeo. Conversely, Zhou Guanyu has seen the biggest leap, gaining five points to reach 75 overall, acknowledging his impressive rookie season performances and adaptation to Formula 1. Mick Schumacher also gained two points, showcasing improvements in his Haas. These granular adjustments demonstrate Codemasters’ commitment to keeping F1 22 reflective of the dynamic and ever-evolving real-world Formula 1 landscape, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging for its dedicated player base.

Bernie Ecclestone Pleads Not Guilty in UK Fraud Case

In significant legal news affecting the motorsport world, former Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone appeared before a magistrates court in Westminster, where he formally entered a plea of not guilty to charges of fraud by false representation. This high-profile case stems from an extensive investigation conducted by the British government’s tax authority, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as reported by The Guardian. The proceedings have drawn considerable attention, given Ecclestone’s long and influential history at the helm of Formula 1.

The specific charge against Ecclestone alleges a failure to declare the existence of a trust held in Singapore, reportedly valued at an astonishing £549 million. The period under scrutiny spans from 2013 to 2016, a crucial time during which Ecclestone still held the influential position as the head of Formula 1 Management (FOM). His denial of the charges sets the stage for what is expected to be a complex and lengthy legal battle, involving intricate financial details and international implications. Following his court appearance, Ecclestone was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to reappear at Southwark Crown Court on September 19th. This case not only highlights the legal challenges faced by prominent figures in global sports but also underscores the ongoing efforts by tax authorities to ensure compliance with financial regulations, irrespective of an individual’s stature.

Zendeli Replaces Banned Caldwell for F2 Spa Round

The intensely competitive world of Formula 2 sees an unexpected driver change for the upcoming round at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. Campos Racing has officially confirmed that German driver Lirim Zendeli will step in to take the seat of Oliver Caldwell, who has been handed a ban from participating in the event. This substitution is a direct consequence of Caldwell accruing 12 penalty points on his Super Licence over the first ten rounds of the championship, a threshold that triggers an automatic one-race suspension. The penalty point system in Formula 2 is designed to penalize repeated infringements and ensure fair play, highlighting the stringent regulations drivers must adhere to.

Lirim Zendeli, a 22-year-old German talent, is no stranger to Formula 2, having competed in the championship during the previous year. His return to the series, albeit as a temporary replacement, offers him a valuable opportunity to showcase his skills on one of motorsport’s most iconic circuits. Zendeli’s experience from last season will be crucial as he adapts quickly to the Campos Racing car and the demands of an F2 weekend. Caldwell is expected to return to his seat for the subsequent weekend’s event in Zandvoort, making Zendeli’s appearance a one-off opportunity.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the unexpected chance, Zendeli stated, “I’m very excited and happy to be racing a Formula 2 car again. It’s been a year now since my last time in F2, and I’m looking forward to this experience.” This sentiment underscores the eagerness of young drivers to seize every available opportunity to compete at such a high level, especially on a challenging track like Spa. Such driver changes, while sometimes disruptive, also add an element of unpredictability and excitement to the junior categories, providing new talents with a platform to shine.

• Further Reading: Caldwell Banned from Next F2 Round After Another Track Limits Penalty

Social Media Spotlight: Insights from the Paddock

Stay connected with the pulse of motorsport through notable posts from Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms. Here’s a glimpse into what drivers, teams, and prominent figures are sharing as the season continues:

Spicy. 🌧👀 pic.twitter.com/jzRZXAKzr1

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 22, 2022

Recharged, refreshed, and ready to fully attack this second part of the season with my team. 💪🏼 Busy triple-header coming up with mighty Spa up first. Allez @AlpineF1Team 💙 pic.twitter.com/UUhydsdkTv

— Esteban Ocon (@OconOcon) August 22, 2022

夏休み

Belly flop pic.twitter.com/1wiJ8cfRQd

— 角田裕毅/Yuki Tsunoda (@yukitsunoda07) August 22, 2022

It’s been a pleasure to be part of your team this year. Merci @JaguarRacing 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/b4Ulc1g1Jf

— Norman Nato (@NatoNorman) August 22, 2022

An update from the Slightly Mad Team on #ProjectCARS and #ProjectCARS2. pic.twitter.com/VtWEow5jao

— Project CARS (@projectcarsgame) August 22, 2022

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• For a comprehensive list of official F1 accounts to follow, explore our F1 Twitter Directory.

Essential Motorsport Links and Further Reading

Explore a curated selection of recent articles and videos covering various aspects of motor racing, offering deeper insights and broader perspectives from across the globe:

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‘Anything can happen’ – Perez refusing to rule out title charge in remaining nine races of 2022 (F1)

“I think what has really killed my first half of the season has been the DNFs, to be honest. Without those DNFs my championship would have looked a lot different to what it is now. But overall, I think there are a lot of positives to take already from this half season. Still, it’s a very long season.” This interview delves into Sergio Perez’s mindset and his determination to challenge for the championship despite a challenging start to the season marked by unfortunate retirements. His resilience highlights the intense mental game at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Kimi Räikkönen’s Cup Series debut ends early in Watkins Glen crash (NASCAR)

“I had a good line there but everybody seemed to come to the left, unfortunately. I had no time to react. The first impact, somebody hit the tyre or the wheel and the wheel spun and something’s wrong with the wrist, but that’s how it goes.” The ‘Iceman’ Kimi Räikkönen’s highly anticipated debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen concluded prematurely with an unfortunate multi-car incident. His honest reflection provides a glimpse into the chaotic nature of stock car racing and the challenges F1 veterans face when transitioning to different disciplines.

How Formula 1’s Hamilton Became Part Owner of the Denver Broncos (Westword)

“When Formula 1 superstar Hamilton joined the Walton-Penner group that won the bidding war for the Denver Broncos, plenty of fans were puzzled. After all, Hamilton is a Brit whose love of football is rooted in what Americans call soccer, as opposed to the variation played by Russell Wilson and company.” This intriguing piece explores Lewis Hamilton’s venture into American sports ownership, highlighting the growing crossover appeal of global sporting icons and their diversified investment portfolios beyond their primary discipline. It delves into the surprising but significant move by the seven-time F1 world champion.

Amaury Cordeel: My greatest influences (Formula 2)

“The engineers, I think that’s quite a clear thing that they help you with racing and they help you to get the points that are wrong. It’s the same with every racing driver. I think it’s so important to have a good relationship with your engineers. I think it’s helped me a lot because I was a very shy guy in the past within the team, but then kept getting better and better over the years.” F2 driver Amaury Cordeel shares intimate insights into the pivotal role of engineers in a driver’s development and performance. His candid reflection on overcoming shyness to forge strong team relationships offers a rare look into the human element of high-stakes motorsport.

Isack Hadjar: My ultimate driver (Formula 3)

“Alain Prost because I think he was the smartest driver ever to race. I admire that about him, his thinking about the points all the time. I’m not that type of driver but it’s quite impressive.” Rising Formula 3 star Isack Hadjar reveals his motorsport idol, explaining his admiration for Alain Prost’s intellectual approach to racing. This article provides a fascinating perspective on what qualities young drivers value in their heroes and how they draw inspiration from past legends.

Chasing The Dream | Episode 2: The Boy From Brazil | Season 4 (Formula 2 via YouTube)

“Brazilian racer Felipe Drugovich currently leads the Formula 2 championship! This latest episode of Chasing The Dream follows his path to how he got to this position…” This YouTube documentary series offers an exclusive look into the journey of Felipe Drugovich, a promising Brazilian talent, as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of the Formula 2 championship. It’s a compelling narrative for anyone interested in the development of future F1 stars.

Meet the Paddock (IndyCar via YouTube)

“In this edition of Meet the Paddock, get to know Medical Director Dr. Geoffrey Billows and Deputy Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer.” This IndyCar video provides a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, introducing viewers to the crucial medical team responsible for driver safety. It highlights the often-unseen heroes of motorsport and their vital role in ensuring athlete well-being.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link relating to single-seater motorsport to feature in the next RaceFans round-up, please send it in via the contact form. Your contributions help us keep our readers informed and engaged with the diverse world of racing.

Community Voice: The Debate on Andretti’s F1 Entry

The potential entry of Andretti Global into Formula 1 continues to be a hot topic among fans and industry insiders. User @bernasaurus articulates a widely shared sentiment, expressing strong disapproval of the current hurdles preventing serious new teams from joining the grid:

Oh, just let them in already. I don’t believe in the ‘dilution fee’ at all. I think Minardi, Simtek, Forti et al, all brought something to the sport with ideas, jobs and opportunities. Many at the top now got there because of opportunities in very small teams. *Looking at you Newey and Brawn.

They might be successful. The facility looks like it might be better than a few current teams, perhaps that is the biggest threat? I think the idea that the current teams have a hegemony on entry might serve them in the short term, but in long run, I think the sport will suffer.

Andretti are clearly serious.

If I could run the 100m in 9.8 seconds, but couldn’t because I had to pay 10,000 to the other competitors because I might harm their earnings, I would ask whether you could call it a ‘sport’.
Bernasaurus

The sentiment expressed by Bernasaurus resonates with many who believe Formula 1 should prioritize genuine sporting competition and expansion over financial protectionism. The “dilution fee,” a significant sum required from new entrants to compensate existing teams for a theoretical reduction in prize money, is a major point of contention. Critics argue that this fee stifles innovation and growth, preventing reputable organizations like Andretti, with their multi-million dollar plans for a new racing headquarters in Indiana, from contributing to the sport’s diversity and competitive landscape. The historical examples of smaller teams nurturing talent, both on and off track, are powerful arguments against an exclusionary approach. Expanding the grid with capable teams could ultimately benefit F1 by increasing spectacle, viewership, and fresh storylines, rather than diminishing its value. This ongoing debate highlights a crucial tension between commercial interests and the sporting integrity of Formula 1.

Celebrations: Happy Birthday to Our Readers

We extend our warmest wishes to two members of our cherished community. Happy birthday to Innim and Tomas! May your day be filled with joy and celebration.

On This Day in Motorsport History

Reflecting on the rich history of motorsport, today marks a poignant anniversary of a significant event:

• 35 years ago today, the motorsport world tragically lost Didier Pironi in a powerboat crash, alongside his crew members Bernard Giroux and Jean-Claude Guenard. Pironi’s illustrious Formula 1 career had come to an abrupt and heartbreaking end five years prior, when he suffered severe leg injuries in a devastating crash at the Hockenheimring. His legacy remains a testament to the courage and risks inherent in top-tier motor racing.