“We want the drivers to make the difference,” FIA wants to make cars “harder’ to drive


“We want the drivers to make the difference,” FIA wants to make cars “harder’ to drive

McLaren's MCL36

FIA has recently stated that during the 2022 Formula1 season they are looking to make sure that none of the teams are able to take undue advantage of the aerodynamics around the floor of the cars that form a major part of the performance that teams are able to achieve.

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It has been stated in GPfans that during the 2022 Formula1 season teams are going to return to the ground effect instead of the airflow dynamics that were being used till the 2021 season.

Mercedes' W13 challenger
Mercedes’ W13 challenger

During the first pre-season testing in Barcelona, teams were seen trying out various floor designs to increase the performance of their cars however, the FIA is concerned that teams might be able to find a workaround by flexing the floors to further boost their respective car’s performance.

Flexing was a big issue for the major players like Mercedes and RedBull last season and they even accused each other of the movement of front and rear wings.

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The FIA is going to keep a close eye on cars developments during the 2022 F1 season

Nikolas Tombazis
Nikolas Tombazis

Nikolas Tombazis, the head of single-seater matters at FIA has made their position clear regarding the whole situation and has indicated that they are going to keep a close eye on the car developments and bending of the rules in any manner.

Tombazis has said, “With regards to flexing the diffuser, or the floor edges to go downwards, we will always be keeping an eye on any flexibility that takes place, and we will be imposing where necessary, tests to reduce such effects.”

Mercedes
Mercedes

With the new regulation, it is inevitable there will be some areas that were not properly predicted in terms of flexibility. That may have to be enhanced as we go along.”

So we will not hesitate to do that, and the rules permit us to intervene if we find some abuse taking place in some areas.”

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Nikolas Tombazis believes the 2022 season is going to place a stiffer challenge for the drivers given the close proximity to the ground. He has further said that “We are aware that cars, in order to perform, need to run lower, closer to the ground.”

Formula1
Formula1

As a result, they need to be kept stiffer than previous cars, with some running at enormous rakes. That’s probably a thing of the past.”

We think the ride quality and the characteristics of the car that make it more easily driveable, are not necessarily things that need to be maintained in Formula 1.”

We want drivers to make the difference and we want the cars to be more difficult to drive, not easy.”

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FIA
FIA

Certain aspects should make cars a bit more aggressive to drive, which is quite important.”

So it’s been determined it’s more efficient for cars to run lower and they’re designed to work in this direction.”

That’s a situation we will be monitoring. I don’t think it is a cause for significant concern.”

Also Read: “You have absolutely no idea where you stand,” Lewis Hamilton keen on understanding rival’ 2022 car designs

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