Formula 1: 7 big changes made for the 2022 season
By Ian Higgins
Formula 1 new technical regulations: No. 3 – Rear wing
A contributor of dirty air via its sharp-edged endplates, the flat-ended rear wings have been traded for one-piece construction rear wings with a distinctive curve. This will significantly reduce downforce generated from the rear wing on its own but will hopefully be recovered through ground effect.
With this being the first season under highly experimental regulations (by historical standards), the FIA will retain DRS for the 2022 season in order to not only continue to encourage overtaking but also to counteract any potential decrease in the slipstream effect.
Formula 1 new technical regulations: No. 4 – Front wing
Along with its rearward cousin, the front wing is also getting a makeover in order to not only clean the infamous dirty air, but also to implement a more simplified construction with improved durability.
Now constructed with a combination of metal alloy and reinforcing fibers, 2022 front wings will hopefully disperse less tire-cutting debris when damaged and retain aerodynamic integrity when lightly damaged.
The new wing’s biggest visual change will be the high reaching and curved endplate replacing the sharp-edged struts and decorations originally found on the outside to redirect airflow to the underbody and bargeboards.
Within the new regulations, teams will only be allowed to place one edge on the outside of the endplate in order to redirect airflow (likely either to the underbody or new wheel deflectors). The curvature at the top of the endplate will also likely be manipulated for maximum aerodynamic gain, so keep an eye out during testing for the significant differences in philosophy between teams in this facet.