Formula 1: Way-too-early 2022 driver power rankings

#18 – Nicholas Latifi, Williams

Likely still processing the implications of racing his own race in the final round of the 2021 season, Nicholas Latifi is coming off a season in which he surprised with points in both Hungary and Belgium. This positive upturn in production was likely only due to unforeseen circumstances in both events, but he still capitalized on being put in position to score.

Still having not been given the chance to prove his true worth without properly competitive machinery, Latifi continues to hope that Williams can put together a competent package and provide him the chance to at least go wheel-to-wheel with the midfield.

#17 – Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo

Having already achieved the 2022 Formula 1 Rookie of the Year award, Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou joins the grid after achieving third in the 2021 Formula 2 championship, only nine points short of Russian Robert Schwartzman but a hefty 69.5 points short of champion and current Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri.

Zhou did leave the series on a strong note though with a victory and a second place finish in Abu Dhabi to solidify his position in the final standings.

One can’t help but contemplate the implications of the current young driver selection criteria when a driver who finished so far behind the champion inhabits a seat while the reigning champion is resigned to the garage on race day.

Coming into Formula 1 without experience in the high-downforce machinery that could throw off some young drivers who have acclimated to Formula 1 during this aerodynamic era, Zhou inherently has an advantage as a rookie who will be learning the new equipment at the same pace as the rest of the grid. He will also not need to break the habits of old and can theoretically adapt more quickly to the new driving style needed under this year’s regulations.