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

#16 – Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri

Following a season in which he ranked seventh in “cost-of-damage” at 2.6 million Euros, according to f1fanatic.net, Yuki Tsunoda has remained within the Red Bull ranks for another season with immense pressure on his shoulders.

After showing flashes of the brilliance that got him a seat in Formula 1 (ex: defense against Lewis Hamilton in Turkey), Tsunoda simply needs to reign in his aggressive pursuit for pace and find a happy balance within AlphaTauri’s AT03.

Possessing a driving style that can only be described as “acrobatic,” it is visually noticeable how Tsunoda is able to enter corners with exceeding confidence on the brakes, keeping the rear end dancing while pivoting around the apex. This could very well be an indication of potential success with the 2022 cars in that he will be capable of not only adapting more quickly but also initially being more confident in terms of how to manage the car under heavy braking.

#15 – Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

With the team coming off of their success developing the “Pink Mercedes,” Lance Stroll made the best of a package that was severely harmed by the 2021 regulations targeted to hamper the dominance of the car after which they had modeled their machinery.

Stroll pulled out a 2021 campaign stitching together finishes consistently floating around the midfield, scoring points in 47% of races he finished, and he only finished nine points behind his four-time world champion teammate in the standings.

Despite his most-viewed “highlight” of the season being a crucial error by the camera operations crew during the Monaco Grand Prix, Stroll managed a quietly impressive season when also considering the reduction in in-season development once the team’s development focus had shifted to the 2022 regulations.

Having thus far in his career displayed an innate sense of feeling altering track conditions and adjusting in response, Stroll could be a pleasant surprise within new regulations demanding drivers to constantly be in-tune with the touchier rear end of the car.