Preface

[René]

Feb 17, 2022 23:13:34 GMT mikael said:

I agree that the Ferrari looks really good, and very interesting. Black paint on the less attractive parts of these cars works well; it gives almost an illusion of "non-presence" - a bit like the "black men" in the Japanese puppet theatre.

The deep/dark red fits well to a racing car, and makes it look more "raw". However, the traditional "Ferrari red" stays loyal to the traditional Italian "racing red" - isn't this true? Hence it could be said (if one has to find something negative to say :-D), that this is a breakaway from a good, old tradition. (I am aware that this has been seen before ...)

The 'black men', that's cool and a striking comparison!

As for the red, I actually don't think there is one defined 'Italian red' color. The name is often used for a strong bright red but it's not just one red. In racing, the Alfas and Maseratis used to be a shade darker red compared to the Ferraris. Ferrari red is often described as scarlet red but even that is not an exact defined color.

Since 1997, the Ferraris turned brighter red when Marlboro became title sponsor. That was very much a step away from the classic Ferrari red. And the flat red we've seen for the past few years is also a lot brighter and even looked orange at times with a certain lighting.

The red of the new car is certainly closer to what Ferraris used to look like but also don't forget that the paint itself has also evolved. Colors often look stronger with special glows.

1991

1999

[René]

The new Mercedes W13. Sharp and sleek as always though not as revolutionairy as some of the other designs.






©Mercedes

[charleselan]

Now we are talking, that is my thought when I see the pictures of the Ferrari. My initial fears that these new regulations would have a detrimental effect on each cars individuality have been allayed, as the differences in some of the cars is really noticeable.

We could be in for a genuinely interesting and different season, well that is the hope.

Interestingly last night there was a spoof film of what was supposed to be a leaked clip of the new Mercedes Benz car, having seen the genuine ones I do not think it was a spoof at all. The car does not look that radical so obviously relying on their great engine again  .

Still like the look of the new Williams but saddened to hear that Porsche are in serious talks with Red Bull for an engine supply deal in 2026, and bizarrely Audi with McLaren. I was really hoping that Williams would tie up with VW especially considering how many that are now at Grove are ex VW Rally people.

[René]

It does bode well for the new season, all those different aero solutions and ideas. I think everyone's expectations and hopes are very high. Let's hope they finally got it right with these new rules.

Here's George doing the W13 shakedown at Silverstone.

[Carl]

I like the almost flush wheels, reminiscent of the fully flush wheels on Nigel Bennett designs for Team Penske, thought to provide an aerodynamic boost on big ovals. On road courses, a more open design allowed for brake cooling.

              1992 PC-20 (Paul Tracy)

                                                             1991 Indy 500 winner Rick Mears                     

Ayrton Senna testing a PC-20 on a road course in Arizona                                                             

[Carl]

What is the purpose on all the 2022 Formula One cars of the curving element just inside the front wheels?

Since they are all just about identical, are they somehow for compliance with new regulations?

[mikael]

Feb 18, 2022 18:20:10 GMT René said:

Here's George doing the W13 shakedown at Silverstone.

Hopefully the concept works! The picture taken through the "dirty air" behind the rear wing seems as blurred as ever ...

[charleselan]

Feb 18, 2022 18:56:00 GMT Carl said:

What is the purpose on all the 2022 Formula One cars of the curving element just inside the front wheels?

Since they are all just about identical, are they somehow for compliance with new regulations?

I believe they are mandatory in the design concept, probably some devious device to divert airflow in the  quest to make the cars less disrupted aero wise in the wake of another car.

[Carl]

Feb 18, 2022 20:29:55 GMT charleselan said:

Feb 18, 2022 18:56:00 GMT Carl said:

What is the purpose on all the 2022 Formula One cars of the curving element just inside the front wheels?

Since they are all just about identical, are they somehow for compliance with new regulations?

I believe they are mandatory in the design concept, probably some devious device to divert airflow in the  quest to make the cars less disrupted aero wise in the wake of another car.

Adrian Newey may be confused about the claimed benefit of reduced disruption.   Is the governing body now allowing more than one car at a time on the track? 

[chrisb]

what a wonderful initial improvement - really like the Williams and seriously hope it is a winner, although I still dislike all the appendages and whatnots and yearn for a 'clean' car shape this is by far the best looking cars for at least a decade imho.

So much so I am seriously contemplating a trip to Silverstone for at least Friday's practice probably can't afford the raceday although I am still entertaining the thought of if possible going to the Belgium GP on a day trip, more ponderings

[René]

Feb 18, 2022 20:29:55 GMT charleselan said:

Feb 18, 2022 18:56:00 GMT Carl said:

What is the purpose on all the 2022 Formula One cars of the curving element just inside the front wheels?

Since they are all just about identical, are they somehow for compliance with new regulations?

I believe they are mandatory in the design concept, probably some devious device to divert airflow in the  quest to make the cars less disrupted aero wise in the wake of another car.

Exactly, they're part of this new aero concept and are mandatory and cannot be changed. The same goes for the ground effect floor and the rear wing although I'm not 100% sure if there's still some room to play with.

Interesting news today; apparently Michael Andretti has applied to the FIA to enter a new F1 team in 2024. The budget cap and the growing interest for F1 in the US will certainly have made it more attractive for Michael to make this move. Now he only has to come up with the $200 million entry fee...

[charleselan]

I agree that there are a lot of positives to be taken from the new 2022 regulations in comparison with the previous generation of cars. The rear wing is in my opinion a horrendous monstrosity and the more I look at it the more I dislike the thing, liked at from the front it looks like a bucket handle.

Those who conceived these new rules missed a serious trick when they brought these cars into being. They have a semblance of "ground effect" so the need for a gigantic appendage at the rear of the car is unnecessary; a trimmed out Monza style wing would have been fine and looked a hell of a lot better.

Seeing that Michael Andretti is now looking to enter F1 in 2024 I do not think money will be a problem for him, what will be interesting is the choice of power until that he chooses. He is linked with Honda in Indycar, could it be that he will tie up with them especially as it is now common knowledge that Red Bull will have Porsche power some time after that.

[René]

Feb 19, 2022 13:16:52 GMT charleselan said:

I agree that there are a lot of positives to be taken from the new 2022 regulations in comparison with the previous generation of cars. The rear wing is in my opinion a horrendous monstrosity and the more I look at it the more I dislike the thing, liked at from the front it looks like a bucket handle.

Those who conceived these new rules missed a serious trick when they brought these cars into being. They have a semblance of "ground effect" so the need for a gigantic appendage at the rear of the car is unnecessary; a trimmed out Monza style wing would have been fine and looked a hell of a lot better.

From an aesthetic point of view I see what you mean, it is rather large. But as I understand it, it is very much an integral part of the new aero concept to keep the airflow as clean as possible behind the car. The airflow is directed to the center of the car to 'collect' the dirty air which is then guided upwards by the lower wing part so it goes over the following car. The curved shape of the rear wing is essential in this process. At least, this is how I understand it.

What is certain is that it reduces the loss of dowforce for the following car to only 18% which was about 60% loss with the previous cars. That is a massive improvement and should make for better racing.

[René]

Fiorano spy cams!

This is the Alfa doing some serious laps. Sounds good!

And here the first moving images of the Ferrari F1-75 (in the mist!)!

Only driving very slowly behind a camera car unfortunately but it still looks very mean! Charles must be going crazy this slow!

[Carl]

Feb 19, 2022 16:38:03 GMT René said:

Feb 19, 2022 13:16:52 GMT charleselan said:

I agree that there are a lot of positives to be taken from the new 2022 regulations in comparison with the previous generation of cars. The rear wing is in my opinion a horrendous monstrosity and the more I look at it the more I dislike the thing, liked at from the front it looks like a bucket handle.

Those who conceived these new rules missed a serious trick when they brought these cars into being. They have a semblance of "ground effect" so the need for a gigantic appendage at the rear of the car is unnecessary; a trimmed out Monza style wing would have been fine and looked a hell of a lot better.

From an aesthetic point of view I see what you mean, it is rather large. But as I understand it, it is very much an integral part of the new aero concept to keep the airflow as clean as possible behind the car. The airflow is directed to the center of the car to 'collect' the dirty air which is then guided upwards by the lower wing part so it goes over the following car. The curved shape of the rear wing is essential in this process. At least, this is how I understand it.

What is certain is that it reduces the loss of dowforce for the following car to only 18% which was about 60% loss with the previous cars. That is a massive improvement and should make for better racing.

New rear wing spares with covert Marlboro sponsorhip