The 2022 season marks the start of a new era for Formula 1, presenting an opportunity for Ferrari to try and fight back at the top after two seasons in which it has not won a race.
The Italian brand revealed its car for 2022, the F1-75, last week in Maranello, sporting a radical aerodynamic design that stands out compared to the rest of the single-seaters that have already been presented.
Speaking to Motorsport.com about the level of innovation in the new car, Mattia Binotto explained that he wanted the team to follow drastic design routes and to keep an open mind before deciding which direction to take.
“It was important for us to have an open mind when approaching this exercise,” explained the Ferrari boss. “It wasn’t just about continuing the concept of the previous car and adapting it to the new regulations.”
“From the beginning, when we read the new regulations, we tried to have a completely open approach, trying to understand where we could improve the aerodynamics and the general performance of the car.
“When designing and developing this car, the main thing was aerodynamics, so the choices on the mechanical part have been a consequence of that. The whole power unit package has been a consequence of the choices on the aerodynamics. “.
The revision of the aerodynamic rules and the increase in weight of the cars will make them behave differently from their predecessors. The objective of these changes in the aerodynamic regulations is to improve the competition on the track and allow the cars to fight wheel to wheel.
Ferrari made it clear early in the 2021 season that it would focus most of its resources and development on the 2022 car, resulting in the SF21 not receiving any aerodynamic updates after the British Grand Prix in July.
In addition, the Italian team benefited from having more time in the wind tunnel compared to the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull, thanks to finishing sixth in the 2020 constructors’ championship and the implementation of a handicap system for the completion of aerodynamic tests.
“In the beginning, when we went to the wind tunnel, we tried all possible directions. Then we chose the one we thought was the best for the final performance,” said Binotto.
“Then we designed and developed the car along that path. If you look at the car, there are a lot of unconventional choices in terms of aerodynamic shapes. It’s the first innovation you can see.”
Binotto also said Ferrari followed a similar mindset and “put a lot of effort” into the power unit design for the 2022 season, before the performance freeze hits until the end of 2025.
“We have a new fuel with 10% ethanol that, once again, may represent an opportunity by reviewing the combustion itself.”
“The power unit and the engine are certainly a big innovation in terms of design for us compared to last year. It’s something we can say for ourselves. It’s an element that goes inside the body, so it’s difficult judge him.”
“I think overall this car has a lot of innovation. That was the way we approached the exercise.”
