The first of the changes made to the Formula 1 regulations for the 2022 season is to the weight limit , as teams have struggled to meet the original target of 795kg .
This figure was already well above the 752kg limit for the 2021 campaign, due to a combination of factors including, but not limited to, new safety structure requirements, new wheel and tire specifications, and a increased tire weight.
However, it appears that a large part of the grid has struggled to meet this target heading into the first race of the year. Only Alfa Romeo and McLaren would be within this minimum weight, or close to it.
As a consequence, the teams pressured the FIA to slightly increase the figure, which has been increased by 3kg to 798kg . The teams that did not reach this mark argued that this increase in the minimum weight will save them from spending a lot of money trying to make their cars lighter.
For those at or near the original limit, this change will allow the option of being able to ballast a car. On the other hand, the sets that are far from meeting the objective, will have fewer disadvantages in this aspect.
The FIA has also approved another change, in this case more visible, and that will form part of the updated regulations. They will allow teams to install a ground mount to help control bottom flex at high speeds.
Porpoising has caused many problems for teams in pre-season, and teams have realized that the phenomenon can be exacerbated by excessive flexing of the ground, which results in a drastic increase in downforce, pushing the car further forward. the asphalt.
One of the solutions that many used during pre-season testing was the installation of supports on the ground, but, according to the original 2022 regulations, these were theoretically illegal.
However, the FIA has now approved teams to install these mounts during race weekends as they can help reduce this excessive floor flexing.
Detailed explanation of this change has been added to article 3.5.7 of the F1 Technical Regulations, which deals with auxiliary floor components. It states that cars may be fitted with a single tie rod on each side of the car which must be fixed between the ground and “the fully sprung part of the car”.
This support must also be “of circular section with a diameter not exceeding 5 mm, with the exception of minimal details in its internal and external fixing points, or for its adjustment”.
