2022 Formula 1 cars: the fear of a flexible diffuser. The diffuser is a problem zone for several reasons.

The current discussions about flexible rear wings is not off the table, yet another topic could be approaching: for the 2022 cars, flexible parts could become an explosive issue next year.

As reported by German automobile magazine ‘Auto Motor und Sport’, the rear wing tests in Qatar were an experiment for the FIA [none of teams were in the negative area]. However, Red Bull’s wish for the test to be mandatory at the last two races of the season will not be fulfilled.

Auto Motor und Sport also informs that some other teams opposed it because it would have been impossible to upgrade the rear wings in the short time until Jeddah if it had been necessary. But the FIA definitely wants to introduce the stricter rear wing tests for 2022. The issue of the flexibility of rear wings, floors etc. will continue be there next year.

FIA Symonds explained: “We have to be particularly careful in the area of the wing profiles under the car and the diffuser. A lot of lap time can be gained there with certain tricks.”

The diffuser is a problem zone for another reason. The 2022 cars do not have a step [plane] in the floor. All parts facing the road have the same distance to the ground. This could lead to many material breaks on kerbs. The main focus is on the vertical air deflectors. The 2022 cars are divided into legality boxes that have to be made available to the FIA as a 3D model. The FIA scan the car on site using laser technology and thus check whether it complies with the stored spec. The FIA garage will only be used to weigh the cars next year.

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If the design goal of the 2022 cars is reached and following closely behind and overtaking becoming easier, Formula 1 wants to remove the DRS (drag reduction system) bonus step by step. No DRS could perhaps already be the case in 2024.

DRS will definitely be replaced in 2026. Formula 1 wants to switch to “active” aerodynamics + the wings on the straights then take on a Monza specification.