Carlos Sainz: “2022 F1 cars will be fast, but difficult to drive”. Carlos on 2022 F1 cars.

The driver at the center of the show. If in MotoGP it is easier to observe how much a rider is involved in driving prototypes of the premier class and how much he can play an important role in the outcome of the result, the very high performance level of Formula 1 drivers often goes unnoticed in the light of practically perfect cars and their ability to always remain on track thanks to the high downforce that is generated by the car.

In 2022, however, the new regulation combined with the 18-inch tires developed by the sole supplier Pirelli could form a mix capable of putting a strain on the drivers, broadening the spectrum of potential driving errors such as to jeopardize a good lap in qualifying or other dynamics during a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. Pirelli’s motorsport manager, Mario Isola, said after the first impressions exchanged with the drivers following the testing sessions which took place in Abu Dhabi after the last race of 2021 that it is easier to lock the tires under braking, even if the issues caused by locked brakes linked to the consequent ‘flat spots’ shouldn’t be comparable to what was happening with 13-inch tires as the 2022 tires should allow drivers to push without too much concern about degradation.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz went into more detail about what can be expected from 2022 in terms of driving style as everyone will have to adapt to the new ground effect cars. “I tested the 2022 car in the simulator and the driving is definitely different from what we are used to – explained the Ferrari driver interviewed by the Spanish newspaper Marca – the cars will be fast, but difficult to control, especially as regards to cornering balance”.

The former McLaren driver is not worried, on the contrary, he hopes to have a very fast Ferrari car in his hands, convinced of his ability to adapt: ​​”For the 2022 car I only ask to be fast as a rocket, for the rest I’m ready to take it on. I know how to adapt and in any case I can work on the simulator to get familiar with the car” – the Ferrari driver concluded.