Ferrari had to set priorities on what goals could be achieved for initial version of F1-75

Scuderia Ferrari has officially presented its car for the 2022 Formula 1 season and the F1-75 stood out as a result of its aggressive design, but the Maranello team admitted that it has not fully achieved everything it targeted with its new challenger ahead of the first pre-season testing session which takes place this week at the Circuit de Catalunya and is already beginning a development process.

After launching the F1-75, Ferrari took to the track at Fiorano on Friday for a short demonstration run. The Italian side’s chassis head Enrico Cardile confirmed that the situation is not the result of an unexpected delay, but that the practicality of handling such an enormous rule change especially given the budget cap restrictions meant “priorities” had to be decided regarding what could be achieved for the initial version of the F1-75 car.

“We have worked in an extremely complex setting: the most radical changes to the technical rules in 40 years. And in addition, many changes to the sporting regulations, with a new weekend format, and then to top it off a budget cap. We have been forced to set many goals, some of them at odds with each other, and all of them challenging. To clear our thoughts, we have had to set some priorities among all these goals. Some we have achieved, others we have gone close but ultimately have not fully achieved them. We have already entered the in-season car development phase. Our aim is not only to attain the goals still to be achieved, but to go even further.” – he explained.

However, the speed process of that development phase will be limited by the budget cap. That financial limit also means crash damage – an area where the Maranello team expressed annoyance last year regarding the prospect of opponent’s mistakes leading to damage that eats into its budget – could delay upgrades.

“We have already drawn up a development plan, in terms of both aerodynamics and under the bodywork.” – Enrico Cardile added – “Obviously the budget cap means we must be pragmatic in terms of development, so I expect that updates will not be as frequent as we have been used to in the past. Two other parameters that will play a crucial role and may shift resources in one direction or another will be the reliability of the car and race incidents.” – he continued.

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Scuderia Ferrari was among the teams with most freedom to switch resources to 2022 development early, as with the legacy of its 2020 nadir affecting last year’s car it was nowhere near the Red Bull versus Mercedes title fight. The Italian side was involved in its own close battle with McLaren for third place in the constructors’ championship, but the main focus of the Italian side was to shift resources on the 2022 within the budget constraints:.

“The budget cap has inevitably reduced available resources. Our decision last year to limit SF21 developments helped us greatly in mitigating budgetary effects as regards the development of the F1-75. From a technical point of view, I must say that everything we had in mind we have been able to develop and bring to the car.” – Enrico Cardile added.

Scuderia Ferrari has confiremd that it has taken a bold approach with its 2022 design concept in many specific areas. A lot of focus is on the new power unit, especially due to the upcoming engine development freeze which will take full effect, but the Ferrari chassis head explained it applied across the board.

“There is so much innovation in this vehicle. We have approached the new design with a great deal of curiosity and desire to go in many different directions. The car’s bodywork bucks the trends of recent years. Ferrari has never had a rear suspension of this type. Many innovations cannot be seen, but they are no less important, enabling us to continue to improve technical functions despite the new rules.” – he concluded.