*Undated
It feels like the 2021 season ended in a grandstand spectacle just yesterday but we're already now in the new year and flying towards what has the makings of a thrilling new campaign. Here are 5 things to look forward to ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship season.
1. Brand new cars
This season sees a new era of Formula 1 ushered in with all-new car designs that are the result of sweeping new regulations aimed at improving the racing spectacle.
A number of features including a focus on ground effect, 18-inch tyres, plus a redesigned front wing and nose, mean that the cars should be able to race closer to each other – with the potential for more passing on-track too.
2. Verstappen defending, Hamilton hunting
What good is a new car without a fitting championship fight? After the blockbuster 2021 season, we have round two to look forward to between main protagonists Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
That means a fired-up Hamilton aiming for a record eighth championship while Verstappen aims to defend his title and take a second in the process. It’s been a while since we had someone other than Hamilton defending a title (back in 2014 when it was Sebastian Vettel), and this year will also see Verstappen use the #1 on his car for the first time since Vettel did so in 2014.
George Russell steps into the Silver Arrows to replace Valtteri Bottas, giving us the opportunity to see what the 23-year-old can do with championship-contending hardware.
As mentioned, the new era of F1 cars could mean closer racing – more teams hoping to crash the party this year – plus a frozen engine concept should mean Red Bull Powertrains could go toe-to-toe with the power of Mercedes once again.
3. A bumper 23-race F1 campaign
That epic title fight will take place over 23 races – the longest F1 campaign yet – in 2022. Favourite venues such as Suzuka, Montreal, Melbourne and Singapore are earmarked to return while we have the debut Miami Grand Prix in May. If 2021 showed us anything, it’s that every one of the 23 circuits on the provisional calendar – Zandvoort, Jeddah and Imola included – are set up to provide us with an exciting contest.
The season is slated to begin on March 20th and end on November 20th.
4. Zhou makes his debut
Zhou Guanyu will make history as the first Chinese driver to race full-time in Formula 1 and as the only rookie in the field, his debut season will be watched intently.
The 22-year-old will join Alfa Romeo alongside ex-Mercedes Grand Prix winner Bottas in a pairing that matches experience and youth.
5. Williams continue their journey as Albon returns
Alex Albon is back after producing some great performances in 2020. The Thai-Briton spent a year out on the sidelines with Sergio Perez performing for Red Bull and Tsunoda stepping into his AlphaTauri seat.
Williams signed the Red Bull-backed 25-year-old to partner Nicholas Latifi as Russell was promoted to Mercedes. For the Grove squad, it was a fitting signing as they look to continue their uphill march.
It would be great to see Williams reach the heights they’re known for but that might be a tough ask in 2022. Regardless, last season showed the British team working their way back to their best and 2022 could well be another step in the right direction for them.