FLOYD ON F1: Cloud of secrecy hangs over new cars

It is February and almost time for the commencement of the 2022 F1 season.

The first of two test sessions will start on 23 February.

The F1 organisation has announced that Barcelona will not be permitted to allow spectators or live television coverage of the three-day evaluation of the new cars. Strange, after all the hype regarding the cars’ aerodynamic changes and larger tyres, all designed to aid overtaking. Then why prevent fans and global media exposing the advanced technology?

There are rumours the application of the new complex regulations could go very wrong for some teams.
Mercedes chief technical officer James Allison is reported as saying: “Any team who makes a serious error with their new design will face a terribly painful year.”

Does F1 management know something we don’t?

ALSO READ: FLOYD ON F1: Ghosts of 2021 loom large

The off season was a busy time for personnel changes. Aston Martin Cognizant F1 was first up, announcing team principal Otmar Szafnauer’s departure and replacement by BMW’s global motorsport operation’s chief Mike Crack. Rumour has it Szafnauer will be joining Alpine as team principal.

In turn the French team bade farewell to Marcin Budkowski, Alpine F1 executive director and Alain Prost, non-executive director and ambassador for the brand. Neither appears to have been amicable separations.

Red Bull’s chief aerodynamics engineer Dan Fallows joins Aston Martin Cognizant F1 on 2 April after 16 years.

In an interesting move Masashi Yamamoto, former director of Honda motorsports, will be an acting consultant for Red Bull Powertrains, following the formation of a new company which offers the benefits of the previous engineer’s experience.

To see the 2022 F1 calendar, click here.