The weaknesses of the 2022 F1 cars exposed in Bahrain
After the dolphin show in Barcelona, the drivers had to face new difficulties on the Sakhir track with very different characteristics.
The morning after the Barcelona tests, the 2022 cars seemed to have adapted to the freshly reintroduced ground effect as soon as they reached full speed. And even though the cars are much heavier this season, there was nothing really alarming.
But the Bahrain trials and the very particular conditions of the Sakhir circuit have posed a bit more challenge for the teams. Between the low grip, the bumpy track, and the understeer, the drivers had to adapt.
The main difficulty encountered in Bahrain is undoubtedly this infamous turn 10, which is quite tricky. Most drivers have seen their front wheels lock up and their car go straight instead of turning properly. According to Lewis Hamilton, the new regulations have resulted in everyone slipping. We [the drivers] have less grip than before, and the tires are worse this year.
It is fair to say that the Sakhir circuit revealed some flaws in the 2022 version of the cars. Indeed, the temperatures in Bahrain are much higher than in Barcelona. Moreover, the wind blew very strongly in the region during the tests. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz explains the difficulties encountered.
« I think that the track is much older, rougher, so immediately the car has less grip and I think it’s normal here in Bahrain. We always have this same factor because a car can be nice to drive in Barcelona, but when arriving in Bahrain, everything changes and it’s much more treacherous because the grip is lower, » analyzes Sainz.
« In addition to that, you add the bumpy track. And we know that these cars handle more rigidly, so the limits are a bit more exposed. That’s probably why you see drivers making more mistakes, skids, and corrections. » reveals the Spaniard. « On top of that, add wind. These cars seem relatively sensitive to wind because they generate a lot of downforce, so you add a new variable. That means the car will be much more complex. ».
Difficulties in slow turns.
Given that the 2022 cars perform better in fast turns than in slow turns, it is evident that they will be much more enjoyable to drive on fast circuits.
The Alpine driver Fernando Alonso also commented on these brand new cars. It seems that these new regulations are rather good at high speeds. And Bahrain has a lot of slow corners, so it may show a little more weaknesses regarding these rules, in addition to the weight… This could be one of the races where the speed has been considerably reduced compared to last year, but it’s the same for everyone, explains Alonso.
Less aerodynamic support.
The characteristics of the Sakhir circuit could make the opening round complex. With heavier cars, reduced downforce in slow corners, and potential lock-ups, teams will have to manage the behavior of the Formula 1 cars.
According to Alan Permane, Alpine’s sporting director, all the teams have fought to try to solve these problems before the first Grand Prix of the season, especially the front wheel lock.
« It is one of our research areas. Try to find the right composition to reduce it without unbalancing the brakes, which would cause rear lock-up.
» Explicit Permane.
The German Sebastian Vettel reacted to this difficulty. « We have to find the right compromise. First, I think you all saw us struggling with the same troubles. You know, the regulations make the cars much stiffer. The tires are different, they absorb much less because of the smaller and stiffer sidewall. So it’s very different. » confesses the Aston Martin driver.
But let’s remember, the main objective of these modifications was not to have pleasant and smooth cars, but to provoke more battles on the track.
