F1 teams are currently working hard on their designs for the all-new ground-effect cars that will come into play in 2022.
And after a highly competitive campaign in 2021, some fears have been voiced that the change in regulations could create more diversification of the field as some teams found better ways to unleash performance.
Formula 1 has not shied away from the fact that at the beginning of the new regulations there is a possibility that one or two cadres will be at the front.
However, Domenicali has no doubt that the benefits gained at the beginning of the campaign will be dashed very quickly as the teams are still finding their way around the new rules.
Speaking exclusively to Motorsport.com, Domenicali said: “It is clear that in the context of a season that starts with a new regulation and budget cap, the differences between cars could be bigger than people are expecting.
“But I am just as sure that the restrictions associated with the new regulations will mean that the gap will be closed more quickly with these differences.”
Ross Brawn, Managing Director Motorsport, and Stefano Domenicali, CEO Formula 1
Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images
Domenicali’s belief that the competitive landscape is changing fast was backed by Ferrari, which believes that over the next year it will be crucial how quickly teams can react to their competitive situation at the beginning of the campaign.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said: “There may be differences in competitiveness between cars at the start of the season due to the way each team interprets the rules and the solutions they may bring.
“This is going to be important in my opinion as Ferrari is able to understand weaknesses and address them very quickly. So the team reaction will be crucial.
“We can’t be sure that we have a competitive car right from the start, because you never know what can happen with such a big rule change. But it’s about being able to react as quickly as possible. “
Domenicali remains optimistic that the new generation of cars should place more emphasis on driver talent – and that could lead to many more battles.
“We are facing a season in 2022 where there are so many new elements that can be characterized in a positive or negative sense,” he said.
“The ground effect cars were developed to highlight the skills of the drivers. They are machines that should be driven without leaving a trace [dirty air] Effect that damages the tires. The goal is duels between many drivers without having to push the limits of the car. “
