The battle between Mercedes and Red Bull ended in a dramatic showdown in Abu Dhabi.
Mercedes secured an amazing eighth Constructors ‘title while Max Verstappen secured his first drivers’ title on the final lap at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Formula 1 is introducing significantly new regulations for 2022, including a switch from 13- to 18-inch tires with receding wheel covers, simplified front wings and body, and a floor effect.
All of these changes will come under a stricter budget cap, with teams now limited to spending a maximum of $ 140 million – $ 5 million less than in 2021.
Related articles
In addition, the time in the wind tunnel was restricted depending on the placement of a team in the 2020 constructors championship.
Mercedes will have the least time in the wind tunnel, Williams the most.
Related articles
Looking ahead to the new season, Wolff believes Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and Alpine will all be able to meet the new regulations and catapult themselves to the top of the F1 field.
“We all work under the same financial ceiling and the concepts are very new. What was then introduced are the aerodynamic regulations, where teams had a little more leeway based on their rank in the championship and therefore it is quite possible that teams that have not competed for the world championship this year, regardless of whether it is Ferrari , McLaren or Aston Martin or Alpine are able to develop the smart concepts based on a lot more runs than anyone else and just get it right, ”said Wolff.
“I think we have to expect much closer championships and races than before and that is exciting.”
Christian Horner is confident that Red Bull was able to shift its focus to 2022 while ensuring that Verstappen won the 2021 drivers’ championship.
“Well, when Ferrari shows up with the fastest car and knocks us out of the park in the first race, it has to be said that it probably was, but I think we all know that big rule changes are coming up in 2022 and” we have ours Resources used accordingly, ”added Horner.
“I’m sure every team did what it saw fit and of course it put pressure on the organization, but I think the team was excellent here because it kept a rate of development on a new set of rules and a der Focus on this year’s car has gone to a tremendous effort and the commitment from the entire team across the team has been phenomenal.
“But we won’t see it until we come back in a few months, with completely new cars, they look different, they will feel different, they will drive differently, you know who got it right? who got it wrong and then everything starts all over again. “
