The most anticipated 2022 Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and the hype has been consistently high due to the upcoming rule changes. Many questions circled in the minds of the fans; Will this game of chance work? Can midfield afford to challenge title favorites Mercedes and Red Bull?
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Well, former Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson has the answer! The 65-year-old said the upcoming regulatory adjustments could deter teams like McLaren and Ferrari from battling the top runners in 2022. Even so, he praised the efforts of F1, admitting the sport desperately needed stability in the rules and a level playing field.
In addition, Johansson also gave a dire prediction for Mercedes amid the possible expansion of the rivalry with Red Bull Racing.
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What did Johansson say about Mercedes?
Johansson felt that the upcoming aerodynamic changes could add to Red Bull’s strengths. Hence, after such a dominant period in 2021, it looks like the Milton Keynes team could extend their pace lead over Mercedes to head into the 2022 season.
Formula 1 F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 7, 2021 Red Bulls Max Verstappen celebrates with third-placed Red Bulls Sergio Perez after winning the pool race over REUTERS / Francisco Guasco
And of course Max Verstappen is at the wheel too. According to Johansson, the chances are good that Red Bull will again have the upper hand against the Brackley team.
“My gut feeling tells me that with the drastic changes in aerodynamics for the next season, Red Bull will probably be the team that comes closest to where it has to be fastest,” he said on his own blog.
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Johansson predicts repetition of 2014
The Swedish racer reckoned the 2022 season could see a repeat of 2014, with a handful of teams crafting a laudable car while the rest of the grid catch up over the next three years.
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“If the rules had stayed the same for next season, I think the field would be even tighter. I keep saying it, but the easiest way to level the field and get close to racing is with the stability of the rules. At some point the smaller, less well-equipped teams will catch up, ”he said.
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 12, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo celebrates victory on the podium with second-placed McLarens Lando Norris and McLaren CEO Zak Brown REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini
“We have seen this many times over the years. But once the rules change, you will have a team, maybe two, with the resources and talent to get it started right away. The rest will catch up in the next three years. “
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So let’s hear it from you – do you think Johansson’s prediction could come true? Are we likely to see Red Bull expand its dominance over the next few years? Well we’ll know soon enough!
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