F1 Rule Changes For 2022 Explained

As the 2022 season of F1 gets underway you may be wondering about some of the new rule changes. If you vaguely remember hearing something about them before this season began, then you would be right; the 2022 regulations were scheduled to take place in 2021 however they were delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In general, these rules have been put in place with the aim of allowing closer racing, allowing the potential for more overtaking manoeuvres. If you are studying for one of the Motorsport Degree apprenticeships available this year, knowing these changes could be important. Let's look at them in greater detail.

The Key Changes

These key changes mark one of the biggest technical changes that have been seen in F1 history. And if you are considering a motorsport engineering degree it may interest you to know that in essence, they mark a completely new generation of F1 cars.

Ground-Effect Floor

In 2022, the car will have two lengthy underfloor tunnels. These will give a “ground effect”, which means there will be greater suction between car and tarmac. This will ensure greater downforce is generated under the car. This was an idea that was popular in the F1 of the 1970s and 80s.

Not only great to look at; these brand-new parts on the cars of 2022 are designed to avoid sending airflow outwards but to narrow it instead. There is still DRS on the curved rear wing, but it may have less of an impact.

18-Inch Tyres Including Wheel Winglets

Another blast from the past; these bigger tyres are more aesthetically pleasing and also improve car handling. The addition of winglets assists in the directing of air away from the rear wing.

Why the Changes?

Although the new cars do not look too different on the face of it, they should certainly make for more competitive and exciting wheel-to-wheel racing.

The design focus has been on making a shift in the aerodynamic focus from the wings to the underneath of the car. Those considering a motorsport engineering degree or motorsport degree apprenticeships might be interested to know that this will make things easier for the car in front, and effectively improve racing.

F1's estimations are that the 2021 cars lost 35 per cent of their downforce within three car lengths of the car in front and almost 50 per cent in a single car length. You may have heard the words 'dirty air'. It is being claimed that these new cars drop these figures to 4% and 18% respectively.

Motorsport & Automotive Degrees at the University of Bolton – Driving the Future

If a career in the motorsport industry is something that you see in your future, then a motorsport engineering course is the perfect first step. You may also want to consider one of the available motorsport degree apprenticeships that are also available.

At the University of Bolton, we offer a range of motorsport and automotive degrees that can pave the way to a rewarding career with great progression prospects. We offer state-of-the-art facilities and have specialist and experienced lecturers who could give you the springboard you need for a very rewarding career in this field.

The University of Bolton has been voted in the Top 15 in the UK for 'Satisfied with Teaching' for the second year running*. The university experience that we offer is inclusive and welcoming, always puts the needs of the student first, and offers everyone studying with us an opportunity to experience #UniAsItShouldBe.

If you would like to learn more about the university or our motorsport and automotive courses, we would be delighted to talk to you. Our team of friendly advisors can be contacted at +44 (0)1204 900 600 or via email at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk. See our available courses.