F1 Leaders Red Bull & Mercedes Don’t Expect ‘Shaking’ of Hierarchy Despite Strong Midfield Threat

The F1 launch season is over and the official pre-season shakedown is underway at the Catalunya circuit in Barcelona. F1 is entering a new era with a major overhaul in regulations that seeks to make the sport more competitive. The primary aim of all the teams is to get mileage under their belt in these new-generation cars. Though Alfa Romeo and Haas had a sticky start on day 1, other teams returned happily to the paddock.

The 2022 F1 cars come with a plethora of changes, with an exception of power units. In a breakthrough difference, the 2022 chassis will have simplified top-body aerodynamics and a more neutral front wing. The top-most body suggested this with an intent to tackle the ‘dirty air’ and encourage close battles on the track. There is still a lot to explore about these new machines, but prima facie they do not lag much in terms of performance, though visibility might be an issue, to begin with.

However, these 2022 F1 machines result from a year-long effort from teams. The teams were handed a set of fresh regulations from the FIA and they wanted to capitalize well on them. Many insiders predicted a drastic shift in the power dynamics on the 2022 grid, as they expect Ferrari and McLaren to join Mercedes and Red Bull at the front. However, F1 bosses don’t believe that lower midfield teams can mount a serious challenge to the frontrunners, even if they improve this season.

Red Bull and Mercedes F1 bosses don’t feel threatened by mid-group teams

F1 has seen different teams dominate after the major rule changes in the past. While Red Bull came out at the top after the 2009 overhaul, Mercedes dominated the scenes after 2014. Now, as F1 undergoes another big rule change, the biggest since 1983, the question certainly arises as to which team will come out at the top.

F1 team bosses don’t expect a rapid change at the top. Mercedes honcho Toto Wolff, and his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner, recently opened up about their thoughts on the same. “The new rules are designed for a specific purpose, to make the grid more competitive, so it wouldn’t be a disadvantage if there were no major differences between the top three rows, minor adjustment differences,” said Wolff as reported by Motorsport.

“But—like Ferrari in the first half of 2021 for example–If there’s a team with unconventional designs, they can move up a few tenths of your development curve. That’s all though!” added the Mercedes man.

Wolff’s chief rival Christian Horner also shared similar thoughts. “I think the new rules will give teams outside of the three places a significant advantage in the first phase, but there is a difference between the teams that are fighting for the championship. I don’t think it will cause any shaking,” said the Briton.

We are in the closing phase of the Barcelona testing. The teams will regroup again in two weeks in Bahrain for the second and ultimate round of testing. There are many speculations about the power scheme on the 2022 grid. Fans will find the answers in a month’s time. Do you agree with Wolff and Horner? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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