“I Hope We Will Be Surprised”: Nico Hulkenberg Shares Worrying Realities of the 2022 F1 Car

With new regulations coming in for the 2022 F1 season, the teams are on their toes searching for the right balance with the new cars. The changes aim towards making cars safer and more competitive than ever. The upcoming car design will have simplified top-body aerodynamics and a more neutral front wing to tackle the “dirty air”. However, German F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg believes the actual picture might not be so rosy.

In a recent development, the German announced he is opening a new social media channel for professional connections. Hulkenberg will also share his thoughts on F1 and the business side of motorsports through LinkedIn. Hulkenberg posted his assessment of the 2022 F1 car based on his experience in a simulator. He reviewed the major changes in the car and their impact on the grid next season.

There were speculations all around that the 2022 car might be slower than its predecessor. However, recent updates from F1 insiders reveal that might not be the case, and Hulkenberg nods in agreement. “From my initial experience, however, the new cars are pretty damn fast and not necessarily slower than the last generation.”

Nico Hulkenberg reviews the 2022 F1 car

Hulkenberg is currently serving as a reserve driver with the Aston Martin F1 team. The 34-year-old made his last F1 appearance in the 2020 Eifel GP. His assessment of the 2022 F1 car might worry the fans, who are expecting a colossal change in grid dynamics next season.

“In theory, the car driving behind another should able to follow much better in the corners and therefore have improved overtaking opportunities. This development interests me of course, which is why I’ve already taken a closer look at the future car,” commented Hulk on his LinkedIn post.

Though he believes the driving experience is not very different, the concerns of “dirty air” still exist for the German. “It will be very interesting to see whether these cars can really follow the car in front better. In the simulator, the cornering speeds are extremely high, so the risk of “dirty air” is still given and it’s difficult for me to imagine that following another car comfortably at these speeds will be easy.”

“Anyhow, I hope we will (be) positively surprised. Once pre-season testing starts drivers and teams will find out how the cars really behave on track,” added Hulkenberg.

Drivers are trying out the new machinery in simulators and they will be soon on track for the winter testing. Experts believe there can be a possible shift in the dynamics with three or four teams gunning for race wins and ultimately, the title.

Tell us your expectations for the upcoming season.

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