Lewis Hamilton Keeps a ‘Close Eye’ on His Rival’s 2022 F1 Designs

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he is trying to understand the thinking behind the designs of the 2022 cars of other teams on the grid. The 2022 season brings in a new era implementing ground effects instead of over-car airflow to create more downforce. The aim is to increase ‘close competition’ in the sport, which has solely been dominated by Mercedes in recent years.

Hamilton returned to the grid in 2022 after a heartbreaking defeat at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This year, however, the Brit is motivated to bring back the Drivers’ Championship to Mercedes. Speaking after the pre-season testing in Barcelona, he said, “I think every year’s exciting. But of course [in] previous years it was an evolution of the previous year’s car, so in this one, it’s completely brand new.

“Of course, I’ve seen the designs of our car over several months, but now to see everyone’s car out there, you’re trying to get a close eye to see what is different, if there is anything, why certain teams have chosen a certain route in terms of sidepod design, front wing and the floor.”

“So I think it’s the most exciting [year], and again, you have absolutely no idea where you stand,” said Hamilton.

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Will the Silver Arrows Bounce Back in 2022?

Despite winning the Constructors’ Championship for the 8th consecutive season, the team will be hungry to avenge the painful loss in last season’s finale. The team has brought in George Russell from Williams to partner with Hamilton in 2022.

The Silver Arrows were impressive in Barcelona, where Lewis Hamilton had the fastest lap time, on Day 3, with a 1:19.138 on the C5 tires with Russell on tenth off his teammate. However, the team also had minor issues with the ‘porpoising’ effect in the new W13. Mercedes will be looking to get the ground running from the start of this season.

The season commences on 18th March at the Bahrain Grand Prix, a week after the second round of pre-season testing at the same track. Team Principal Toto Wolff also admitted that the team could have their work cut out in 2022. With Ferrari and McLaren improving massively in the off-season, this year’s Championship battle could be more exciting than ever.

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