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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with team principal Christian Horner on the podium REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-12-12T151114Z_200718145_UP1EHCC166OEY_RTRMADP_3_MOTOR-F1-ABUDHABI.jpg?width=600)
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates winning the race and the world championship with team principal Christian Horner on the podium REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah
FIA has announced some new technical regulations! However, many fans speculate that none of these mid-season changes help Mercedes and would benefit Ferrari and Red Bull more. The season already belongs to these two teams, as they sit comfortably at the top. Strikingly, these rules will remove one of the only problems they’ve had in the 2022 F1 season.
Reliability has been an issue for both Ferrari and Red Bull. The Bulls faced 2 DNFs in Bahrain and had another mechanical DNF in Australia. Their latest DNF came in the form of Sergio Perez at the Canadian GP. Meanwhile, the Maranello camp’s party has also been spoiled quite a few times due to engine issues. One of these even brought them a grid penalty.
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Hence, the update “allowing a Power Unit to be replaced in Parc Ferme with one of newer specification” could prove to be beneficial.
These rules seem arguably unfair to several fans as they reacted to the news on Twitter. Notably, as Mercedes has not had a single DNF till now due to any kind of mechanical failure, these rules wouldn’t help them since they do not seem to have any reliability issues.
Also, provision has been made to allow for temporary repairs to be made to Power Units. This all comes in light to help teams that have been struggling with reliability and PU failures.
— deni (@fiagirly) June 29, 2022
That’s a heavy linked Ferrari changes of regulations …
— Abd (@abder247) June 29, 2022
Hmmmm… I ain’t even going to say anything.
— 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞🖤 (@Fortune_Kahu) June 29, 2022
I wanna hear Horner saying anything about this changes 😴
— ali (Taylor’s version) (@tobesokindness) June 29, 2022
That violates the very definition of Parc Fermé. Older spec sure, but newer? Thanks Netflix we love the new pit lane exit rule as well!
— Lo_Russel (@lo_russel) June 29, 2022
So rules can change mid season? I thought that was unacceptable in F1 🙄
— Em (@emilat14) June 29, 2022
Red bull is running the FIA. Believe me. pic.twitter.com/YT1elppO01
— Sithembiso Mrwetyana (@SithembisoMrwe2) June 29, 2022
So now mid season rule changes are ok cause it’s screwing over Mercedes? Got it.
— harry (@harrybaws999) June 30, 2022
The new rules indicate that in some cases, temporary changes will be allowed to be made to the engine. This will reduce the need to change any parts (as happened in the case of Ferrari). Further, shockingly, ‘teams will also be allowed to replace the engine with a new specification between qualifying and the race’.
Some other new rules include temperature concerns around the cooling of fuel, which will be monumental during hotter races. Changes to the mirrors to facilitate a better view might be carried out. Additionally, rules surrounding the flexibility of front and rear wings (their testing) and even tire testing have changed.
Mercedes vs Red Bull vs Ferrari at the British Grand Prix?
Silverstone will be a crucial time for the top three teams. Last year entailed a blood-curdling end to Max Verstappen‘s race as he crashed into the walls. The Dutchman will look forward to his redemption at the Silverstone circuit. However, Charles Leclerc also sensationally finished in the second place after looking like a possible winner at one point.
The last 4 trophy lifts at the @F1 British Grand Prix 🏆
Who lifts the trophy in 2022? #F1 #BritishGP pic.twitter.com/w4bNtDGlZt
— Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) June 24, 2022
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Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, will possibly drive an even more competitive W13 on home turf. After no race wins this season, the Briton will also look forward to setting a new single circuit record. New updates might bring the W13 closer to the top teams and help the seven-time world champion.
In an interview, their technical team even warned, “Our drivers will push as hard as we can because we want to get back to winning. We want to win for the team, we definitely want to win and we want to win for you, the fans, so let’s see what happens.”
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So, keeping this in mind: whose race will Silverstone be? Mercedes, Ferrari, or Red Bull?