Less than a month to the new F1 season that will begin with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20. Total departure from the past for the new era of automotive sports: all teams seem intent on leaving nothing to chance, thanks to substantial changes in the regulations.

Extreme makeover F1 edition: the new face of the single-seater

The first highlight, obvious at a glance to media and enthusiasts, concernsaerodynamics. This is a car with simpler shapes, fewer additional appendages and a decrease in air disturbance like never before. The decision to switch from a flat bottom to one composed of Venturi channels (wing-shaped at the rear) serves to amplify the so-called “ground effect”: greater height at the rear will lead to greater downforce under the car, thus increasing the downforce generated by the bottom at high speeds.

The second reason for debate concerns the tire and wheel revolution. They went from the traditional 13 inches to the innovative 18 with an outer cover, aimed at channeling as much airflow as possible and avoiding overheating of the entire braking system. This allowed the installation of larger discs and calipers, giving the rider the ability to go into “braking” with better decision. However, the first misgivings were encountered from some of them, who complained of decreased visibility due to the space occupied by the covers. Possible changes in the course of the season await us? In addition, the challenge at Pirelli was based on the research and development of a compound capable of withstanding higher temperatures, allowing the tire to have a longer life and consequently witness more attacks during the race.

The weight of the car also left room for various interpretations. Compared to 2021 there is an increase of almost 50 kg, so the situation experienced in 2014 with the implementation of the hybrid to the naturally aspirated engine is repeated. The single-seaters will have to have a minimum weight of 795 kg, excluding fuel. Therefore, this is an addition of almost 100 kg in the last 8 years alone.

Judging from the first opinions of drivers grappling with the simulators, significant differences will be felt on the slow and in the tight. Is their driving style called for a drastic change?

Also new on the safety front. As per the regulations, the chassis will have to absorb 48 percent on the front and 15 percent on the rear of extra impact impact, unlike in 2021. Looking at the trend of accidents over the years, it is evident how fatal ones happen more and more rarely (the last one in 2014 by Jules Bianchi in Suzuka). The excellent results achieved show how an extreme sport does not lose spectacularity while respecting the safety of drivers with innovative solutions (one among all, the introduction of HALO in 2018).

The race has already begun. Who is first?

In summary, it is shaping up to be the most contested season ever. In particular, the greatest expectations fall on the team with the most participations ever: will this be the year of Ferrari’s rebirth?

Emblematic statements by Team Principal, Mattia Binotto, at the presentation of the F1-75: “The work that has been done is incredible. It is a single-seater in which we have put the best of us. I am proud, all our passion, our know-how is in it. It is a Ferrari that I call courageous.”

Some rumors place the Italian stable ahead of even Mercedes’ rivals. In fact, the Rossa’s body would guarantee a 7% better aerodynamic contribution than the German team. Numbers that only the track will be able to refute or not.

Honeyed words from Toto Wolff for the Cavallino, during the presentation of the new “Silver Arrow” W13: “Any team may have found a magic solution, as happened with the double diffuser on the BrawnGP in 2009. As a racing fan, I love Ferrari and would like it to be competitive. It is the biggest name in Formula 1 and we have missed seeing it fight for victory in the last two or three years.”

New art observers for the Michelangelos of the steering wheel

Like all self-respecting developments, the public also has its share. According to the latest research from The Insights Family (a market researcher company, collaborating with Formula 1 since 2019) this is one of the fastest growing sports in recent years. The main objective was simple: what are the interests of viewers and how can young people be brought in? In the age of digital entertainment, video game content is leading the way. From the material published by the league to that of the pilot, everything that creates engagement gets the younger generation hooked.

In this regard, it is impossible not to mention the media impact achieved by the docu-series, produced by Netflix, “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” For the first time, the paddock is stripped bare to show the bare, raw reality behind carbon bodies. It’s not just about points, scoreboards and podiums. It’s not just a sport: it’s live or lose.

The purpose of the documentary is to make the viewer participate in particularly heartfelt situations of a season as he or she could never have imagined before. Drivers no longer wear only the guise of millionaire investments, but also that of human beings. As such, imagining in their own skin the endless variables they experience on and off the track turns out to be a rare emotion.

World champions from your bedroom: the opportunities of eSports to open up a new market

How to make this identification even more meaningful?

Sim racing is a reality that has taken hold as technology has advanced in gaming. The user base mostly includes the 16-24 age group, with preferences for console use. Although there is a predominantly male turnout in practice, there is a majority of the female audience for the enjoyment of online content such as live streaming and events. Among many interesting insights, eSport promotes inclusivity and breaks down any social barriers. These are all values that are reflected in the face of the entity that comes with it.

The league did not miss the opportunity and on August 21, 2017, the birth of the Formula 1 eSport Pro Series was announced. It was an event that involved more than 60,000 players from around the world and as many as 123 countries interested in viewing. Adding to the appeal, there was no shortage of participation from the likes of brands such as Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport and Red Bull Racing.

Another egregiously exploited opportunity concerns the Virtual Grand Prix: a tournament inaugurated in 2020, due to the lockdown, which featured some professional drivers and some 30 million young viewers (even being broadcast on Sky Sport F1).

Any fan can get involved, regardless of the means available. Just as sports should be.