Unpacking the technical changes behind F1 2022's rules shake-up

Formula 1 cars will look very different this year as the long-awaited fresh rules finally arrive with the stated aim of improving its quality of racing. We break down what the return of 'ground effect' aerodynamics - and a flurry of other changes besides - means for the teams, and what fans can expect

Jake Boxall-Legge Jan 21, 2022, 1:55 PM

Upd: May 25, 2022, 7:49 AM

A full year after Formula 1's reimagining of ground-effects was supposed to underpin an all-new aerodynamics package, the long-awaited technical overhaul finally enters from stage left in 2022. But the changes have a lot to live up to. The 2021 contest proved to be one of the best F1 seasons in years, with exciting races providing a more than adequate stage for one of the all-time greatest championship battles to claim the globe's attention – and it did that with the old cars.

This year's fresh aero package has promised to add closer racing and afford a greater chance for drivers to overtake on track. Let's hope F1 can cope with the hype.

Share Or Save This Story

Author Jake Boxall-Legge

Jake Boxall-Legge Autosport’s Technical Editor. Having studied Automotive Engineering with Motorsport at the University of Hertfordshire, West Country-born Jake's original ambition was to design racing cars. During a year between studies in which he accidentally rekindled a love of writing, he took up a Master's in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes. Halfway through his master's year, he was offered a place on the Autosport Academy, conducting occasional freelance duties before becoming the press officer for Formula 2 and GP3 in 2018. Autosport offered him a return to the fold later that year to serve as its Technical Editor. His voice appears on a number of videos and podcasts, and can often be found writing about terrible Formula 1 cars in excruciating detail. In his spare time, Jake enjoys baking and blames his failure to make it past the Great British Bake-Off interviews on his tenuous grasp on choux pastry. His dream is to open a brunch cafe - and his willingness to make outrageous puns in inappropriate situations has earned him the contempt of his colleagues.