The sluggish behaviour of the heavy 2022 F1 cars in slow corners could best be simulated for Monaco in a city bus, according to Sebastian Vettel
The increased minimum weight of the 2022 Formula 1 cars is causing headaches for some of the drivers in terms of handling in slow corners. The cars, which are fundamentally new in concept, are more than 40 kilograms heavier this season than their predecessors from the 2021 season.
While the minimum weight was initially raised from 752 to 795 kilograms, an additional increase of the minimum weight to 798 kilograms is expected before the season opener in Bahrain next weekend.
During the winter tests, the comparatively sluggish behaviour of the heavy cars became apparent in two places in particular: at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the chicane shortly before the start/finish and at the Bahrain International Circuit in the tight left-hand bend at the start of the straight behind the pits (turn 10).
Is the sluggish behaviour of the cars on street circuits, such as Monaco, becoming a serious problem? Sebastian Vettel responds in good humour when asked about this. “Instead of doing preparations in the simulator, it will probably make more sense to sit on one of the city buses,”
“The cars are significantly heavier. We are simply dealing with more mass and therefore the driving style has to be adapted,” Vettel remarks and in this respect does not necessarily see the simulation programmes as the target preparation.
Charles Leclerc sees it similarly. “We have gained quite a bit of downforce in fast corners. But there are not many fast passages in Monaco. So the slow sections are really tricky. That’s where you’ll really feel the weight of the car, especially as the car is also stiffer [than in 2021],” says the Ferrari driver, who hails from Monaco.
And there is something else that is already causing the Formula 1 drivers headaches with regard to the narrow street circuit on the Cote d’Azur: the view from the cockpit. “The view will probably be quite tricky in Monaco because the wheels simply protrude further upwards,” suspects Esteban Ocon, referring to the 18-inch rims prescribed for this season.
Therefore, the usual close approach to the crash barriers could be difficult, especially on street circuits like Monaco, Ocon believes. But the Alpine driver also says: “I think once we get used to it, it will be okay. “
