2022 has been an epic year for Formula 1. We’ve seen new regulations, rising stars, surprising results and even some shocks at times. We’ve also witnessed the arrival and departure of some big names too. From the ups and downs to the most unforgettable moments of the year, it’s time to reflect on the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Championship.
The biggest F1 news of the year; what it meant for the sport…
Without a doubt, the most significant highlight of the season was Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing’s record-breaking run to take both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships at a canter. Verstappen’s incredible victory in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and Lewis Hamilton’s struggles with back pain and lack of race wins both contributed to this.
Additionally, changes to the Formula 1 rules for 2022 were also a hot topic, with many praising the changes.
All in all, it was an eventful season to say the least. It just goes to show how unpredictable certain seasons can be. Especially for newcomers to the world of Formula 1 who like to place bets, it’s important to stay in the loop about F1 happenings. That way you can gain a better understanding of what’s going on and how things will impact the sport without getting caught off-guard.
It’s a good idea to check online reviews of Formula 1 betting sites like this one before choosing where to place your bet. These sites can help you figure out where the safest bets are and which platform to use and what you can expect to happen throughout the season.
Advances in F1’s regulations
Over the years, Formula 1 has been under considerable pressure to make the sport more sustainable. It’s been a growing trend for years in all areas of the world. In response, the FIA and Formula One Management took steps to address those demands, and have also begun to make the sport less costly.
In 2022, the sport’s administrators, the FIA, announced a new rule regarding minimum tire pressure, supposedly as a way of reducing the impact on the Pirelli tyres. This came as no surprise as many expected it to eventually happen. Then the biggest rule to hit the grid for a long time was the new 18 inch rims and much lower profile tyres, making the sport more relevant to road tyres. This took a lost of adjusting to by all the teams,
However, it quickly impacted the way that teams need to design their suspension with regard to the rims and tyres. This added a new challenge, especially in its first year where there was a bit of an adjustment needed to get used to the new rules.
F1 stars were born
Since 2009, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have both been dominant forces on the grid with Vettel dominating first for four years and then Hamilton for the next eight seasons, but 2022 was high time for a new challenger to take the reins and dominate the results, and that’s exactly what took place with Max Verstappen’s second successive title. So dominant was the young Dutchman that he had the title race sewn up by the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Then UK’s Lando Norris stepped onto the scene with McLaren and immediately made a name for himself, and even won the McLaren Young Driver Award. He’s now being projected to be a title contender in the coming years. With Daniel Ricciardo suddenly gone, experts predict that Norris will be the new hope for McLaren to get back on top in the future.
Next up is Alexander Albon, who had a very strong run in Formula 2 before being signed by Red Bull first at Toro Rosso (now AlphaTauri) and to partner up with the sensational Max Verstappen. Although he didn’t last long alongside Verstappen, the young Anglo-Thai quickly found a new home at Williams, and with a new long term contract under his belt, he has the potential to be a consistent competitor in the years to come.
Conclusion
2022 was certainly not an ordinary year for Formula 1. It will go down in the history of the sport as one of the more interesting years that is for sure. With new faces, new regulations and stellar performances capped by Verstappen’s charge to the title, 2022 is certainly one for the record books…
