Jody Egginton, technical director of Scuderia AlphaTauri, says it’s “incredibly difficult” to build an F1 car below the minimum weight with the new 2022 F1 regulations.
This year, F1 has increased its minimum weight by 43kg to 795kg. However, the F1 team is said to be struggling to reach that threshold.
Since it is the minimum weight, there is no problem if it is above it, but usually the F1 team is below the minimum weight in the original state and adjusts so that the minimum weight can be cleared with ballast etc. For example, the Catalunya circuit is estimated to be 10kg equivalent to 0.3 seconds.
A significant portion of that increase is with Pirelli’s 18-inch wheels and tires, but the larger the wheels, the bigger the brakes. In addition, the structure of the chassis has been changed to improve safety, and the weight has been increased.
“Due to safety-related regulatory changes, we need to add mass and structure to the chassis to pass these tests,” explains Jody Egginton, technical director of Scuderia AlphaTauri.
“In addition, the geometry has changed with respect to the minimum size of some elements of the chassis. The volume of the cockpit, etc …. It’s physically larger in some respects. Combining these two things , Adds mass to the structure “
For 2022 cars, the size of the brake ducts and suspension shrouds will also be larger in relation to the larger wheels.
“Not surprising. It’s incredibly difficult to make an underweight car. You can’t underestimate that fact. It’s very difficult. And with a new set of regulations, you’ll learn some new tricks and regulations. I was forced to find a place where I might optimize the weight of the vehicle. “
“But in the first year, I want to get out of the car, do homologation, and start learning,” admits Jody Egginton.
“What I don’t want following 6 days of testing is that parts drop off.”
“We’re balancing this risk and reward. How light can a part last?”
“This floor is very different and touches the truck much more than the old regulation. What I don’t want to do most is to leave a big floor on the truck for doing it. So many I think the team has that in mind. We’re definitely. “
“In addition, there is a budget limit. You have to spend your money wisely. It’s a balancing act. It’s challenging and tough.”
“We’re the focus on the side, weight management, but that’s not too surprising to me,” Judy Egginton noted the fact that most of this year’s cars look overweight.
Category: Category: F1 / Alpha Tauri
