Ferrari have ventured onto the circuit with their 2022 car, the F1-75, that they hope will master the new technical regulations in Formula 1.
A ground effect-based aerodynamic concept has been introduced ahead of the 2022 season, which has led to an extreme simplification of the chassis.
Further, the tyres have increased in size to 18 inches and the fuel blend has been switched to 90 percent fossil fuels and 10 percent renewable resources as F1 aims to go carbon neutral by 2030.
The Scuderia have been working with their fuel partners Shell over the last few months to develop a fuel solution made up of 10 percent ethanol, and they are reported to have recovered the 20-horsepower lost as a result of the more eco-friendly fuel mix that all teams must switch to.
They have opted for an aggressive design concept, and upon its launch on Thursday afternoon, drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz enthused over the aesthetics of the alluring red and black livery.
“I love it. I really, really like it. I will love it even more if it’s fast on track, but I absolutely love the look,” the Monegasque told team principal Mattia Binotto.
“I think it looks aggressive, it looks radical and I think it looks beautiful also, and I hope it’s fast,” added his 27-year-old team-mate.
Former F1 designer Gary Anderson has already raised concerns over the efficiency of the aerodynamic package, opining that it looks as though “two different design teams” had been deployed to develop either end of the machine.
Whether the Scuderia have nailed the new regulations remains to be seen, but Sainz and Leclerc took to Ferrari’s own Fiorano test track to give the car its first shakedown.
The Italian team tweeted a video of Sainz pulling up on an extremely foggy day with the caption “ending a very special week in style.”
The teams will head to Barcelona on Tuesday to complete three days of testing in Spain, before embarking on another pre-season week in Bahrain.
The 2022 season will then commence on 20 March at the Sakhir International Circuit as Ferrari aim to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes having ended the 2021 season third in the Constructors’ Championship.