The Ferrari SF-22 is Scuderia Ferrari's Formula 1 car for the 2022 season, which marked a significant shift in F1's technical regulations. Designed to comply with the sport's new aerodynamic rules aimed at improving racing and overtaking, the SF-22 was developed to return Ferrari to competitiveness after several challenging seasons.
Overview
Name: Ferrari SF-22
Category: Formula 1
Team: Scuderia Ferrari
Season: 2022
Drivers:
Charles Leclerc (#16)
Carlos Sainz Jr. (#55)
Power Unit: Ferrari 066/7 (Hybrid V6 Turbo)
Design and Technical Features
1. Aerodynamics:
The 2022 regulations were designed to reduce the turbulence created by the cars, making it easier for cars to follow each other closely. Key aerodynamic changes in the Ferrari SF-22 included:
Ground Effect: With the new ground-effect regulations, the SF-22 featured sculpted sidepods and a revised underbody that generated more downforce from the floor, improving the car’s grip without relying as much on the wings.
Simplified Front and Rear Wings: To reduce aerodynamic wake and increase overtaking opportunities, the front and rear wings of the SF-22 were simplified compared to previous generations. The front wing featured larger elements with smooth transitions to the endplates, while the rear wing had a more curved profile.
Innovative Sidepods: The SF-22’s sidepods had a distinctive scalloped design, with deep air channels carved out, directing airflow efficiently toward the rear of the car. Ferrari's sidepod design was one of the most talked-about features on the 2022 grid due to its unique shape.
2. Chassis:
The SF-22 chassis was completely redesigned to fit the new regulations. It was more robust to accommodate the larger 18-inch wheels (a switch from 13-inch) and stronger safety measures like extended impact zones.
3. Power Unit:
Ferrari 066/7 Engine: The car used the Ferrari 066/7 hybrid power unit, a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with an Energy Recovery System (ERS). Ferrari made significant improvements to its power unit for the 2022 season, which helped the team return to race-winning form.
MGU-K and MGU-H: The hybrid system recovers energy from both kinetic and heat sources, improving overall efficiency and allowing for strong acceleration out of corners, as well as more strategic deployment of electric power on straights.
4. Tires:
18-inch Pirelli Tires: The new tire regulations introduced larger 18-inch rims with lower-profile tires. These tires aimed to reduce overheating and degradation, contributing to more consistent performance over long stints. The SF-22 was developed around these new tire dynamics, adapting to different pressure and temperature windows compared to previous seasons.
5. Weight:
The minimum weight of F1 cars increased in 2022 due to safety measures and the larger wheels, with the SF-22 weighing around 798 kg (including the driver and fuel).
Performance
The Ferrari SF-22 marked a resurgence for Scuderia Ferrari, with the car showing strong pace, particularly in the first half of the season. It competed at the front of the grid with the likes of Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas.
Key Strengths:
Qualifying Pace: The SF-22 had excellent one-lap performance, regularly securing pole positions thanks to its impressive aerodynamics and engine improvements.
Cornering Speed: The car was particularly strong in medium and slow-speed corners, where its aerodynamic grip and chassis setup allowed the drivers to carry significant speed.
Challenges:
Reliability Issues: Despite its speed, the SF-22 suffered from reliability problems throughout the season, particularly with its power unit. Engine failures and strategic mistakes cost the team valuable points.
Tire Management: Over the course of a race, the SF-22 occasionally struggled with tire management, particularly on hotter tracks, leading to higher degradation compared to some competitors.
2022 Season Results
Race Wins: Ferrari returned to the top step of the podium with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz winning multiple races. Leclerc secured victories in Bahrain, Australia, and Austria, while Sainz took his maiden F1 win at the British Grand Prix.
Podiums: The SF-22 regularly secured podium finishes, keeping Ferrari in the championship fight, particularly in the first half of the season.
Championship Position: Ferrari ended the season as runners-up in the Constructors’ Championship, with Leclerc finishing second in the Drivers’ Championship. However, they faced stiff competition from Red Bull and eventually lost momentum as the season progressed.
