2022 Formula 1™ Season livery analysis

2022 MCLAREN F1™ Team 

Not the first reveal of the season, but certainly one of the more newsworthy. McLaren technical director James Key described the team’s newly-launched 2022 Formula 1™ car as “future-proofed for development”.

The extent to which that development occurs, should be extremely fast throughout the year. The car, sticking to that orange papaya look from 2021 but with an additional lighter tinge of blue, the MCL36 is very much a baseline for the team to build on. This means that fans should expect minor changes and improvements to be made, throughout the season.

Although McLaren designed the car to the best standard it can be, they also factor in what scope there is for future development to ensure that they do not end up in stagnation, in terms of progress.

Then there’s the cost cap to deal with. The deployment of upgrades must now be done with maximum efficiency, creating an additional challenge for all teams, with McLaren no exception. This cap has forced the constructor to think smartly and with long term visions in mind. Therefore, despite the impressive looks, it is very much “jury’s out” for how competitive Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris, will be able to be. It appears that strategy will be more important than ever, in the quest for success.

2022 ASTON MARTIN ARAMCO COGNIZANT Formula One™ Team 

The car may have looked impressive, but Sebastian Vettel’s hairline was the best revelation of the week. On a serious note, Aston Martin were the third F1™ team to unveil their car for the 2022 season and have named it the ‘AMR22’ challenger. In Warwickshire, where the team's headquarters are based, they showed the results of hours upon hours of work to make the car more competitive. Having taken something of a backwards step in 2021 from the performances seen in Force India/Racing Point spells, work on the AMR22 has been long in the making, with test runs in this car occurring as early as a year ago. Let's hope their merchandise also picks up the pace as Stroll and Vettel haven't been at par since the livery change and now with the new BWT will the  bright pink colour be omnipresent, as it was on the ex Force India dubbed Mercedes Pink panther?

The team seem to be heading in the right direction, although the extent to which this will be immediately visible to the sport’s spectators, is still very much up for debate.
Like with the aforementioned McLaren, it could be a more long-term plan.

Test drivers and simulators alike both show positive starting points for the team, who can yet again been seen sporting a dark green livery. Perhaps the most striking change are the Gill-like vents on the side of the car. 

2022 SCUDERIA ALPHATAURI F1™ TEAM 

AlphaTauri have revealed their masterpiece in line with F1™’s revolutionary new technical rules. The AT03 was revealed digitally to the world this week, to worldwide praise. Gasly and Tsunoda, both of whom remain with the team for another year, will line up in a car that is, somehow, even more beautiful than we saw in 2021. Sticking with the white and dark blue mix design, the constructor will look to build on the team-best 142 points picked up in last season as they finish 6th in the standings, just short of Alpine. In this new era for the sport, this package should be mightily strong.

Despite similarities, because of the changing regulations, the team have had to, in the words of Pierre Gasly; “start from scratch”.

Team Principal Franz Tost, revealed how excited he was to reveal the car to the world. Although nobody will know the true pace of the car until testing commences, everybody who works with the team seems confident that they have produced something special.

2022 SCUDERIA FERRARI F1™ TEAM 

In a launch season characterized by the visual differences between cars, the new Ferrari F1-75 stands for more than this. With new aero regulations to work with, Ferrari has gone above and beyond to make this car, a title challenger. The only thing that doesn’t appear to have changed, is the suspension.
The same cannot be said for all the 2022  FORMULA ONE™ Fashion lines and especially, the 2022 PUMA Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Full Replica Team Collection, as drivers wearing the team kits have been compared to McDonald's Restaurant Flashy Cashier Clerks...

The classic 2021 Red/White combo has been drastically changed to a more serious and slightly naughty 2022 Red and Black. Sainz and Leclerc certainly looked the part at the new reveal, more striking and sophisticated than ever. We live it to the Tifosi to decide.

There is also a new side pod arrangement which ramps gently down towards the lower areas. However, there is also an upward ramp where these side pods merge into the engine cover. Like the previously discussed Aston Martin, it has cooling vents on the top surface, to allow continuous air flow without compromising the aerodynamics.

Meanwhile, the profile of the upper bodywork resembles an upward trajectory. It appears as if the radiators have been laid out in a horizontal fashion, with the cooling tunnels running along the engine cam covers.

This has given a vastly undercut side pod shape which quickly merges with the flat, slab side before then heavily undercutting once more. As a result, the rear of the car resembles a bottle like shape.

Furthermore, with wheel to wheel racing the aim of these regulations, both the floor and wheels look very different. Ferrari have taken a lot of forward side pod area up with the floor venturi tunnels and the wheelbases have been shortened to a maximum of 3600 mm, extremely different to last season’s car. The reason all the cars discussed so far appear so different, is that all engineers across the sport have different ideas of what constitutes optimum aerodynamics. It will be interesting to see just who has got it right. The real challenge is direction of air flow, either through or around the car itself. Every team, Ferrari included, are looking to be efficient in their compromise.

The effectiveness of the venturi tunnel shape in lowering the air pressure of the underside will determine how strongly the airflow is pulled into those inlets. This, in turn, has an impact on both cooling and downforce. The size and shape of these inlets is therefore absolutely vital.

Whilst McLaren have opted for a very bluff side pod shape at first glance, Ferrari have used only the top leading edge to do that and, as a result, instead are left with a hollowed out area beneath, meaning no area of immense high pressure.

The red team also appear to have made the same ‘double tea tray’ ruse as seen on the Aston Martin, allowing a split in the airflow around the bodywork. I haven’t even got onto the brand new power unit, which should see the Prancing Horses significantly faster than last term. Aided of course by the new and improved energy recycling system. The architecture of the engine is quite different, though it is believed to retain the combined turbine and compressor turbo, which means Ferrari are the only team to opt for this design.

Finally, the nose shape can be seen to have a pronounced hollowed out section beneath which will further reduce the air pressure and enhance downforce, making the car stick to the road like it has glue on the tyres.

2022 WILLIAMS RACING F1™ TEAM 

Williams presented their new livery for the 2022 season, but with a twist.

Team boss Jost Capito explained that it elected not to show its new colours on its actual 2022 car because they are waiting for that perfect design. Hence, we were only left with a show car. 

With Alex Albon and Nicolas Latifi ready to race in a few weeks time, it has been revealed that Williams’ 2022 car the “FW44”, looks significantly different than the car unveiled during the digital launch, with the front end, the side pods and the engine cover area, expected to be similar to that of the new McLaren. The team will be looking for an improvement on 8th place in the constructors standings, having only amassed 23 points in what was, rather depressingly, an improvement from the years prior. Don’t forget, they have won the constructor’s title nine times in their illustrious history. Capito admitted it is almost impossible for Williams to set targets for 2022 considering that all teams are starting from scratch thanks to the radical changes.

2022 HAAS F1™ TEAM

This articles penultimate entry is Haas, who were actually the first team to unveil their new car, that surely has to be a step up from last year. 2021 was a miserable campaign for the American team, with 2022 always the priority. In essence, 2021 was a developmental year in preparation for improvements this, and next, season. Team boss Gunther Steiner was clear that there is much with more to come when the VF-22 hits the track for the first time in Barcelona.

Aside from the livery, which is similar to what we saw in 2021, there are plenty of observations to be had. Arguably, the most obvious difference is the team’s approach to the side pods, with a very narrow inlet being utilized by the radiators in the car. A large undercut is also evident under the side pod, which should work well with the suspension elements in order for that all-important airflow to move freely. Moreover, the side pod bodywork shifts outwards to meet the maximum dimensions prescribed.

Haas have also tried to make the rear as slim as possible, with a narrow cooling outlet. On the other hand, there’s no sign on the current revelation of a cooling panel with louvres. Something currently permitted yet Haas don’t seem to have opted for it.

2022 MERCEDES-AMG-PETRONAS F1™ TEAM

The Silver Arrows return. With latest revelation of the 2022 calendar comes from the defending constructors champions. The W13 was displayed to the world for the first time on Friday, February 18th in the early morning to much acclaim. Dropping the black colour scheme, the team have gone back to their more traditional and well-loved Sterling silver metallic grey.

With Lewis Hamilton finally set to return alongside new young buck teammate George Russell for the coming season, there are many visible changes to the design of the already successful formula. With the combination of other teams making tremendous strides and the changing regulations, Mercedes are no exception with Lewis Hamilton himself labelling the changes as "drastic". The man from Stevenage hopes he can win back his World Title and set a new record in doing so, by claiming what would be an eighth Driver's Championship. 

That being said, on the chassis side, the changes are monumental. Breaking this down, the way the regulations are constructed are very different. This is particularly evident in the aerodynamic design. This, understandably, has a big impact. Furthermore, what Mercedes are trying to achieve with the aerodynamics means the cars are literally a contrasting shape. Finally, this is the first time the constructor will have attempted such a drastic change with a cap enforced on the costings.

ALPINE F1™ TEAM 2022

A sense of " déjà" vus the French based Alpine Formula One™ Team sees pink flashback or a touch of a "Pink Mercedes" aka Force India/ Racing Point to liven up the grid. The penultimate instalment of this seasons stunning revelations came in the form of French constructor, Alpine. With the Ocon/Alonso duo remaining in their place for the coming year, the team have showcased a striking new livery for 2022 as the Spaniard driver, Fernando Alonso has F1™ wondering about "El Plan" aka his plan...or next chicanery steps...he has for the coming season.
Rather uniquely, the design encompasses a colour 'flip' plan for the opening races, as the French team strive to improve on their fifth place finish last term. It was a year full of high and low points, for the team formerly known as Renault. Everybody will be hoping for visible improvements this campaign. The 'A522' F1™ single-seater is predominantly blue but also has large splashes of rose to celebrate their new sponsor, BWT. The look the team have adopted for the first two races of the season is a near mirror image of the Racing Point car from 2020, with the colour patterns reversed for these GRAND PRIX™ so remains a near-identical replica of the car that Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll raced in only a couple of years ago. One thing is for sure, testing will be crucial for Alpine, who will hope to be nearer to McLaren and further away from the likes of AlphaTauri and Aston Martin, in the standings.

For relevance,  Kappa e Robe di Kappa will now supply the the 2022 official Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso's "El Matador" Alpline Formula 1™ merchandise and team kits.
FANABOX.COM announces exclusively in Montreal that Coq Sportif has been ousted from team replica and fan wear and that recently, Kappa Europe has now signed a deal with the French power unit "manufacturier" to kit out drivers, team members, mechanics, staff and fans worldwide with it's unique Sports and Fashion urban blend. A wide range of attire will hopefully be found in our store or online, including such items as current Alpine Kappa gear and for the retro lovers, a few throwback Renault clothing which will become highly collectible. Not only that, but there are also a multitude of discounted options during the off-season and 2022 F1™ Testing Season to grab some original racing swag, so don't delay in choosing your own clothing livery.

ALFA ROMEO F1™ TEAM ORLEN 2022

Romeo. Romeo. Where is art thou Alfa Romeo? And just like that, the grid has it's completed look. Alfa Romeo became the final team to reveal their 2022 car. The christened "C42" sticks with the now traditional, bold, striking red and white snake and cross livery that the team has 'worn', for a number of years now. The team ran a special camouflage mimicking a certain RB11 Red Bull camo Formula 1™ car 2015......design during three days of pre-season running in Barcelona, with the lineup of Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu and reserve driver Robert Kubica, sharing driving stints across the days and getting their first taste of the car they will use for the coming year. However, as striking as the temporary camouflage design was, the car remained in the garage for long spells over the testing period, due to mechanical issues. As a result, they only ran 154 laps, the second lowest distance of any team. There is hope for a better showing in final tests to come from Bahrain, later in the month. As Hinwil celebrates 30 years in the sport, the latest look is said to be “a subtle nod to the past, recalling historical designs of years past and the heritage of Alfa Romeo and Sauber Motorsport”, according to Team Principal Fred Vasseur. He went on to reveal his optimism ahead of a season where the constructor hope to improve on their ninth place finish from 2021. "The start of the season is always an exciting time, one in which we see the fruit of the work of hundreds of people over a long period of time." Furthermore, he seemingly argued in support of the regulation changes the sport has introduced for the coming year, and gave us just a glimpse of what that could mean, for Alfa Romeo and their prospects; "the C42 is a car we look forward to seeing racing, not just because it is the first we built in this new regulations cycle, one in which racing should be closer and more thrilling." He also proclaimed he was equal parts confident and hopeful, that the changes made could result in Alfa Romeo, moving up the grid. Aesthetically, the red and white look is one of the most spectacular on the grid today.
Fortunately, FANABOX™ boasts a wide range of  Formula 1™ Team and Driver Collections and bespoke paraphernalia, with Alfa Romeo being no exception.

By visiting;

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Now, let's hope all F1™ Teams can solve the porpoising problem and jerks, as 2022 F1™ cars and engineers are back at the drawing boards to figure this one out.

Now, the stage is set for a the season opener, from March 18th to the 20th, as we set off to the hot desert of Bahreain, the 1st Round, the FORMULA 1™ GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX 2022 and FANABOX™ will be with you through thick and thin, rain or shine...2022 IT'S LIGHTS OUT AND AWAY WE GO!

2022 W13  F1™ car Photo Credit: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1™ Team. All Rights Reserved.

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