In February we will finally know what the new Formula 1 cars will look like, when the teams will unveil their new cars. For example, Aston Martin will present the AMR22 on February 10. A day later it is McLaren's turn with their MCL36. AlphaTauri presents the AT03 on February 14. February 17 is an exciting day for all Ferrari fans. On February 18, it's the turn of the fans of Mercedes. Will the W13 be a silver arrow again? And February 21, Alpine unveils the A522. It has not yet been announced when Red Bull Racing will present the new car of Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez - the RB18. We do know one thing: the brand new world champion Max Verstappen will race with number 1.

Two winter tests: in Barcelona and Bahrain

The patience of the Formula 1 fans is being put to the test. Unlike in previous years, the winter test in Barcelona will be completed behind closed doors on February 23, 24 and 25. That is why we only get to see the new RB18, W13 and all those other new cars in action during the winter test in Bahrain. It will take place on March 10, 11 and 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit, where the opening race of this season will also be held.

Why new regulations for the teams?

The FIA ​​wants to achieve two things with the new rules: a fair and sustainable sport that at the same time provides more spectacle. All teams are subject to a so-called budget cap for the development of their cars. A disadvantage for top teams such as Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, who have a lot of money, but an advantage for the smaller teams such as Haas and Williams. The budget will be reduced from around 132 million euros to 123 million euros in 2025. The smaller teams will also have more time in the wind tunnel than the large teams. Such changes to the rules should bring Formula 1 cars closer to each other in terms of performance.

Pirelli delivers new tires for 18 inch rims

Another striking change is the 18-inch rim with larger tires. According to tire supplier Pirelli, the new tires wear less quickly than the old 13-inch tires. In addition, the drivers can drive closer to their predecessor without losing any downforce. This makes pushing and overtaking easier. This is one of the adjustments that should ensure the spectacle on the track. Pirelli also predicts that the number of races with only one pit stop will increase this season. Drivers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and George Russell - the new driver at Mercedes - have already extensively tested the larger Pirelli tires and are generally positive.

New wings and tunnels for ground effect

In recent years, the engineers have mainly focused on the new aerodynamics of Formula 1 cars. The focus is on the 'ground effect': the successful technique that was used in Formula 1 cars about fifty years ago. The effect of the 'ground effect' is mainly that the cars are sucked into the asphalt. As a result, they are much less affected by dirty air and loss of downforce when they drive right behind another car. Overtaking becomes easier and that reduces the tension in the race. To achieve this 'ground effect' tunnels under the floor of the car are needed and a simplification of the front wing. The rear wing has also been renewed and plays an important role in the new aerodynamics of the Formula 1 cars.

Finally, the safety of Formula 1 cars has improved. The nose is longer and the sides of the chassis are also further reinforced. All this makes the cars heavier. The expectation is that we will see slightly slower cars on the track than we were used to in previous seasons.
All in all, the new technical regulations are bringing about a major change in the premier class of motorsport.

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