Ferrari F1-75, Maranello’s challenge to Mercedes and Red Bull

Ferrari is preparing to start the engines in the new F1 season and it does so, as always, by unveiling the F1-75 single-seater that will be driven by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz again this year. And if you are wondering the reason for this name for the 68th single-seater built by Ferrari for Formula 1, the reason is very simple. The “75” refers to an anniversary that the Maranello-based company celebrates in 2022. Indeed on 12 March 1947 Enzo Ferrari turned on the engine of the 125 S for the first time, the first car produced by the Prancing Horse. And this year is the 75th anniversary of this historic event, which Scuderia Ferrari wanted to celebrate with the name of the new single-seater.

How could it be otherwise and without surprising anyone, Ferrari proposes the red color, but in one of its darker shades. The black color also returns, as was to be expected after the drivers’ suits and clothing that the team members have worn in recent days were unveiled, but perhaps less than initially thought.

Ferrari F1-75, here is the modular nose

There are several places where you can see the innovative ideas of the team of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The finish of the front spoiler, the air intakes or the shape of the pontoons, which also incorporate cooling gills that until now had only been seen on the Aston Martin, are some of these particularities. But undoubtedly the “highlight” of the new F1-75 is in the front of the car.

In fact, the so-called “modular” nose makes its debut, a concept that never existed before in Formula 1. In practice, instead of a single section of the nose, Ferrari has divided the design into two separate elements.

Towards the main chassis is the structural element which is homologated to pass the mandatory FIA crash tests, which Ferrari duly passed last December. Ahead of this is a completely separate part of the main muzzle profile which descends to attach to the front wing. Having this element separate from the homologated part means that Ferrari is given more freedom to be able to change and modify it without having to go through the long and costly process of new crash tests.

This allows for faster reaction to updates or design changes. In addition, more efficient modifications to the Ferrari nose could also be useful in regards to the budget limit, as it will be able to transfer its existing resources to other areas. And the team could also have an advantage if the front wing gets damaged and a gearbox is needed.

The first comments on the new F1-75 arrive from team principal Mattia Binotto: “We understand that the expectations are very high, higher than in previous years, when the results were not up to par for a team like Ferrari. But in 2019 we chose a new direction of development and, although there have been difficult moments along the way, the team has become stronger and more united. This machine is the perfect embodiment of our efforts. Now is the time to face the competition – the biggest challenge awaits us, but that’s what makes our job so exciting. I wish the F1-75 could fight for victory in every Grand Prix, in no way inferior to the cars of other teams, so that it turns out to be the best. We have a responsibility towards the company, our partners, but above all I would like our new car to inspire pride in Ferrari fans ”.

Now all that remains is to wait for the first tests and the start of the 2022 season which will start on March 20 in Bahrain and will be preceded by its test sessions scheduled in Barcelona from February 23 to 25 and precisely in Bahrain, in Sakhir, from 10 to 12 March.