As a part of a bid to make the racing extra thrilling, F1 undertook a whole overhaul of the technical rules for 2022.
This included a change to floor impact equipment, and a change to 18-inch wheels working much less thermally-sensitive tyres.
However whereas the F1 2022 season has produced a little bit of selection, with the title battle being contested between Ferrari and Crimson Bull, the character of the racing has not been that dramatically totally different from the previous.
And Vettel, who’s retiring from grand prix racing on the finish of this 12 months, has questioned whether or not or not the funding made within the F1 2022 revolution was in the end price it for what enchancment there was.
Requested by Motorsport.com in regards to the new guidelines and new tyres this 12 months, Vettel mentioned: “They’ve at all times been difficult, however as an instance it like this: the large push this 12 months was to make the automobiles capable of overtake and observe quite a bit nearer. However I do not suppose there is a large distinction.
“We observe nearer, however we have got much less drag, so it’s essential be nearer to additionally overtake. And on tyres, the large goal was to permit racing extra, however I do not suppose it’s a large distinction both.
“So I do not wish to say it has failed. However definitely a variety of effort had gone in and never all the hassle got here out, let’s put it this manner.”
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
Increasing extra on the tyres, Vettel urged that that they had proved particularly difficult to get probably the most out of in qualifying.
“I feel all people is exploring or discovering the identical factor,” he mentioned. “So so long as you are on the nice aspect of issues, then [it’s okay].
“However normally, the sooner you might be by way of the automotive package deal, the much less issues you will have. So now being in the back of the grid, we do have some surprises and a few weekends the place it does not go proper.
“Then, you solely get one or two runs most in qualifying, which you recognize, makes it quite a bit tougher. However I’d say it is just about because it was.”
Dash race money
In addition to F1’s new proprietor Liberty Media pushing for a guidelines overhaul, it has additionally launched different daring adjustments to the game – equivalent to dash races.
Whereas there was a trio of sprints for the previous two seasons, a plan to develop the roster as much as six in 2023 was this week ratified by the FIA.
Vettel isn’t an enormous fan of the sprints from a driving perspective, and thinks they’ve solely been pursued by Liberty due to cash.
“I feel that from a driving viewpoint, it isn’t very thrilling to have a dash,” he mentioned. “I feel you might be nonetheless trying on the major race.
“You are taking a look at perhaps enhancing your place, clearly, however principally not dropping. You get some factors now, and also you get somewhat bit extra [than last year], however I feel the primary major focus remains to be on the race. I do not wish to be the dangerous man for simply being the dangerous man, however I feel it’s a approach to make more cash.
“If there’s a race, clearly it is extra thrilling than perhaps a follow session. You have got extra folks watching.
“So I assume it is a query of method, however then I haven’t got the total entry to the numbers. That is what we have been informed some whereas in the past.”
