Aston Martin: 2022 cars to be 'quite go-kart-like' for drivers

Aston Martin's Andy Green says F1's new generation of cars will run so stiff and close to the ground that they will produce a go-kart-like feel for drivers.

Formula 1's new regulations centered around ground effects will emphasize the crucial aerodynamic role played by a car's floor.

But to achieve maximum efficiency in terms of downforce, running the car as flat and close to the ground as possible will be paramount insists Green.

"There are a few challenges with the car from an aerodynamic perspective," explained Aston Martin's chief technical officer during the team's launch on Thursday of its all-new AMR22.

"The fact that it's a ground effect car means that its proximity to the ground is crucial.

"The lower you can run it to the ground, the more performance you get, which you’ll roll out as a setup that's going to deliver the most performance. You end up with a relatively stiff car.

"So, to maintain that attitude, that proximity to the ground, the drivers will be driving something that is quite go-kart-like."

• Read also: Aston's Green sees DRS impact reduced with 2022 cars

Green says this year's cars have logically taken "a few steps back" in terms of downforce due to the regulations change. But recovering the loss through ongoing development may not take that long.

"These cars are now taking a few steps back, as far as development goes, with most teams having only been working on them for less than a year," he said.

"The generation of cars that we've just finished racing had multiple years of development with their particular [aero] concept.

"It's to be expected that we're going to take a step backwards, but I think the development slope that we're on, and all teams will be on, means it won't be long before they supersede the downforce levels that we saw in 2021."

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