2022 F1 Wheel Upgrade and What it Means

F1 Wheel Size Change

The 2022 Formula 1 season ushered in a new era of technical regulations, with sweeping changes designed to improve racing, enhance safety, and modernize the sport. One of the most noticeable and significant updates was the transition from 13-inch to 18-inch wheel rims. While this change altered the aesthetics of F1 cars, it also had profound effects on performance, handling, and tire management. Originally set for 2021, the change was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving teams and Pirelli more time to adapt to the new specifications.

From 13-Inch to 18-Inch Wheels: A Move Toward Road-Car Relevance

For decades, Formula 1 cars had used 13-inch wheels—an outdated design compared to modern road and performance vehicles. By increasing rim size to 18 inches, F1 brought its wheel technology closer to that of high-performance road cars, allowing for better technology transfer between the two industries. Pirelli, F1’s exclusive tire supplier, developed the new low-profile tires to resemble those used in high-performance sports cars. The stiffer sidewalls of the 18-inch tires resulted in less flex and deformation under high loads, providing a more predictable performance profile. This was a welcome shift for manufacturers and sponsors looking for more synergy between F1 and the road car industry.

A Key Component of the 2022 Technical Overhaul

The wheel size change was not an isolated update, but part of a larger set of technical regulations introduced in 2022. The new regulations aimed to improve racing by reducing aerodynamic turbulence, making it easier for cars to follow each other closely. In addition to the new wheels, changes included reworked aerodynamics, simplified front wings, and the return of ground-effect floors, all of which contributed to more competitive racing. The introduction of 18-inch wheels played a crucial role in this effort, as they helped reduce the turbulence created by a leading car, allowing a trailing car to remain closer without suffering as much performance loss.

Weight Increase and Driver Visibility Concerns

One of the biggest drawbacks of the switch to larger wheels was the increase in weight. The 18-inch rims and reinforced tire structures were heavier than their 13-inch predecessors, contributing to an overall rise in car weight. The minimum car weight for 2022 increased to 798kg, making it the heaviest generation of F1 cars in history.

This added weight impacted handling, particularly in slow-speed corners where agility and responsiveness were key. Drivers had to adapt to longer braking distances and slightly different steering feedback due to the altered tire characteristics.

Another challenge was visibility. The introduction of wheel covers, which were mandated as part of the aerodynamic regulations, slightly obstructed the drivers’ sightlines, particularly when navigating tight corners or fighting wheel-to-wheel. While not a major issue, some drivers noted that it required adjustments in their driving approach.

Delayed Implementation Due to COVID-19

The move to 18-inch wheels was initially scheduled for 2021 but was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis caused financial strains on teams, logistical difficulties, and a disruption in testing schedules. As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA made the decision to delay the new regulations, including the wheel size change, to 2022.

This delay gave Pirelli and the teams additional time to refine the new tires and adapt their cars accordingly. The extended development period proved beneficial, as it allowed for more thorough testing and data collection, leading to a smoother transition when the new wheels finally made their debut.

Reduced Overheating and Tire Degradation

One of the most significant advantages of the new 18-inch tires was improved durability and consistency. The 13-inch tires had a tendency to overheat quickly, especially when cars followed closely behind one another. This led to rapid tire degradation, forcing drivers to back off to manage temperatures rather than push aggressively throughout a race.

With the new lower-profile tires, overheating was reduced, allowing for better performance retention over longer stints. The stiffer sidewalls also meant less energy was absorbed through tire flex, leading to more predictable handling and wear patterns. This change enabled drivers to push harder for longer without suffering a severe drop-off in grip, improving race strategy and competitiveness.

The Future

The switch from 13-inch to 18-inch wheels was more than just a cosmetic upgrade—it was a fundamental shift in the sport’s technical landscape. The change aligned F1 more closely with road car technology, improved racing dynamics, and provided better tire durability, despite the challenges of increased weight and slight visibility concerns.

Though delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of larger wheels was ultimately a success, helping to modernize the sport and contribute to the exciting new era of Formula 1 racing. As teams continue to refine their setups around the new wheel and tire regulations, the long-term impact of this change will only become more apparent in the seasons to come.