This is a somewhat more written out comparison of the F1 2022 cars. I might update this overtime. Deltas are estimates of the time gap at Suzuka to the fastest car (Ferrari) as my actual laps were subject to driver error. Real life position comparison compares the delta to where the car was in the real life constructors championship. Data is valid after the season finished in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari[]
The Ferrari is the best out of all cars in the corners, and is the best car overall. I don’t think it has a lot more grip than the Red Bull, only just about noticeable for a tenth or two.
Delta: —
Real Life Position Comparison: +1
Red Bull[]
The Red Bull has a bit more straight line speed than the Ferrari, but also a little bit less cornering speed. This will help it more on speed tracks. But it’s still very much A capable.
Delta: 0.15s
Real Life Position Comparison: -1
Mercedes[]
The Mercedes isn’t bad, actually probably just about level with the Red Bull. When I drove it, it actually felt better than the Red Bull in cornering, though take that with a pinch of salt due to upgrades.
Delta: 0.2s
Real Life Position Comparison: 0
McLaren[]
Bittersweet news for McLaren fans. FM didn’t update the engine sound from Renault to Mercedes still. Good news, on that note, they kept the performance. McLaren is just about on par with the Merc on the corners. In fact, I nearly beat my Merc lap, just missing out by 0.01s.
Delta: 0.4s
Real Life Position Comparison: -1
Aston Martin[]
The Aston is actually pretty decent compared to its real life counterpart this year. I felt pretty decent overall, a solid midfield contender, and for me, better than the Alpine.
Delta: 0.7s
Real Life Position Comparison: +2
Alpine[]
The Alpine feels a bit worse off than last year. It could be the jump from the top teams to the midfield that offset my lap, or it’s just not the best. I noticed low speed corners were especially difficult. But the high speed wasn’t amazing.
Delta: 0.8s
Real Life Position Comparison: -2
Alfa Romeo[]
Contrary to the last couple years, the Alfa wasn’t horrendous. It was driveable but you could notice the drop in downforce through the high speed.
Delta: 1.2s
Real Life Position Comparison: -1
Alpha Tauri[]
The Alpha Tauri felt fairly decent in the high speed corners, though it would seem there’s still an apparent pace deficit as there is irl.
Delta: 1.4s
Real Life Position Comparison: +1
Williams[]
FM’s quality control failed big time with the Williams, as it has a very skinny halo and the base 2022 chassis. But it isn’t as bad as the Haas. However, it is still a bit behind the rest of the field.
Delta: 2.2s
Real Life Position Comparison: +1
Haas[]
I’m pretty sure FM bottled the Haas. It feels even more horrendous than it did last year, and if you remember last year’s you’ll know it was so much off the pace. Whereas Turn 5 was easy flat for every other car, I had to lift in the Haas and still lost the rear. This makes me think that they still have the 2021 handling model on it.
Delta: 4.5s
Real Life Position Comparison: -2
Bar Graph[]
