Drivers in uncharted territory as F1 returns to Montreal

Drivers have been in uncharted territory all year in Formula One.

In addition to the usual upgrades cars receive throughout the season on a team-by-team basis, F1 models underwent a series of changes for 2022 aimed at reducing a loss of downforce and leading to more competitive championships.

The alterations are drastic. Gone are the 13-inch wheels, replaced by 18-inch rims with matching low-profile tires from Pirelli. The front wing was simplified to allow more airflow and the rear wing modified to create cleaner air for a car directly behind, making passing easier. A shift in the type of fuel being used and ground effects for increased aerodynamic grip have also been introduced this season.

Figuring out these changes on the fly – at speeds approaching and sometimes exceeding 200 miles per hour no less – can’t be easy. Especially on unfamiliar ground.

The Canadian Grand Prix is set to return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal for the first time since 2019 this weekend after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the race in 2020 and 2021.

As TSN Racing Analyst Tim Hauraney points out, drivers have some adjustments to make.

“There’s so much data that they don’t have. In past races, with past regulations, these teams would have a pool of data that they can lean on. Like hey, when we were here last year, the car was doing this on this tire compound in this temperature for this year in Canada. They haven’t been here in two years,” he said.

“That’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out in a race, because it could throw some things off.”

As a former driver for F1 feeder series Formula Renault, Hauraney has raced in Montreal and knows first-hand the challenge the 4.361-kilometre circuit just east of the downtown