Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has hailed the positive impact of the sport's new generation of aerodynamic regulations for 2022, saying they have succeeded in bringing about closer wheel-to-wheel racing. In previous years, drivers had often complained of losing downforce in the turbulent air thrown up by cars in front, making it difficult to follow closely and overtake. But Brundle says that the tighter limits on bodywork introduced for this season helped to improve the show at the Australian Grand Prix, and greatly contributed to the drivers being able to battle more closely. "The racing was the best we've seen there for years," Brundle wrote in his column for Sky Sports F1 . "The cars, especially the midfield, continued to be able to race more closely, and once again we saw very little contact in wheel-to-wheel racing. "One of the revelations of the research into the latest aero changes was just how much downforce and grip was lost not only when following another car, but also when running side by side. "With a lot of those aero issues fixed, drivers are clearly able to keep better control of their cars in close combat. "That will be further enhanced, no doubt, with numerous team to driver warnings that if they damage too many parts they'll be out of the race."
Praise for Albon's drive
Brundle also reserved praise for Alex Albon, who started last in Melbourne after being excluded from qualifying when his Williams did not have enough fuel for the required post-session sample. However, the Anglo-Thai scored his and Williams' first point of the season following a clever strategy call which helped him make up places from the rear of the grid. "Eking out his Hard tyres all the way to the penultimate lap until the regulations forced a pit-stop, along with endless midfield fights, he still managed a World Championship point," said Brundle. "And even without Lance Stroll's five-second penalty for weaving down the pit straight, Albon would have finished ahead of him, whilst also being only three seconds behind the highly-rated Pierre Gasly. "That was a very solid day for the Grove team. I know Williams used to win lots of races and championships, but in 2022 that's irrelevant. "Sunday was a significant day for the partnership of Williams and Albon."
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