Ferrari "surprised" by "different interpretations" of F1 2022 rulebook

Carlos Sainz has revealed to being "surprised" by the number of "different interpretations" to the new F1 technical regulations.

In a bid to improve the racing spectacle, F1 has this year introduced an all-new technical rulebook with a large focus placed on creating downforce through the use of ground effect technology.

Given how detailed and restrictive the new regulations are, it was feared that there would be few differences between the cars of the 10 teams but the early launches have laid these concerns to rest.

Speaking at the launch of the Ferrari F1-75, Sainz said: "There have been different interpretations of the rules already with the first seven cars that have been presented.

"I am a bit surprised because I thought that everyone was going to come out with more similar cars.

"And the regulations were so scripted that we all thought more or less everyone was going to come out with a similar design and actually, in the areas where you could be a bit different, the cars are really different."

Although eight of the 10 teams stood on the podium last year, Red Bull and Mercedes dominated the win count.

Asked to predict which teams could feature in the battle at the front this year. Sainz explained: "I think this has opened up the possibility to have different concepts and different directions to follow and I think it is going to be an interesting start to the year in that sense.

"It is impossible for me to tell you how many teams are going to be fighting for the win."

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