Goodbye Alonso? Top-Step Sainz? No-Podium Norris? – 5 Outlandish predictions for 2022…

5 outlandish predictions ahead of the 2022 Season – by Joe Murphy

Aside from the upcoming; “Wheel2Wheel Predicts: the 2022 season” article, this piece is an opportunity for us to delve into the possibilities of the sport, particularly ahead of such an unpredictable year. After the lights go out, any number of scenarios could occur, as we saw last year. So rather than Lando winning a race or Haas scoring one point, let’s look at things that would really surprise spectators…

1. Sainz wins in Monaco

It was nearly the case last year. Ferrari looked quick in the early stages of 2021 and were competitive to such an extent, both Leclerc and Sainz qualified on the front row at different Grand Prix. Verstappen eventually edged out the Spaniard, but with Ferrari looking like a safe bet this season, and with Mercedes never particularly suited to the streets of Monte Carlo, it gives Sainz to the opportunity to score his maiden win. Carlos over Charles in this instance due to the home pressure. Now wouldn’t Prince Albert of Monaco singing Smooth Operator be a sight!

2. No podiums for Lando

A couple of years ago, predicting a podium for Lando Norris would have been slightly outlandish in and of itself. But now, they are a regular occurance. So much so that my ridiculous prediction is that he won’t get a podium in the entirety of 2022. Why? Well Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes should still have the faster car. Aston Martin should improve and, furthermore, teammate Daniel Ricciardo will be much more used to his surroundings and his troubles should, for the most part at least, cease to exist. This makes it even more difficult for the young Brit, to be the one spraying the champagne after the race. Could very easily be wrong this one, he could win the first race and make this article look ridiculous. Time will tell.

3. Alonso’s last year in the sport

Not too far out of the realm of possibility this one, but I expect Fernando Alonso to announce his retirement, by the end of the campaign. Much like Kimi Raikkonen in 2021, the Spaniard could say goodbye to the sport (properly this time), of which he is a two-time World Champion. Alpine may line up with an appropriately French line up for 2023 consisting of Ocon and Gasly.

4. FIA scrap the race control audio

Now this would be a real shame. Most fans, myself included, love the team principal speaking to the race director for all the world to hear. Whether you’re on the Hamilton or the Verstappen side of the coin, the comments from Wolff to Masi will go down in history. The pressure from these two in particular did go a bit far, however. So the FIA, as part of a potential rebrand, could either make this audio private and off television, or scrap the ability to communicate during the race altogether. Either, could be a shame.

5. George Russell – World Champion

Going out with a bang for number five. Lewis Hamilton will probably return. But even if he does, his teammate does have a chance to cause real damage this season. And I mean that in a good way, he has the skills and the car to be a real championship threat in his own right, something Valtteri seldom offered. The Mercedes should still have the edge, albeit slightly, over the other teams, so this could be George’s chance to make a real statement and declaration, of his talents.