F1 2022 team-by-team guide: predictions, expectations and reality ahead of Bahrain season opener
- Battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will dominate once more but there are plenty of subplots to follow
- Valtteri Bottas starts his post-Mercedes career alongside Zhou Guanyu, the only rookie driver on the grid, and first Chinese driver to start in F1
Formula One starts a record 23-race season in Bahrain this weekend, with Red Bull’s title holder Max Verstappen renewing his rivalry with Mercedes’ seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
F1’s technical regulations have been overhauled for this year in a bid to allow the cars to follow more closely, particularly through corners, which in turn should improve the quality of racing. While early signs in testing have been positive, we’ve seen time and time again that doesn’t always translate to race form.
We take a closer look at how the teams shape up and what 2022 has in store for them.
Mercedes
44-Lewis Hamilton (Britain), 63-George Russell (Britain)
Mercedes are chasing a record-extending ninth successive constructors’ title, with Hamilton seeking to push his many records (103 wins and poles) into new territory after missing his eighth crown in a controversial end to 2021. Russell joins from Williams in place of Valtteri Bottas in an all-British line-up and hoping for a first F1 win. The W13 car has had problems with downforce on the straights but history has taught rivals to be wary of Mercedes claiming to be off the pace.
Prediction: Third at the moment but cannot be ruled out.
