The 2022 Formula 1 season is finally here as the action gets underway at the Bahra🥃in International Circuit.

Over the years, Bahrain has been great for wheel-to-wheel a☂ction so the Sakhir ဣcircuit will be a great way to introduce F1's new era of cars.

The cars are completely different for this year with new tech𝓀nical regulations introduced to level the playing field and make overtaking easier.

The same teams appear to be at the front with Red Bull enjoying a strong second pre-season test as Max Verstappen looks to defend the drivꦛers' championship.

The Dutchman set a number 🌳of blistering laps on the final day of F1 testing in Bahrain when Red Bull introduced some new up🧔grades.

Ferrari had its best pre-season campaign in years with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz consistently at t𝓡he front of t💃he timesheets.

The Scuderia hasn't won since 2019 nor has it tasted championship glory s𝐆ince 2🅺008. 

Eight-time constructors' champions Mercedes appears to be on the back foot g๊oing into Bahrain with it most affected by porpoising - the bounc✃ing movement at high speed.

McLaren is besಞt placed to challenge outside the top three teams after coming away from Barcelona very confident♎. 

However, the Woking outfit struggled in Bahrain due to a recurring brake issue which curtaile𝕴d the tea🐼m's running.

The team was 🗹also impacted by Daniel Ricciardo's absence 🦩after he tested positive for COVID-19.

The midfield is impossible to predict with Haas and Alfa Romeo showing impressive pace at times, while Alpine, Aston Martin and AlphaTauri have traditionally led the midfieldಌ in recent years.

Recent Bahrain GP winners:

2021 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2020 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2019 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2018 - Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2017 - Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2016 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

2012 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

2010 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)