The 2022 Formula 1 season is finally here as the action gets underwa❀y at the Bahrain International Circuit.

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

The cars are com✤pletely different for this year with new technical regulations 𝄹introduced to level the playing field and make overtaking easier.

The same teams appear to be at the front with Red Bull enjo🅰ying a strong second pre-season test as Max Verstappen looks to defe﷽nd the drivers' championship.

The Dutchman set a 🦄💦number of blistering laps on the final day of F1 testing in Bahrain when Red Bull introduced some new upgrades.

Ferrari had its best pre-season campaign in year𒐪s with Charles Leclerc and Carlos ꦬSainz consistently at the front of the timesheets.

The Scuderia𝓰 hasn't won since 2019 nor has it tasted championship glory since 2008. 

Eight-time constructors' champions Mercedes apﷺpears to be on the back foot going into Bahrain with it most affected by porpoising - the bouncing mo🔥vement at high speed.

McLaren is best 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 b♛rake issue which curtailed the team's running.

The𝓡 team was also impacted by Daniel Ricciardo's absence after he tested positive for COVI♒D-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 l📖ed the midfield in rece𓆉nt 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)