In Pictures: Lewis Hamilton Cheekily Visits Rivals Max Verstappen & Red Bull at Barcelona Winter Test

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was seen taking a look at rival Red Bull’s garage during the first day of pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya. The Mercedes driver arrived in Barcelona to begin his quest for a record-breaking 8th World Championship to surpass Michael Schumacher.

Lewis Hamilton reached Barcelona for his first drive with the W13 during the afternoon session on Wednesday. The morning session will occupy new teammate George Russell, who joined the team this season; Williams was his previous team.

The 37-year-old enters his sixteenth season in Formula 1, after debuting at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix.

The cameras got a glance of Hamilton observing the Red Bull garage where Max Verstappen is testing the new RB18 car for the 2022 season. The Dutchman will begin the season as defending champion but will face stiffer resistance from Hamilton and Mercedes. However, this year with a major change in the aerodynamics of the car, it is uncertain as to which team will come out on top.

WATCH: Lewis Hamilton Emulates Racing Idol Ayrton Senna With Determined Words Ahead of 2022 Season

Will the RB18 overcome the W13 in the 2022 F1 season?

Red Bull recently revealed the new RB18, which will be driven by Sergio Perez and champion Max Verstappen. However, the team has chosen to adopt a new sidepod structure and a front full rod suspension to improve the car’s speed.

The 2022 regulations will use venturi tunnels to generate maximum downforce – called the ‘ground effect’. Another significant factor is the absence of Honda this season. The Japanese manufacturers won their first world title since Ayrton Senna in 1991 with McLaren.

Additionally, the 18-inch tires will replace the existing 13-inch tires. The regulations also include a cost cap to improve competition in the sport in the coming years. Mercedes, who have dominated in recent times, will face a tough time adapting to the new W13 in 2022.

All in all, this season looks more unpredictable than ever and with a stunning driver line-up, the race to the World Championship is getting started!

Read More: F1 Fans in Awe as Red Bull Reveal Mind-Blowing Sidepod Design for RB18