Mercedes have turned up to Bahrain with a minimized sidepod on Day 1 of pre-season testing. The Silver Arrows are expected to bring in major upgrades a week before the season opener. As per reports, the new version is significantly faster in the simulator than the car in Barcelona.

The new sidepods have been reduced drastically, with the need for mandatory side impact structures and cooling inlets. The narrow sidepods will begin testing a week before the Bahrain Grand Prix. The engine cover features two cooling gills, the lower one towards the front and the higher one behind.

A modified floor, as well as wing mirror mounts, will be part of the minimized sidepods. Mercedes will be looking to gather maximum data with less than a week to go. The team was quick in Barcelona, but Ferrari and McLaren were giving them fierce competition in lap timings.

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Team Principal Toto Wolff will be cautious of the upgrades as the drivers get to grips in the new W13. Hamilton and Russell will begin the first day of three-day testing in Bahrain from today onwards.

Will Mercedes Set the Mark in Bahrain?

As the new era commences, the team will look to continue their dominance from the last decade. Mercedes have won 8 successive Constructors’ Championship and will take some stopping. Red Bull are the closest contenders to their throne after winning their first Drivers’ title since 2013.

With George Russell teaming up with Hamilton, the duo will look to avenge the heartbreaking loss from 2021. The inclusion of McLaren and Ferrari into the title scene could be a reality, as the teams have shown massive improvement in the early days of the season.

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It will be interesting to see which team begins the new era in Bahrain with a victory. The new regulations will enable ‘closer racing’ and make it harder for the Silver Arrows in 2022. Thus, we can expect an exciting season ahead with loads of twists and turns over the next few months.