The 2022 Formula 1 season is less than a month away. Teams have revealed their cars for the new season after a draining battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Besides Alfa Romeo, every constructor has launched their car with new regulations coming into effect from this season.

The first testing commences in Barcelona from February 23-25. The title rivals – Mercedes and Red Bull have released their driver line-up for the Day 1 of the pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Here is the driver lineup for Day 1:

Mercedes: Russell(AM)/Hamilton(PM)
Red Bull: Verstappen
Ferrari: Leclerc(AM)/Sainz(PM)
McLaren: Norris
Alpine: Alonso
AlphaTauri: Tsunoda
Aston Martin: Vettel(AM)/Stroll(PM)
Williams: Latifi(AM)/Albon(PM)
Alfa Romeo: Kubica(AM)/Bottas(PM)
Haas: Mazepin(AM)/Schumacher(PM)

This means that 2021 rivals Verstappen and Hamilton will be testing their new cars on the same day. The two Constructors will look to collect valuable data ahead of the season opener in March. Meanwhile, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will alternate testing at the Barcelona circuit on Day 1. Russell will debut in the W13 during the morning session, while Hamilton will begin his testing during the afternoon session.

World Champion Max Verstappen will also be in action during either session on Day 1. The Milton-Keynes headquartered team will look to go one better in 2022. The team has been without a Constructors’ Championship since 2013. However, winning their first Drivers’ Championship in 7 years could be a positive step towards beginning a dominant reign in F1.

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Will Max Verstappen defend his Championship in 2022?

The Dutchman won his maiden Championship under controversial circumstances in Abu Dhabi. However, this year he will be wary of Mercedes’ eagerness to avenge the heartbreaking loss. With a change in regulations, a cost cap could profit Red Bull in their quest to end Mercedes’ dominance.

However, Mercedes signing George Russell could make things harder for Red Bull. The youngster replaces Valtteri Bottas, who spent 5 years with the team. Additionally, the Silver Arrows have been dominant in the Constructors standings for the last 8 years and look to continue their dominance.

Verstappen and Sergio Perez have a challenge on their hands to replicate the feat of 2021, with Hamilton and Russell seeming a daunting partnership for other teams.

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