2022’S CONTENDERS

Red Bull Racing RB18 Drivers: Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez CAR says: Design genius. A highly innovative car and Verstappen is oozing confidence as world champion. Slight question mark over the power unit, following Honda’s departure.

Mercedes-AMG W13 Drivers: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell CAR says: The benchmark. Ace power unit; innovative car. Russell alongside Hamilton makes for a stronger team.

AlphaTauri AT03

Drivers: Pierre Gasly, Yuki Tsunoda CAR says: A promising start. Gasly was a star last year. Now he needs a car to match his talent, and the AT03 looks quick.

McLaren Racing MCL36 Drivers: Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo CAR says: Has everything it needs to build on a top 2021. Pull-rod front suspension could yet prove a silver (orange) bullet.

Scuderia Ferrari F1-75 Drivers: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz CAR says: Return of the reds? Arguably the best-looking car on the grid. Power unit is a close second to Merc’s.

Williams Racing FW44 Drivers: Alex Albon, Nicholas Latifi CAR says: Back to the future. Innovative car is reminiscent of the Williams of old. Merc power and Albon a great combo.

Alpine A522

Drivers: Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso CAR says: New management, same goals. The stated aim is to remain in the top five this year. Should be achievable.

Aston Martin AMR22 Drivers: Sebastian Vettel, Lance Stroll CAR says: Shaken and stirred under new management. Tidy car and a good power unit could be enough to awaken Vettel.

Haas VF-22

Drivers: Mick Schumacher, Nikita Mazepin CAR says: Links to Russian money unfortunate but technically there’s been a lot of progress. Should be closer.

Alfa Romeo C42

Drivers: Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou CAR says: Unreliable in testing. Ferrari PU is solid and the C42 has some neat touches. New drivers will need bedding in.