INTERNATIONAL: Bahrain is getting ready to host the first race of the 2022 Formula One World Championship on Sunday 15th March.

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lead F1 into a new era this weekend as the sport seeks to move on from one of its most controversial seasons with a fresh start and plenty of change.

New-look cars, heavier and with bigger wheels but re-drawn aerodynamics to make overtaking easier, have raised hopes of a general shake-up as part of the most far-reaching overhaul in decades.

Michael Masi, the race director whose decisions left Hamilton feeling robbed of a record eighth title in the Abu Dhabi showdown last December, has gone, while Mohammed Ben Sulayem has replaced Jean Todt as head of the governing FIA.

While last year's title contenders will be renewing their fierce rivalry, the battle looks set to stretch beyond a private duel.

Champion Verstappen, 24, will start the season at Sakhir on Sunday (March 15) with the number one on his Red Bull for the first time.

Hamilton meanwhile has a hungry new teammate in fellow Briton George Russell, arriving from Williams and eager for a first win.

Both drivers have already warned the fans not to expect too much, with the Mercedes bouncing on the straights as downforce is gained and lost.

The team, chasing a record-extending ninth successive constructors' title, and Hamilton can never be written off, however.

Red Bull and Verstappen have been pleased with their car's performance while highlighting a growing threat from Ferrari, climbing back into contention after years of under-performing.

The Italian team has not won a race since 2019 or a championship since 2008 but ending at least one of those two droughts no longer looks like a distant dream.