2021 Title Rivals Lewis Hamilton & Max Verstappen Reunite on Track at F1 Barcelona Test

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

Back in business#F1 pic.twitter.com/dstCg7xCni

— Formula 1 (@F1) February 23, 2022

The first testing commences in Barcelona from February 23-26. The title rivals – Mercedes and Red Bull have released a schedule of their order on track at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, along with other teams. The schedule released for Day 1 is as follows:

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 begin testing their new cars during the same session on Day 1. 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 sessions on Day 1. The Milton-Keynes headquartered team will look to go one better in 2022. The team have been without a Constructors’ Championship since 2013. However, a first Drivers’ Championship since 2013 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 was fortunate to win his maiden Championship in 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 the Mercedes’ dominance.

The rivals collide once again after an enthralling 2021 Formula 1 season (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

However, Mercedes signing George Russell could make things harder for Red Bull. The youngster replaces Valterri Bottas, who spent 5 years with the team. Additionally, the Silver Arrows have been dominant in the Constuctors’ 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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