The 2022 Formula 1 season is finally here as the action get🏅s underwಞay at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Over the years, Bahrain has b🌜een great for wheel-to-wheel action so the Sakhir circuit will be a gre𒁏at way to introduce F1's new era of cars.

The car🌳s are completely different for 𓆏this year with new technical regulations introduced to level the playing field and make overtaking easier.

The same teams appear to be 🔯at the front with Red Bull enjoying a strong second pre-season🃏 test as Max Verstappen looks to defend the drivers' championship.

The Dutchman s𝕴et a number of blistering laps on the final day of F1 testing in Bahrain when Red Bull introduced some new upgrades.

Ferrari had its best pre-season campaign in years wi☂th Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz consistently at the front of the timesheets.

The Scuderia hasn't wo🦄n since 2019 nor has it tasted championship glory since 2008.

Eight-time constructors' champions Mercedes appears to be on the back foot going into Bahrain with it most affected by porpoising - th𓂃e bouncing movement at high sp💦eed.

McLaren is best placed to challen🍌ge outside the top three teams after coming away from Barcelona very confident.

However, the Woking outfit struggl💃edꩵ in Bahrain due to a recurring brake issue which curtailed the team's running.

The team was also impacted by Dan꧑iel Ricciardo's 🍌absence after he tested positive for COVID-19.

The midfield is impossible to predict with Haas and Alfa Romeo showing impressive pace at times, while Alpine, Aston Martin and AlphaTauri have traditiona🎶lly led the midfield in recent years.

Recent Bahrain GP winners:

2021 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2020 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2019 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2018 - Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2017 - Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

2016 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)