Anticipation is constructing quickly forward of the 2022 Formulation 1 season and, whether or not or not there’s a dramatic change within the order due to the brand new F1 automobiles, we’re nonetheless set for intense motion involving all 10 groups and 20 drivers on the grid.

So, learn on to see 5 rivalries that might current us with 23 Grands Prix of flashpoints and fireworks all through 2022.

READ MORE: 8 causes the pecking order might be shaken up in 2022

1. The title battle

No doubt the defining rivalry of 2021, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen supplied us with a duel for the ages final season. And hopefully we’re in for spherical two in 2022, the Pink Bull driver donning #1 in defence of his title, whereas Hamilton is on the lookout for a file eighth championship.

Will the pair race one another in another way this season? They got here along with disastrous ends in Silverstone and Monza final 12 months, whereas additional eruptions occured on the likes of Imola and Jeddah.

It’s not simply Verstappen and Hamilton that we have to be careful for both, as respective group mates Sergio Perez and George Russell will likely be itching to affix the struggle. Perez produced a defensive masterclass in Abu Dhabi, however the Mexican hopes to be greater than only a ‘rear-gunner’ for the Dutchman, and maybe assist Pink Bull ship a fifth constructors’ championship too.

Then there’s Russell. The younger ex-Williams racer will need to make his mark virtually instantly, similar to Hamilton did with Fernando Alonso at McLaren again in 2007.

The 23 12 months previous may show not only a rival for his seven-time champion group mate however the Pink Bull drivers too. Anticipate a trademark scowl from Toto Wolff if there’s intra-team turbulence at Mercedes; a wry smile if Russell proves a thorn within the aspect of Verstappen and co.

READ MORE: Mercedes tech chief Allison says 2022 guidelines ‘a chance to point out we have not simply been fortunate’

2. Giants within the midst

Lurking within the background are two behemoths – McLaren and Ferrari – each of whom are itching to affix the fray with the frontrunners this season. They might properly be taking up the may of Mercedes and Pink Bull in 2022 – however even when they don’t, there’s nonetheless the salivating prospect of a Carlos Sainz vs Charles Leclerc scrap.

Suppose again to Sebastian Vettel’s final season with Ferrari, through which Leclerc’s presence was greater than a headache for the four-time champion. Now convey Sainz into the equation and the potential for intra-team turmoil is plentiful – however rather more evident is the potential for one of many strongest pairings of the grid to flourish right into a world-beating partnership.

READ MORE: The massive adjustments at Maranello designed to make Ferrari title contenders once more

Then add in two extra achieved racers, McLaren’s duo of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris – the one pair to safe their group a one-two end in 2021 – who will likely be raring to go towards the may of the Scuderia. The Mercedes-powered group harbour the identical ambitions as their rivals and have all of the elements in place for a profitable 2022 season with their MCL36.

Final season we had an excellent battle for P3 within the standings between these two titanic groups; this season there’s the salivating prospect of one other toe-to-toe struggle that might span the entire 23 races. Which group will find yourself on prime?

3. A triple-A midfield melee

Three groups supplied us with persistently fascinating close-quarters fight final season, Alpine, AlphaTauri and Aston Martin having battled for mid-table supremacy. Alpine managed to clinch P5 within the championship above the Pink Bull sister squad, whereas Aston Martin couldn’t string sufficient outcomes collectively and ended seventh.

Let’s not overlook there are six World Championships between the three groups, given Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are gearing up for his or her second seasons with Alpine and Aston Martin respectively. Add within the may of Pierre Gasly, who loved his most profitable season in 2021, plus race-winner Esteban Ocon, podium-finisher Lance Stroll, and rising expertise Yuki Tsunoda, and the potential for motion ramps up even additional.

READ MORE: Two huge questions for AlphaTauri in 2022 – Will AT03 see the Faenza squad proceed to climb?

Alpine’s Alonso has misplaced nothing of his aggressive streak, as was evident in Hungary and Qatar final 12 months, whereas the Spaniard went wheel-to-wheel with Vettel on numerous events, the four-time champion popping out on prime as he clinched the Crypto.com Overtake Award.

Aston Martin’s proprietor Lawrence Stroll has thrown all his sources at aspirations of championship glory, Alpine have World Championship expertise in each Alonso and workers at each the Enstone and Viry services, whereas AlphaTauri produced a gem within the AT02 and will likely be hoping to harness Pink Bull Powertrains’ may to maintain that upward pattern getting in 2022.

Three groups, six drivers, and myriad prospects of intense motion.

4. Sophomore supremacy

The three rookies of 2021 have graduated into second-year racers this season however the highlight’s glare stays: AlphaTauri’s Tsunoda, plus the Haas duo of Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, have troublesome second albums to provide.

Tsunoda had his moments in 2021, notably that fourth-place end at Abu Dhabi and P6 in Hungary, however the Japanese driver’s marketing campaign was additionally punctuated by numerous errors. Little question he’ll be keen to point out what he can do in 2022 and escape of group mate Gasly’s shadow.

READ MORE: 5 daring predictions for the 2022 season – however what number of will come true?

As for Haas, that they had a torrid time final season, with little in the best way of comfort. Schumacher maybe supplied their spotlight with P12 in Hungary, however the American group’s goals are far greater than that. With a rejuvenated Ferrari energy unit below the bodywork, we’re curious to see what Haas’s 2022 automotive can do, given they spent the entire of final season engaged on it.

If the Haas VF-22 isn’t as troublesome a machine to deal with as its predecessor, then Schumacher and Mazepin could lastly be capable to realise their potential. However will they get alongside on monitor? This might be a breakout season for Haas’s younger pairing – if they will keep away from an intra-team squabble…

5. Battling backmarkers

We do have one rookie on the grid this season: Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu will likely be making historical past as China’s first full-time F1 driver. Consequently, his progress will likely be adopted intently – and he has a tricky benchmark in ex-Mercedes racer Valtteri Bottas on the opposite aspect of the storage.

Will Zhou be a quiet understudy to the 10-time Grand Prix winner or emerge as a thorn in his aspect? Both means, we’re hoping for a storming rookie season from Shanghai’s star.

READ MORE: Two huge questions for Alfa Romeo in 2022: Will new blood spark a renaissance at Hinwil?

Alfa Romeo hope to fare higher than they did final season, as Williams handed them and took P8 within the standings. If these two groups, and probably the aforementioned Haas, go wheel-to-wheel once more in 2022, it is going to be fascinating to see who emerges on prime, as Williams put together to subject Alex Albon – making his return to F1 with the Grove squad – alongside Nicholas Latifi.

DIARY DATES: The 2022 F1 calendar, pre-season testing and automotive launch schedule

Wherever you look on the grid, there’s potential for pleasure. And with the brand new period of F1 automobiles, the on-track motion might be even hotter in 2022. All of it kicks off with automotive launches in February, then the Barcelona and Bahrain checks – earlier than the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20.