2022 F1 Bahrain GP – How to watch, session timings and more

After two pre-season tests split between Barcelona and Bahrain, the 2022 F1 season is set to begin with plenty of intrigue and excitement following a dramatic and, at times, controversial 2021 campaign which saw Max Verstappen claim the world drivers’ title on the last lap of the last race.

F1 goes into 2022 with a new generation of cars due to the overhaul in technical regulations, seeing a return to ground-effect formula, with the aerodynamic rule alterations aimed to make cars easier to follow and therefore produce closer and more exciting racing. Here’s a full explanation on the new F1 car rules. 

While pre-season testing is typically difficult to gauge which teams are on top and which teams are struggling, the overriding conclusions pointed to both Red Bull and Ferrari having the strongest packages. Both Mercedes and McLaren have also been put in the fight at the front but each is facing problems with its respective cars under the new rules.

Mercedes is struggling with the porpoising phenomenon as it continues to search for a solution without compromising the set-up of its W13, which ran with an extremely small sidepod design at the Bahrain test, while McLaren is suffering with a front brake problem that restricted its long runs last week. Daniel Ricciardo, who missed the Bahrain test, also remains a doubt having tested positive for COVID-19 last week and is facing a race against time to be declared fit for Bahrain GP.

George Russell, Mercedes W13

Photo by: Motorsport Images

Despite the pre-season predictions, in truth any of the F1 teams could spring a surprise at the opening round, in what is set to be the most highly-anticipated first race of a season in years.

Full 2022 Bahrain GP session timings

Friday 18th