Hamilton and Verstappen resume rivalry as new era dawns

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen lead Formula One into a new era in Bahrain 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.

"I think there’s going to be a real mix of pecking order through the year in all likelihood. The development rate is going to be very aggressive," said McLaren technical director James Key.

"There’s a chance people will surprise, and people will be a little bit further back than expected in the first races."

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

HUNGRY TEAM MATE

Hamilton meanwhile has a hungry new team mate 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.

"If you think that what you saw at the end of the last year was my best, wait till you see this year," Hamilton said last month.

Red Bull and Verstappen