Rule changes, new cars and other things to know ahead of the 2022 Formula 1 season

The first grand prix of 2022 is a month away, but there is already plenty happening in the world of Formula 1.

Teams are unveiling their new cars, the sport's governing body FIA is finalising rule changes for 2022, and the fallout from last season continues. 

As the new season fast approaches, these are some of the major talking points in F1.

The controversial ending to last season's finale in Abu Dhabi has hung around F1 like an albatross.

The decision of race director Michael Masi to allow only the lapped cars between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen through, effectively reducing the championship to a one-lap shootout, has been the focus all off-season.

Verstappen and his Red Bull team were jubilant as the decision allowed the young Dutchman to pass his rival on the last lap to claim his maiden title.

Hamilton and Mercedes believe Masi incorrectly applied the rules, allowing Verstappen, who was on fresh and faster tyres, an unfair advantage to steal the championship from them.

The FIA has investigated the process and decisions made from those chaotic final laps, with the outcome of the report sure to generate plenty of interest.

F1 fans took to social media to vent their disgust at what happened in Abu Dhabi, with many former drivers expressing their concerns over the credibility and integrity of the sport going forward.

The findings of the report have been seen by the teams, however, it will not be made public until March 18 — the first day of practice for the opening round in Bahrain.

Structural changes have already been flagged by FIA president Ben Sulayem, which the FIA said would be announced in the near future.

«Feedback from the commission on matters raised will be incorporated into the president's analysis and he will