Team by team guide to the 2022 Formula One season

Formula One starts a record 23-race season in Bahrain this weekend, with Red Bull's title holder Max Verstappen renewing his rivalry with Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton.

The following, in 2021 championship order, looks at how the teams are shaping up (drivers given with racing numbers).

MERCEDES

44-Lewis Hamilton (Britain), 63-George Russell (Britain)

Mercedes are chasing a record-extending ninth successive constructors' title, with Hamilton seeking to push his many records (103 wins and poles) into new territory after missing his eighth crown in a controversial end to 2021. Russell joins from Williams in place of Valtteri Bottas in an all-British lineup and hoping for a first F1 win. The W13 car has had problems with downforce on the straights but history has taught rivals to be wary of Mercedes claiming to be off the pace.

Prediction: Third at the moment but cannot be ruled out.

RED BULL

1-Max Verstappen (Netherlands), 11-Sergio Perez (Mexico)

The number one replaces 33 on Verstappen's car as the Dutch youngster starts as world champion for the first time. Red Bull set the pace in testing and looked pretty pleased with their car's trouble-free performance. Perez, hoping for a contract extension beyond 2022, is now well settled in and has an important team role to play.

Prediction: Early favourites, fighting for both titles.

FERRARI

16-Charles Leclerc (Monaco), 55-Carlos Sainz (Spain)

Ferrari have not won a race since Singapore in 2019 or a title since 2008 but long-suffering fans have plenty to be excited about, with the car looking well-balanced and quick in testing and rivals pointing to them as the team to beat. Sainz is no longer a newcomer at Maranello and the partnership with Leclerc is working well.