The 2022 season is still only in its early stages but there have already been some dramatic races. Read on to find out what is happening in F1 this year – and what to look forward to
It now looks as though the F1 season will be a little more than just a battle between Red Bull and Ferrari. The return of Mercedes as a competitive challenge should make the rest of the season even more fascinating for motorsport fans.
The Formula 1 betting sites will be pleased that early season problems for Mercedes have started to be solved. That gives Lewis Hamilton a chance to have a say in who wins the drivers’ championship this year – even if he is probably not able to claim the crown for himself once again.
Latest Race in Spain
After dropping points in the opening three races of the season, Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team have clawed their way back into the running for both championships with a fourth victory for the Dutchman – and his third in a row. It hadn’t always looked to be the case, but Verstappen took full advantage to earn maximum points.
Charles Leclerc had been on pole but suffered a power problem around halfway through the race in Barcelona. That allowed for a Red Bull one-two – and also for some much-needed good news for Mercedes. There were more points on the board with a podium finish as well as an impressive drive from Hamilton.
Mercedes Returnx
Mercedes now goes into the Monaco Grand Prix, still in third place in the constructors’ championship standings, but not completely out of the running. It is still fanciful to believe that Mercedes will be celebrating at the end of the season but it has come a long way since the dismal opening weeks of the 2022 season.
The race in Spain had been considered make or break for Mercedes. The cars had been massively upgraded and came through with largely flying colors. Lewis Hamilton finished in fifth but did come back from much further in the pack, while George Russell ended with a podium finish.
Red Bull Team Problems?
It might sound a little strange to ponder about problems in the Red Bull camp when the team has just achieved first and second for the first time this season. But Max Verstappen’s victory brought up that age-old story of a number two driver feeling aggrieved to have let the number one win.
That is what happened at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya when Sergio Perez was told that Verstappen was to be allowed through after struggling early on. It is, of course, a standard F1 tactic and Perez will begrudgingly accept it. But it is a shame after he had done so well that he was unable to claim his second victory of the season.
Worries for Leclerc and Ferrari?
After promising so much before the season began, Charles Leclerc proved his credentials immediately, by