In F1 2022 can anyone challenge the dominant duo? Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton dominated the last year's F1 World Championship 1 season, with the title being determined in the final grand prix of the season, where the former came out on top.
Verstappen and Hamilton are expected to resume their rivalry in 2022, with many pundits predicting another close finish between the two men. But could this season be the year where the duo are challenged by another rider? Here is a look at a trio who may also be on the title hunt.
Charles Leclerc: Ferrari's Little Prince has a teammate that will make him raise his game
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has shown some impressive speed during the pre-season testing, which suggests he may be set for a big year in the sport. The Monaco-born driver has already been victorious in two grand prix, so he knows what it takes to prevail.
Leclerc won his first race at the Belgian Grand Prix in 2019. He did not have to wait much longer for his second success, as he was victorious at the 2019 Italian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
The Ferrari driver is the best price at +600 in the 2022 Formula One Drivers Championship betting on Oddschecker. If he gets off to a good start to the campaign, he could send a clear message to Verstappen and Hamilton that they won’t have it their own way this season.
George Russell: Lewis Hamilton's heir apparent at Mercedes begins his big time journey
British driver George Russell signed for Mercedes ahead of the 2022 season, and many see the 23-year-old as Hamilton’s successor at the constructor. The switch to Mercedes gives him a great chance of having success this year.
With 60 starts now completed, Russell has the experience he needs to challenge for the Drivers’ Championship in 2022. He has been racing in a car which has not given him the opportunity to win a GP yet, but that is going to change now he is with Mercedes.
Russell will be spurred on by what Hamilton has achieved in the sport, and he will want to follow in his footsteps. It is unlikely that we will see a rivalry between the two British drivers which would cause problems for Mercedes. Expect to see both men push each other for victories, in what is set to be a friendly competition.
Carlos Sainz: Great expectations for F1 2022 after stellar first season with Ferrari
Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr finished on the podium on four occasions in 2021, in what was an excellent year for the Ferrari driver. His best finish came in the Monaco Grand Prix where he crossed the finish line in second place behind Verstappen.
His move to Ferrari in 2021, replacing former world champion Sebastian Vettel, has given the Spaniard a much better chance of success in the Drivers’ Championship. The constructor saw a lot of potential in the 27-year-old and believes he is one of the two drivers who can help bring glory back to Ferrari.
With a car that can challenge Mercedes and Red Bull, expect to see Sainz Jr win races in 2022. If he can consistently finish on the podium, he is likely to remain in touch with the top two drivers from 2021.
This year’s season begins on the 20th March with the Bahrain Grand Prix. It is the first of 22 races scheduled to take place in 2022.
Latest News
Loading
