Restart and lots of changes: That's what happened in Formula 1

The Signs of life from Lewis Hamilton came at the right time. Before the presentation of the new racing car for his conqueror Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 superstar is back. The process of coming to terms with last year's controversial final, with possible personnel consequences, should soon be completed. What did the drivers do during the winter break? Rest, recover, recharge your batteries, true to the motto: after the long 2021 season is before the long record season 2022 with 23 races. Superstar Hamilton revealed more little than he had in a long time, or better: nothing at all. No statements, no appearances for more than 50 days after the Queen knighted him. He was back, he posted on Saturday – and he was smiling again. Hamilton's defeater Max Verstappen enjoyed the trophy presentation for the new champion as well as some time with his girlfriend. Training on the balcony in Monte Carlo was also part of the program. If Ice climbing in the Dolomites (Charles Leclerc), playing golf in the sun (Lando Norris or Lance Stroll), a trip to the ranch in Texas (Mick Schumacher) – there was something for everyone. And also this: Fernando Alonso had to have plates surgically removed from his face after a cycling accident a year ago. What will be new in the coming season? The cars are completely new. A massive rule change is intended to make overtaking easier. It starts with the front wing, the concept of which is now much simpler. Among other things, it must also be attached directly to the nose of the vehicle. Underbody, wings over the front wheels, a new curved rear wing, 18-inch low-profile tires and a few other changes ensure a new start for Formula 1 cars. And this is also new: Miami is part of the racing calendar for the first time. It should happen on May 8th. What are the repercussions of last season's controversial finale? There are still no concrete results. However, under the leadership of the new FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, new structures are being worked on. It's all about the processes and decisions Use of the safety car. This had a significant influence on the outcome of the title last year when race director Michael Masi ensured that Max Verstappen had the opportunity to make the all-important overtaking maneuver on the last lap at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. It is still unclear whether Masi will remain in office. Who are the favorites? Under normal circumstances, Red Bull with champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes with record world champion Hamilton would of course be the top candidates for the title again. In addition, there is the highly talented George Russel in the Mercedes. Defending champion: Max Verstappen from the Netherlands. © ANSA / KAMRAN JEBREILI / POOL

But: Due to the massive reform, even such a team can get it wrong when developing a completely new racing car concept. This is not likely, but it cannot be ruled out either. The fans will be curious to see whether McLaren can continue to get close to the two of them, whether Ferrari will continue to improve, whether Aston Martin will finally take off with Vettel and whether Haas was right with Mick Schumacher to invest costs and energy in the 2021 car in 2022. What role can Sebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher play? Sebastian Vettel is required. His first year at Aston Martin went worse than hoped. The team boss recently left and a new one came in, Vettel knows him from our past times together at BMW-Sauber. With Mick Schumacher it will be exciting to see whether he can do what he achieved in the previous series: another significant increase in performance in the second year. In addition, if a Ferrari driver were to fail this year, he would make his racing debut in the Red Goddess: Mick Schumacher will be Ferrari's replacement in 2022. What happens now until the season opener on March 20th in the Sakhir desert? The cars are presented. Then it's off to pre-testing on the Grand Prix circuit near Barcelona from February 23rd to 25th, before the three-day tests in Bahrain from March 10th to 12th conclude the preparation. After Haas at least hinted at his car, Red Bull will present the RB18 on Wednesday, with which Verstappen wants to defend the title. It's Aston Martin's turn with Sebastian Vettel on Thursday, Mercedes will reveal the secret about the Silver Arrow, which will probably be silver again this time, on February 18th.

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Restart and lots of changes: That's what happened in Formula 1

The winter break in Formula 1 is coming to an end. It starts again on March 20th. But what has happened in the premier motorsport class since the dramatic finale? SportNews brings light into the darkness.

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