ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 14: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (33) Red Bull Racing RB16B Honda during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 14, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Red Bull announce the release date of the new 2022 F1 car – the RB 18 for champion Max Verstappen
Red Bull have announced they will be launching their 2022 car, the RB18, on Wednesday 9 February. Max Verstappen’s car will run with the number 1 on it in 2022 after the Dutchman won his first World Championship in 2021. The team announced through a teaser video on social media about their launch date.
Verstappen and Sergio Perez will team up at Red Bull once again in 2022, with Perez signing a contract extension to 2023 with the Milton Keynes team. Red Bull opted to not use the RB17 car name due to technical regulations last year, dubbing it the RB 16B.
The car looked superb throughout the season with Verstappen securing 10 wins and 10 podiums in 2021. In the Constructors standings, they fell short of the Mercedes’ domination. However, Mercedes will be livid with the conclusion of the controversial 2021 finale. RedBull Team Principal Christian Horner will be wary of the threat possessed by their rivals. Ferrari are also expected to be another dark horse this year, with major upgrades being reported.
The official three-day pre-season test will take place in Bahrain from 10-12 March, with the opening race on Sunday 20 March at the same track.
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have been quiet since the end of the 2021 season. However, the FIA enquiry will decide the fate of Hamilton as he mulls retirement. George Russell is a bright addition to the team replacing Valterri Bottas this year. Mercedes have dominated the sport for a decade, but with the new era, things could look different hereon. RedBull and Ferrari look to pose a big threat to the Silver Arrows in 2022.
Toto Wolff will be keen on avenging the mishap caused by race director Michael Masi. Masi allowed lap cars to pass which helped Verstappen overtake Hamilton in the final lap. The battle for the 2022 throne is on with under 45 days left to go.
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