Hamilton and Verstappen set to renew rivalry as F1 pre-season testing begins in Bahrain

Teams and drivers continue preparations in Bahrain ahead of the start of the 2022 season next week

Lewis Hamilton during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday, March 10, 2022. AFP

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly drives during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing. AFP

Alpine driver Fernando Alonso speaks with Red Bull's Max Verstappen. AFP

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc drives during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing. AFP

Haas drivers Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen. AFP

Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu on track during F1 testing. Getty Images

Left to right: Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. AFP

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. AFP

Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz Jr, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. AFP

AlphaTauri drivers Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda. AFP

Lewis Hamilton speaks with Alfa Romeo driver Valtteri Bottas. AFP

Drivers pose for photos during the first day of F1 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. AFP

Lewis Hamilton greets Valtteri Bottas at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

The cars are parked on the starting grid during the first day of testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

Drivers pose on the starting grid during the first day of Formula One pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. AFP

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. Getty Images

Drivers pose on the starting grid. AFP

Preparations for the 2022 Formula One season continued on Wednesday as pre-season testing got underway at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Following three days of pre-season track work in Spain last month, testing in Bahrain gives the teams and drivers the final chance to prepare for the new season, which begins at the same venue next week.

On the first of the three days in Bahrain, drivers posed for photos on the grid before getting to grips with their cars on the track. Red Bull's reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton were among the drivers present at the circuit, as well as a few new faces at new teams.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was joined by new teammate George Russell, while Kevin Magnussen has returned to Haas after the team terminated the contract of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.

Check out the best photos from the morning session of Day 1 of pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.