The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hosted the first pre-season testing event of the 2022 Formula 1 season and gave franchises an opportunity to test out their new machines ahead of the first Grand Prix in Bahrain towards the end of March.
For the first time, all ten teams will be given two pre-season testing events to try out the new cars due to the phenomenal changes and new regulations in place for this year.
Not only are the cars seeing the greatest number of changes brought into a single F1 season, but the FIA will be introducing new regulations within the Grand Prix themselves, including communicating with the race director and the instigating of a VAR type system.
Barcelona gave franchises a chance not just to test out their new 2022 creations, but also allowed an inspection of their opposition’s works and spy on the prospective competition.
On an interrupted final day of pre-season testing, it was Mercedes who came out on top with seven-time world Champion Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest time and his new teammate, George Russell not too far behind.
Red Bull followed with Sergio Perez finishing third and reigning World Champion Max Verstappen in fourth while Sebastian Vettel managed a fifth place finish despite stopping in the final minutes of the morning session due to an oil leak and a resulting fire.
With just over a week until the next testing event, and just under three weeks until the first 2022 Grand Prix, let us take a look at the new liveries that were on show in Barcelona.
9. Alfa Romeo
Drivers for 2022: Valterri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu During the release of their new livery, Alfa Romeo said their design is “a subtle nod to the past, recalling historical designs of years past and the heritage of Alfa Romeo and Sauber Motorsport.” Alfa Romeo ran a camouflaged livery during the first days of testing in Barcelona but have now released their white and red design which will be seen in Bahrain. Team Principal, Fred Vasseur, has also said they have the ‘utmost confidence’ in the new C42 in ‘helping the team make a big step forward towards the front of the grid.’ | AFP via Getty Images
10. Williams
Drivers for 2022: Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi Williams’ FW44 has blended blue and red into their new colour scheme in order to promote the team’s British roots. The side is continuing to undergo a rebuilding under the new owners Dorilton Capital and will hope to make further progress. It will once again race with a Mercedes engine, having been partnered with the side since the start of F1’s turbo hybrid era in 2014. Williams will also hope that the points and singular podium they secured in 2021 will give the side confidence going forward this season. | Getty Images
11. Haas
Drivers for 2022: Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin Haas’s livery has already changed since its first launch. What originally showed Russian flag colours due to their partnership with the Russian sponsor Uralkili, is now a plain white design. Haas have also dropped their sponsorship with the Russian company. The side, lead by Guenther Steiner, was the only team not to secure any points in 2022 and decided against improving their 2021 car, choosing to focus all their energies on the new VF-22. Steiner and Haas will be desperate to showcase that their new VF-22 can bring Haas back to a strong midfield competitor. | Getty Images