Lewis Hamilton could have three new threats in 2022 F1 title race

If Lewis Hamilton does choose to push again for an eighth F1 world title, he might have more than just Max Verstappen to contend with in 2022.

Those two not-so-friendly competitors were a class above last season, and it was clear from very early on that the title battle would be a two-horse race.

But Hamilton's title hopes were scuppered at the last hurdle as some bizarre operating of a late safety car helped Verstappen to catch up and overtake on the final lap in Abu Dhabi.

The Briton is apparently so disillusioned after the whole affair that he is considering calling time on his trophy-laden career at the top.

But if he does choose to carry on, then he could have a lot more than just Verstappen to worry about in next season's title race.

We have had a look at who else might be pushing for silverware when the racing action resumes in 2022.

George Russell

Hamilton's new team-mate is young British star Russell, and big things are expected of the 23-year-old from Norfolk.

He impressed in a terrible Williams car in his first couple of seasons, and played a major role in the historic team's pleasing improvement in 2021.

Russell has now earned his chance to prove himself against the big boys, after Mercedes chose him to replace the outgoing Valtteri Bottas.

Can Lewis Hamilton regain his F1 title in 2022? Have your say in the comments section.

It is thought the team is blooding Russell now so he can be ready to take over once Hamilton does decide he's had enough of the sport.

But, if he does race alongside the record champion as is expected in 2022, Russell has been backed to have the ability and hunger to match his team-mate for speed in the sister car.

Finally, Mercedes might have two drivers capable of winning the title for the first time since Nico Rosberg left.

Sergio Perez

As the other man driving a Red Bull, Perez will have a car just as capable of winning races and the championship as Verstappen.

The Mexican needs to become more consistent, but has shown moments of brilliance throughout his career and is one of the most popular racers in the paddock.

Don't miss a thing with our football updates!

Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?

Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!

From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox – don't miss a thing.

How do you sign up?

It only takes a matter of seconds.

Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.

And that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top news stories every single morning.

You can find out more information on our email newsletter on this link here.

He showed his worth as a capable sidekick by slowing Hamilton significantly with some daring but safe and brilliant defensive driving in the Abu Dhabi finale.

But to be a Red Bull driver you need to do more than that – you need to prove you are the man who can consistently win races when Verstappen does not.

Perez did that only once last season, after Verstappen had crashed out while leading the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to a tyre failure and Hamilton made a mess of his attempt to overtake after the restart.

If he can stand on the top step of the podium more often in 2022, he will have a serious chance of silverware.

Charles Leclerc

Big things have been expected of Ferrari wonderkid Leclerc ever since he was fast-tracked into the team in 2019, and now he has some experience under his belt this could be the year he lives up to his potential.

The Monegasque racer's chances of competing on-track with the Mercedes and Red Bulls will, of course, depend heavily on whether his team can provide him with a competitive car.

But if Ferrari do get their engineering right, then the Prancing Horse could continue its upward momentum and challenge for glory after winning the midfield battle last season.

Carlos Sainz was mightily impressive in his debut season with the team, but Leclerc is the man they have always envisaged leading them to drivers' championship glory for the first time since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007.

He need to win more races and prove he can consistently lead from the front, but if he can then Ferrari have a chance of reviving the glory days once again.

Source: Read Full Article