Mercedes showed off major new side-pod design at testing in Bahrain, different to the design they unveiled earlier this year.

Bahrain testing is underway today and will last for three days before the first Grand Prix of the season next weekend.

There's a great sense of intrigue amongst F1 fans for the upcoming season, following the exciting and highly dramatic end to the 2021 season.

Max Verstappen controversially was allowed to pass the cars ahead on the second last lap during a safety car, leading to a winner takes all final lap in Abu Dhabi.

On fresher tires, Verstappen easily passed Lewis Hamilton, winning his first Drivers' world championship. As a result of this controversial decision, race director Michael Masi lost his job.

The 2022 F1 season promises to be faster and more entertaining than ever as a wide range of new technical regulations were introduced.

These regulations have allowed the chance for teams to be very creative with the design of their cars for the first time, with Mercedes stealing the limelight.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 10: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 on track during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 10, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

We have seen a wide range of different approaches to side-pods this year, with Williams and Red Bull showing off their unique styles.

But no-one had completely gotten rid of them untill now.

Earlier rumours this week had suggested that Mercedes were getting rid of side-pods all-together, that rumour has been confirmed.

However, new images have emerged showing just how dramatic the difference is between Mercedes’ initial design and the one they are testing Bahrain.

It's quite simply, a masterful piece of engineering that could give Mercedes the upper hand as we anxiously wait the start of the 2022 F1 season.

While Haas' side pods haven't changed much in the offseason - they've had a shakeup in the drivers seat as they terminated the contract of Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.

Mazepin was coming off his first year in a F1 seat and described his dismissal as 'losing an 18 year dream.'

Kevin Magnussen will take over from Mazepin, joining Mick Schumacher as the Haas drivers this season.