Formula 1 is back! The pinnacle of motorsport returns for its 72nd year on the back of one of its most dramatic campaigns to date and yet, that said, there is every chance 2022 could eclipse it for drama and excitement.

Potentially, the levels of controversy 2021 brought will not be matched and, nor, hopefully, will the level of fury and toxicity at times, given the way the curtain came down in Abu Dhabi back in December, but that is no bad thing at all.

2022 starts afresh and in the truest sense of the word with completely overhauled rules and regulations that, Formula 1 and the FIA hopes, will bring closer, more intense racing up and down the field for the duration of a Grand Prix.

Certainly, it's the biggest change in regulations for a generation at the very, very least, and there's naturally an expectancy that surprises will be thrown up along the way.

Testing over the last few weeks, though it should be stressed only indicative to a certain degree, has already hinted at a slight change in the running order with Ferrari looking good to challenge the might of Red Bull and Mercedes, and there is a genuine belief the midfield pack will be closer than ever.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 12: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 on track during Day Three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

The driver line-up looks hugely strong, too, with four world champions on the grid, boasting 17 titles between them, plus a host of young chargers all itching to make this new era theirs.

At the top of the tree, Max Verstappen goes into 2022 as the world champion after a stunning year last time out. Yes, Abu Dhabi was controversial but over the duration of the campaign he deserved the title thoroughly, just as Lewis Hamilton would have done, and the Dutchman, you can bet, won't want to stop at one championship.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 10: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes looks on during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 10, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

What of Hamilton, then? The Briton returns to F1 for a 15th year after a winter of speculation and he's already said you ain't seen nothing yet in terms of his performance. The Mercedes has looked slightly off where it needs to be in testing but we're talking about a team that has won 8 Constructors' titles in a row - you cannot write them off at all.

Alongside Hamilton, for the first time this season, is George Russell. The former Williams driver gets his shot in a front-running car and will be itching to show that Mercedes are right to entrust him as their future leader - but he'll want to show that from the get-go instead of waiting for Lewis' eventual exit.

Sergio Perez returns for Red Bull and will want to use his RB18 to put together his own title challenge, whilst the Ferrari pair of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will be licking their lips after testing.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 11: Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari

talks in the Drivers Press Conference during Day Two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 11, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The Prancing Horses really did look very strong, and the Scuderia arguably has the best driver pairing on the grid with the consistent and impressive Spaniard and the rapid, naturally-gifted Monegasque.

McLaren, too, will want their share of the action near the front and Lando Norris will be determined to build on a strong 2021, whilst Daniel Ricciardo, now a season into his time with the team, will have plans on making 2022 a much better individual campaign.

And what about the best of the rest? Those hoping the new rules are going to help them break into the leading pack?

Fernando Alonso looks as motivated as ever and Alpine could be dark horses with them seemingly confident with the progress they are making.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 11: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Alpine F1 talks in the Drivers Press Conference during Day Two of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 11, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Pierre Gasly will once again shine in the AlphaTauri as he looks to earn a top drive in the near future - if the team from Faenza hasn't pulled a rabbit out of the hat that is.

Alex Albon is back in F1 for Williams, meanwhile, as the Grove team looks to continue their steady progress up from the rear of the field, whilst Valtteri Bottas leads Alfa Romeo and will look to flourish in that role.

Kevin Magnussen is back for Haas, too, alongside Mick Schumacher and many are intrigued to see what the pair can do in the VF-22, given the team spent most of 2021 working towards this season.

A new era awaits, then, and all 20 drivers will be itching for lights out on Sunday.