The new Formula 1 season is more than halfway through as Max Verstappen looks on course to defend his world championship.
Red Bull’s Verstappen won the title in the most dramatic of circumstances as he overtook seven-time champion Hamilton on the final lap of the final Grand Prix of last campaign.
But it was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc who has started the new campaign in fine form, winning in Bahrain and Australia to take the early lead in the standings.
However since then, Verstappen has turned it around and leads the way.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has yet to win a race, with his teammate George Russell outperforming him in the current Mercedes car.
The grid are now set to head to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Formula 1 2022: Driver Standings
Driver / Car / Points
- Max Verstappen / Red Bull Racing / 233
- Charles Leclerc / Ferrari / 170
- Sergio Perez / Red Bull Racing / 163
- Carlos Sainz / Ferrari / 144
- George Russell / Mercedes / 143
- Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes / 127
- Lando Norris / McLaren / 70
- Esteban Ocon / Alpine / 56
- Valtteri Bottas / Alfa Romeo / 46
- Fernando Alonso / Alpine / 37
- Kevin Magnussen / Haas / 22
- Daniel Ricciardo / McLaren / 19
- Pierre Gasly / Alphatauri / 16
- Sebastian Vettel / Aston Martin / 15
- Mick Schumacher / Haas / 12
- Yuki Tsounda / Alphatauri / 11
- Zhou Guanyu / Alfa Romeo / 5
- Alexander Albon / Williams / 3
- Lance Stroll / Aston Martin / 4
- Nicholas Latifi / Williams / 0
- Nico Hulkenberg / Aston Martin / 0
Most read in Motorsport
Formula 1 2022: Constructor Standings
Despite Hamilton missing out on individual glory in December, Mercedes did still claim an eighth successive title in the constructors last season.
And the introduction of George Russell to the team has helped them make a good attempt of claiming a historic ninth championship.
But it’s Red Bull leading the way so far this season.
- Red Bull 396
- Ferrari 314
- Mercedes 270
- Alpine 93
- McLaren 89
- Alfa Romeo 51
- Haas 34
- Alphatauri 27
- Aston Martin 19
- Williams 3
Formula 1 2022: What has been said?
Lewis Hamilton has demanded Mercedes act now to salvage his dwindling title dreams.
“I will be on Zoom calls with our bosses, and really trying to rally them up,” said Hamilton.
“We have got some improvements that we need to make and we need everyone’s support in doing so.
“It is about making sure we leave no stone unturned, that the hunger is there and we are maximising every moment.
“I will be chasing the people in the wind tunnel, the aerodynamic guys, and just looking at every single area.
“There is performance to be gained and we need it now, not in two or three races. I have got to keep that encouragement and energy high.
“I prefer to stay optimistic. There are 20 races to go. I am really hoping we can get in the fight, but with every bit of improvement we make so will Red Bull and Ferrari. It is not going to be easy. The gap is pretty big right now but there is a long way to go.”
talkSPORT BET Euro 2024 Offers
Offer 1: Completely free £5 bet for Euro 2024 – No Deposit Needed
18+ New customers only. Opt in, get £5 free bet on selected markets. Available for first 5000 customers only. Bonus expires in 24h after registration. T&Cs apply, GambleAware.org Please gamble responsibly
Offer 2: Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
18+ New customers only. Opt in via mobile & bet £10+ on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 6x £5 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments & Apple Pay only. T&Cs apply, see below. GambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly