Hamilton at a loss with F1 pecking order

Lewis Hamilton believes the new F1 season is "the most exciting" he has been involved with because he has "absolutely no idea" as to where Mercedes lie in the pecking order.

Following the first three days of pre-season testing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya last month, Hamilton emerged as the quickest driver by just under a tenth of a second from new team-mate George Russell.

The new regulations have seen teams take varying solutions in order to develop their 2022 cars, with the prospect of a shuffle in the order come the first race in Bahrain providing teams further down the grid in recent times with optimism.

Asked if he felt more curiosity and intrigue for the new year, the seven-time champion replied: "Every year is exciting but of course in previous years, it was an evolution of the previous year's car.

"In this one, it is completely brand new. Of course, I have seen designs of our car over several months.

"But to see everyone's car out there, you are trying to get a close eye to see what is different, if anything, why a certain team has chosen a certain route in terms of its sidepod design, front wing and rear floor."

Insisting this year to be "the most exciting", Hamilton added: "You have absolutely no idea where you stand.

"Most likely, most cars are probably overweight, they are heavier than they have ever been. I am glad people are able to stop them so far."

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