FORMULA ONE'S big return is just around the corner with the first race of the 2022 season taking place in Bahrain this month.

SunSport are on hand with a huge range of odds provided by Sky Bet ahead of the new campaign.

Defending champion Max Verstappen will be looking to fend off Lewis Hamilton, who is hunting down his record-breaking eighth world title.

It's been all change in the F1 world since last-season's controversial finale in Abu Dhabi.

The sport's drastic rule changes were brought during the off-season to encourage more wheel-to-wheel racing.

This has brought fresh looking cars to grid and fans will get another chance to see them out on track in pre-season testing before the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20.

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After cruelly missing out on the title last season, Mercedes' main-man Hamilton is favourite to win this year's championship at 6/4.

Hamilton is also the favourite to win the opening race in Bahrain as he embarks on regaining his title.

While Red Bull's superstar Verstappen is second favourite to defend his crown at 5/2.

Mercedes' new-boy George Russell is third in the Drivers Championship market (11/2), ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Interestingly, Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez is priced at a huge 50/1 as he is seen as Red Bull's second driver.

The Mexican trails McLaren duo Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo as well as Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz in Sky Bet's market.

Mercedes, who have won eight Constructors Championships in a row are odds-on to clinch it again next year at 8/11.

While Christian Horner's Red Bull team are available at 3/1 to knock Mercedes off their perch.

Drivers Championship odds – Sky Bet

• Lewis Hamilton 6/4
• Max Verstappen 5/2
• George Russell 11/2
• Charles Leclerc 13/2
• Lando Norris 12/1
• Carlos Sainz 14/1
• Daniel Ricciardo 33/1
• Sergio Perez 50/1

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Driver / Constructor Double outright odds – Sky Bet

• Hamilton & Mercedes 2/1
• Verstappen & Mercedes 11/2
• Verstappen & Red Bull 11/2
• Hamilton & Red Bull 9/1
• Russell & Mercedes 9/1

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Bahrain GP winner odds – Sky Bet

• Lewis Hamilton 7/4
• Max Verstappen 3/1
• George Russell 6/1
• Charles Leclerc 7/1
• Carlos Sainz 10/1
• Lando Norris 16/1
• Sergio Perez 18/1
• Daniel Ricciardo 33/1
• Fernando Alonso 33/1
• Esteban Ocon 40/1

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