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Sakhir (dpa) - Almost all Formula 1 world champions of the past decade and a half would be back at the start.
Only the champions from 2009, Jenson Button, and 2016, Nico Rosberg, are missing.
With the return of Fernando Alonso (2005 and 2006), however, another high-caliber joins the top class of motorsport.
The almost 40-year-old Spaniard is one of the stars, but there are more who will be in the spotlight.
THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
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Four of them have achieved 13 drivers' titles.
Lewis Hamilton: 7 World Cup successes, Sebastian Vettel 4, Fernando Alonso 2, Kimi Räikkönen 1. Fan favorites, guys with rough edges, sometimes more, sometimes less.
Hamilton, the record champion together with Michael Schumacher, who, in addition to his sporting insatiability, has long been characterized by his struggle for justice, against racism and for more diversity.
Vettel, who wants to start again after seven untitled years at Aston Martin.
Raikkonen, who can still boast of being the last Ferrari world champion, and Alonso, who once finished Michael Schumacher's triumphant drives with Renault.
Together, Hamilton (36), Vettel (33), Alonso (39) and Räikkönen (41) are 149 years old.
THE DEBUTANTS
Mick Schumacher is undoubtedly the most prominent driver who will celebrate his racing premiere in Formula 1 in Bahrain.
The only debutant is not the son of record world champion Michael Schumacher who turned 22 last Monday.
Nikita Masepin, also 22 years old, will compete with him in the Haas team.
Last season they were opponents in Formula 2, which Mick Schumacher won.
The Russian has often made a name for himself through negative headlines, father Dimitri is a billionaire and co-sponsor of the Haas team.
A talent from Japan joins Alpha Tauri in Yuki Tsunoda.
The 20-year-old made it from Japanese Formula 4 to Formula 1 in just three years.
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THE CHANGERS
Sebastian Vettel's retirement from Ferrari set things in motion.
In order for the 33-year-old to be able to accelerate at Aston Martin, Sergio Perez had to leave the former Racing Point team.
In the end, however, the Mexican found a job that Vettel already had: Perez switched to Red Bull, where Alexander Albon was out of the race after a disappointing season.
Vettel's place at Ferrari will be taken by Carlos Sainz Junior this year, while Australian Daniel Ricciardo moved from Renault to McLaren for the Spaniard.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210323-99-943901 / 2
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Homepage Mick Schumacher
Details about Mick Schumacher on the team homepage
Mick Schumacher on Instagram
Mick Schumacher on Facebook
Twelve key aspects of the new season on the Formula 1 homepage
Homepage Sebastian Vettel
Homepage Bahrain International Circuit
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Schedule for the Bahrain Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton on Instagram
Fernando Alonso on Instagram
Driver field
Racing calendar