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Red Bull unveils new car Max Verstappen will drive to defend F1 world championship

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (left) won the F1 drivers' world championship in 2021. (AP Photo: Kamran Jebreili)

With Formula 1 ushering in a new era, Red Bull has unveiled its new car for the 2022 season.

Max Verstappen's team, which is looking to replicate the success of last season, pulled the covers off the RB18 at its factory in Milton Keynes, UK.

Verstappen won his first world drivers' championship last season, narrowly pipping Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic and controversial season finale in December.

Now, Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez must get to grips with a dramatically different car.

Formula 1 has gone through the biggest technical change in recent memory, with car aerodynamics simplified and wheels made larger. 

Speaking at the launch, Verstappen said he did not feel any added pressure being world champion, and was instead focused on adjusting to his new car.

"As a driver, with the new regulations, you have to get used to the car. It's not like you just jump in and it is an upgrade from last year," he said.

"So that is going to be the biggest adaptation.

"A lot is unknown about the car."

The current look of the car might change before the first race in Bahrain on March 20, according to team principal Christian Horner.

The Red Bull boss said every team would make alterations as the year progressed and they understand more about the new regulations.

"With a complete set of new regulations, it's going to be all about the development — how quickly the teams get on top of these sets of new regulations," he said.

"Development is going to be thick and fast. And with the cost cap, it's got to be efficient."

McLaren sign Lando Norris until 2025

Lando Norris has signed a new deal with McLaren. (Reuters: Lisi Niesner)

Young British star Lando Norris will continue his career at McLaren until at least 2025, after agreeing to a new deal. 

Daniel Ricciardo's teammate has impressed in his young F1 career, with five podiums from his 60 grands prix.

In 2021 Norris finished sixth in the drivers' championship, scoring 45 more points than Ricciardo.

The 22-year-old said he believed the team was on course to end years of disappointment and rise to the top of the sport again.

"Last season was another great step, both in my career and the team's performance, and I see and feel all the work, investment, and commitment for the team to be in a position to challenge for wins and titles in the future," he said.

McLaren achieved its first race win since 2012 at last year's Italian Grand Prix, when Ricciardo crossed the line first at Monza with Norris second. 

Norris looked on course to win his first grand prix in Russia last season, but a costly error not to pit for intermediate tyres as the rain began to fall cost him dearly. 

McLaren will launch its 2022 car on Saturday morning AEST. 

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