Watch cheeky Lewis Hamilton peer into Red Bull garage on spy mission on first day of F1 testing after title heartbreak

CHEEKY Lewis Hamilton went on a spy mission peering into Red Bull's garage on the first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona.

The seven-time British world champion was spotted in the pit-lane examining Red Bull's car for the 2022 season.

Hamilton was eager to scope out the competition and get a glimpse of the RB18 at the first opportunity at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

He also took a look at most of the other teams during his stroll following the biggest overhaul of F1 regulations in a generation.

Hamilton, who wore a hood and a mask and a long coat said: “This morning, arriving and looking down the pit lane and seeing all the different cars, I think it's one of the most exciting and interesting seasons that I've ever embarked upon.

“It will be interesting to see where everyone comes out and where we stand in the first race.

”Every year is exciting but this one is completely brand new.

“I’ve seen designs of our car obviously, but this is the first time you get to see the other teams out there on track.

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“You want to keep a close eye and see why others have taken a different route.

"You have no idea where you stand, so it’s definitely exciting.

“I hope these rules deliver in terms of closer racing. It puts everyone on a closer playing field.”

After contemplating retiring from the sport, Hamilton is back with his eyes set on eclipsing Michael Schumacher's record by winning his eighth world title.

But when asked if he fears Mercedes may not provide him with a car worthy of challenging for another title, Hamilton responded: “Why would I ever feel that way?

"My team don’t make mistakes.

“Of course that is a risk (with the new regulations) but I trust the team. Whether it is good or bad we will work through it.”

The Brit is hungry to for success again after cruelly having the title snatched from him on the last lap in Abu Dhabi last season.

The FIA controversially cleared the cars between Hamilton and Verstappen under a safety car, allowing the Dutchman to have a clear run on Hamilton with fresh tyres to clinch his first championship.

This dramatic Grand Prix led to a social media blackout from Hamilton for over two months, which led to questions regarding whether or not he would walk away from the sport.

But Hamilton ended silence with the message: "I’ve Been Gone. Now I’m Back!"

Now the Brit is feeling more refreshed than ever as he prepares to enter his 16th season in F1.

He said: "I feel the freshest that I ever have. 

“Of course, there are so many different ways you can re-focus and get re-centred, and I would say this [break] was one of the best I've ever experienced.

"It was definitely more about being present and in the moment, and creating memories. 

“I know sometimes in life, we get so focussed and stuck into certain things like work that we forget to do those things. 

"So it was a great time, just refreshing with the family. It was the best period of time I've actually ever had with my family.”