Michael Masi was removed from his post by the FIA after his controversial call which afforded Verstappen the chance to beat Hamilton.
Barcelona was the first venue to showcase these new challengers, with the ten teams taking to the track for a three-day testing session.
Russell's morning time was still good enough for second place at the finish, while Perez and Verstappen finished third and fourth.
Hamilton, who was looking a win a record-breaking eighth world championship in 2021, was beaten in the previous season by Verstappen.
Max Verstappen says decisions made under pressure and with outsiders exerting influence makes it only natural that not everybody will agree.
Russell stated emphatically during the launch of Mercedes' 2022 contender last week that Hamilton and himself must first and foremost work together.
Mercedes' 2022 car W13 hits track for first time at Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton kept tight-lipped over the saga and initially refused to confirm he would return for the 2022 season.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen had a heated rivalry in 2021 and the controversial ending in Abu Dhabi would not have helped matters.
Lewis Hamilton, 37, was speaking for the first time since he lost the world championship in controversial circumstances to Max Verstappen.