Remarkably, there’s nothing to play for in the final three rounds of the 2020 Formula 1 season except pride. Lewis Hamilton wrapping up the Driver’s Championship last time out in Turkey added to Mercedes picking up the Constructors equivalent the round prior.
Hosting its first Grand Prix in 2004, 57 laps of the Bahrain International Circuit await the drivers on Sunday. The venue usually provides fantastic racing, with plenty of overtaking opportunities throughout the lap.
Bahrain Grand Prix predictions, betting tips and analysis
There was something magical about Lewis Hamilton‘s victory in Turkey. The win seemed to epitomise his career in 58 laps of masterful driving. Looking beaten in the initial phase of the race, he made his tyre strategy work to perfection to grab the lead just after half way, and he never looked back. While teammate Valterri Bottas was unable to keep his Mercedes pointing in a straight line, Hamilton gapped the field by over half a second. The gulf between the Mercedes pair has never looked bigger, and with Hamilton driving with such confidence, Bottas is in deep trouble this weekend.
Mercedes look to have a sizeable advantage after two sessions of practice, so it’s very much a case of who joins them on the podium. Candidate #1 would be Max Verstappen, who has been ever present in that position in 2020. The Flying Dutchman will need to bounce back from a poor performance in Turkey, where he threw away a podium after a spin. He can be expected to do just that, however, and will be in the thick of the action. Alex Albon has reached the podium just once in 2020 and you’d struggle to be positive of his chances in Bahrain. A heavy crash in FP2 has already put him on the backfoot at the worst possible time.
Racing Point bid to pull clear for 3rd
Racing Point have put themselves on the front foot in the bid for third in the Constructors after Sergio Perez brought home third in Turkey. Despite a strong result, the team will likely still be wondering what could have been. Lance Stroll took his first pole last time around before damage sustained mid-race forced him down the order. Nevertheless, Bahrain is a track that should really suit the Racing Point and Friday signs were positive. Perez was in the driving seat in the intra-team battle and is likely to be in with a big podium shout come Sunday.
McLaren currently occupy fourth and need a big weekend. There is a good chance of that happening, if last season is any indication. Lando Norris filled out sixth last season and Carlos Sainz was on for good points before a collision with Verstappen and a gearbox failure. The Spaniard has a poor record in Bahrain, so perhaps Norris will be the McLaren flagbearer this weekend.
As for Renault, a poor weekend in Turkey put them firmly on the back foot. They lag eighteen points behind Racing Point, but like their rivals, this track should really play to their strengths. Both cars were competitive in free practice, but they’re going to have to fight very hard for a Top 6 place.
With finishes of 8th and 4th in recent years, Pierre Gasly is the spanner in the works for the aforementioned teams. He seemingly has an affinity for Bahrain, so don’t discount him from big points alongside his Alpha Tauri teammate Daniil Kvyat. Ferrari are one team not to overestimate, as the power demands of Bahrain shouldn’t suit their lacklustre machinery.
Lance Stroll – Top 6 Finish
Things unravelled for Lance Stroll after taking his first pole position last weekend, but given that his teammate is 1/2 to be in the Top 6, his odds do look rather insulting. The Canadian has been a mixed bag this season, but this circuit should suit the Racing Point, as proven in practice.
If Stroll can set himself up with another good qualifying on Saturday, with a bit more luck on Sunday, he has an excellent chance of reaching the Top 6.
Will Hamilton and Perez finish on the podium? – Yes
Lewis Hamilton has been imperious throughout the season and can be expected to be winning the Bahrain Grand Prix if he continues his strong recent form. Sergio Perez has been picking up momentum in recent rounds and after a strong Friday, a podium looks within the grasp.
Racing Point should relish the Bahrain International Circuit and with Perez is driving at the top of his game. If tyre strategy comes into the mix, which it should, a podium looks well within range of both drivers.
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