After a string of races at unfamiliar circuits, Formula 1 returns to more familiar territory for this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton wrapped up the Drivers’ title last time out in Turkey. In the most challenging of conditions, Hamilton charged from sixth on the grid to record a wide-margin win that befitted a seven-time world champion.
The Briton has been beaten only once this season in a race in which he did not receive a penalty, and the Mercedes ace is 10/27 favourite to score his 11th win in 15 races in 2020.
Recovering Ferrari Unlikely to Repeat 2019 Feat
While it’s not characterised by long flat-out blasts like Spa and Monza, those with plenty of power tend to dominant at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain.
Charles Leclerc used Ferrari’s straightline speed advantage to dominate the weekend last year, though a mechanical issue in the race robbed him of a certain maiden victory.
Leclerc has been one of the stars of the 2020 season but it will be a huge surprise if the young Monegasque gets a sniff of winning this time.
Ferrari were forced to make changes to their engines in the off-season, and while their power deficit doesn’t seem as serious as it was, Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel will do well to salvage more than a handful of points this weekend.
Verstappen Likely to Be Found Wanting Again
Max Verstappen set the pace in the wet in Turkey last week. But conditions in the race called for cool, calm heads and that did not suit the strengths of the young Dutch lion.
Verstappen gets a 6/1 quote for Bahrain, illustrating his status as the sole credible threat to the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. However, the Red Bull star seems likely to come up just short again.
Verstappen and the Mercedes pair are in a league of their own and have shared the podium seven times this season. However, only twice in the last seven races have that trio appeared together on the rostrum and there could be some value in the top-three finish market.
Sainz Continues to Catch the Eye
Carlos Sainz has had more than his share of bad luck this season, but after a string of solid performances, the Spaniard sits a point ahead of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the standings.
Renault-powered cars have gone well this year at circuits where top speed is the key. The factory team’s cars finished fourth and fifth at Spa in Belgium, while the McLarens came home second and fourth at Monza a week later.
Sainz qualified third in Italy – as he did at the Styrian Grand Prix early in the season. The 26-year-old, who will drive for Ferrari from next season, grabbed his second career podium finish at that Italian Grand Prix, having closed up to the gearbox of winner Pierre Gasly by the end of the race.
Fifth place in Turkey last time represented another impressive outing for Sainz and while he will be of great interest to finish in the top six when prices are available, he is worth a nibble to reach the podium at a huge 25/1.