Formula 1 reaches the final segment, with the first of two races in Sakhir, at the Bahrain GP. The race, the first in the Middle East in F1 history with the inaugural race taking place in 2004, has been dominated by Mercedes and Ferrari in recent years. In 2020, it will be the first race after the confirmation of Lewis Hamilton's seventh championship. Even with the champion confirmed, Motorsport.com selected some important tips for your bets:
Since the beginning of the hybrid era of F1, winners of the Bahrain GP have either represented Ferrari or Mercedes. The team that is currently the seven-time world constructor champion, won four times, while Sebastian Vettel triumphed in 2017 and 2018. In 2020, it is easy to bet on who should dominate. Finishing in top-2: Valtteri Bottas
Although the last five Bahrain GPs the safety car made a single appearance, in last year's race, it is worth believing that the safety car will be present in Sakhir. Of the 14 races in 2020, in nine the race had its order rearranged after the presence of the safety car. Safety car in the race: Yes
Seven of the 14 races of the 2020 had the same occupants on the podium: Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen, regardless of order. The Turkish GP proved to be a very unpredictable race, due to the rain and the condition of the asphalt. Under ‘normal’ conditions, it’s worth believing in the trio. We know that the Mercedes duo is almost certain in the top-2, so the bet is on the Red Bull driver. Top-3: Max Verstappen
The 2020 championship has reached its final part and Sergio Pérez remains the only driver - alongside Lewis Hamilton - who scored in all the races he has race. The Mexican did not score points in the GPs of Great Britain and 70 Years of F1, when he had to leave because of Covid-19. In Bahrain, the propensity is for him to keep scoring. Top-10: Sergio Pérez
Not as steady as Pérez, but also with a good pace in the top-10, is Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian driver comes from eight consecutive results in the scoring zone. For the good time, it is possible to believe that the Renault driver remains in shape. Top-10: Daniel Ricciardo
UPDATED After the first two free practices for the F1 Bahrain GP, some insights came to light after two 90-minute sessions. Motorsport.com gives you a few more tips that should help with your bets.
Ferrari did not do well, with its two cars not finishing in the top-10 in both sessions. This makes room for other cars and drivers. One of those who should benefit from this is Pierre Gasly, who was 5th in the first practice, and sixth in the second. He is one of the good names to believe that he will score points in Sakhir. Top-10: Pierre Gasly
The timing is not the best for Valtteri Bottas. After 14th place in Turkey, the Finn was unable to keep up with Lewis Hamilton in Friday's second free practice, trailing Max Verstappen, in third place on the timesheet. A reaction from him is expected, but not to the point of overcoming the seven-time world champion in the qualifying this Saturday. Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton
For the same reason, in the race, Hamilton should have no trouble securing another victory for him and Mercedes. It's the most obvious bet of the weekend. Victory: Lewis Hamilton
