Following an offseason filled with noteworthy developments, the start of the 2024 F1 season is on the horizon, with the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for March 2. Max Verstappen, having clinched 19 wins last season, including one at the Bahrain International Circuit, emerges as the anticipated favorite to secure another triumph.
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Max Verstappen is unsurprisingly the heavy favorite to secure back to back wins at Bahrain.
| Bahrain Grand Prix 2024 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | -325 | -300 | -303 |
| Charles Leclerc | +900 | +900 | +800 |
| Sergio Perez | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Carlos Sainz | +2000 | +2000 | +1800 |
| George Russell | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Lando Norris | +2200 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Lewis Hamilton | +1600 | +2000 | +1600 |
| Fernando Alonso | +2800 | +2800 | +2800 |
A new season begins with the familiar frontrunner. Verstappen and Red Bull showcased a noticeable superiority over other team-driver pairings during the Bahrain testing. The RB20, evolving from the dominant RB19, introduces innovative design concepts that may secure their lead for an extended period. As the rest of the grid plays catch-up at the start of the season, it appears that, barring an exceptionally rare retirement – an occurrence Verstappen has avoided since April 2022 – another victory is almost certain for him.
The sole competitor seemingly capable of challenging Red Bull is Ferrari. The Scuderia has overhauled their setup for the 2024 season, receiving positive feedback from both drivers. Their adjustments appear to have rendered the car less vulnerable to tire degradation and wind effects, thereby enhancing their overall race performance.
Leclerc’s rise to second favorite for victory is well founded. Last year, he suffered an untimely retirement due to an engine issue in this very race, marking the beginning of several retirements across the Formula 1 calendar. Eager to avoid a repeat, he aims to put that setback behind him with a strong showing against Verstappen in Bahrain.
Third favorite is Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez. Despite securing a second place finish at this venue a year ago, Perez didn’t pose a significant threat to clinching victory. Nevertheless, his noteworthy performance propelled him to a second-place finish in the Drivers’ standings last season. Notably, he managed to secure victories in two out of the three races that eluded Verstappen’s grasp, showcasing his potential impact on the competition.
Carlos Sainz stands among several drivers grouped at +2000 for a shot at victory, and he emerges as the most promising bet at this price. Piloting the enhanced Ferrari, he holds the distinction of being the sole non-Red Bull driver to secure a win in 2023. Although he concluded last season behind Leclerc in the Formula 1 standings, Sainz consistently demonstrated astute strategic decisions, often making the right calls at opportune moments. In the event of a chaotic race or significant impacts from safety car periods, Sainz could capitalize on the situation and navigate his way to a potential victory.
At odds of -300, betting on the favorite here does not hold much value. Therefore, it could be more astute to bet on other markets.
There is more value to be found in betting on a podium finish so I am picking Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz for a podium finish.
As usual, Bovada are offering a host of special markets for the F1 season. Read our Bovada sportsbook review to find out if this is the best site for your Bahrain Grand Prix bets.
The Bahrain International Circuit, conceptualized and built in December 2002, mirrors the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Similar to its Abu Dhabi counterpart, the developers had an expansive, sandy canvas to shape into reality, resulting in the creation of a sophisticated 5.4km track meticulously designed by Hermann Tilke.
The first Bahrain Grand Prix was in 2004, marked by the groundbreaking moment when drivers gathered under an unusually cloudy sky. The race, much like several in the 2004 season, saw the dominance of the two Ferraris, with Michael Schumacher ending as winner ahead of Rubens Barrichello. The fans were also treated to an exhilarating duel between Mark Webber in the Jaguar and Fernando Alonso in the Renault.
Bahrain consistently delivers exciting racing and notable overtaking opportunities. Drivers grapple with challenges such as unpredictable winds, racing under floodlights, and the task of finding an optimal setup amid wide temperature fluctuations between sessions. Notably, the circuit’s most demanding segment is the tight, downhill, off-camber Turn 10 left hander, while the rapid passage through Turn 12 adds excitement, allowing drivers to truly sense their cars coming alive.
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About the Author
Henry began his journey in the betting industry before transitioning into a writing career. While his expertise lies in soccer, golf, and darts, he covers a wide range of sports from across the globe. Armed with a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry climbed the ladder at William Hill in England. Beyond sports writing, he has also achieved success in the Property and Finance sectors, where he continues to be active. Now based in Barcelona, Henry enjoys the city’s vibrant sports culture and plays golf year-round as a member of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.
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