Formula 1: Sakhir Grand Prix
Venue: Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain.
Race Date: 6th December 2020
Race Preview
Following the shocking scenes that F1 fans were subjected to last weekend, few would be forgiven for hoping the season could come to a close early. Romain Grosjean was lucky to survive a horror crash at the Bahrain International Circuit last weekend, with the danger of the sport brought into sharp focus once more. In addition, 7-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton secured yet another win last weekend but looks set to miss the Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID 19. This opens up both the race and the market for the Sakhir Grand Prix, with some of the fringe drivers on the grid looking for valuable race points before the season draws to a close.
Betting Preview
Race Winner
As the penultimate race of a truncated Formula One season, it is very much now or never for some drivers and teams in Bahrain here: –
Red Bull have not kicked on as many would have expected this season, but Max Verstappen continues look the most likely driver to put pressure on the Mercedes pair. His podium at this track last time out should fill him with confidence and the absence of Hamilton could spur him on to a precious victory in the race to finish 2nd this season.
Second place in the Driver’s Championship will be firmly on the mind of Valtteri Bottas too, who has once again performed well in Hamilton’s shadow this season. Max Verstappen has been breathing down his neck for the past couple of weeks and with his recent form faltering, Bottas will be keen to get back to winning ways as quickly as possible – especially in the absence of Hamilton.
Mexican Sergio Perez has enjoyed a stellar campaign for Racing Point this term and he could feel he has unfinished business this weekend after retiring last time out. He sits 5th in the drivers’ championship and looks to be one of the in-form men on the grid currently. With Racing Point possessing one of the quickest cars around too, he could be a good outside bet.
Following his podium finish in Bahrain last weekend, Alexander Albon should be full of confidence at the same track this weekend. The lack of Lewis Hamilton in the field is sure to free him up to allow him to attack both his Red Bull team mate Max Verstappen and any other racers he may come across. With Red Bull’s line-up still unconfirmed next year, this is a big race for Albon.
First Driver to Retire
The Bahrain International Circuit was a challenge last weekend and could be the same for many drivers this weekend:-
Renault’s Esteban Ocon has endured a mixed year on the F1 circuit and his tendency to get embroiled in scuffles he shouldn’t, often costs him his place in the race.
Williams have endured an underwhelming season and with the future of the company in serious doubt, Nicholas Latifi looks to have a tough afternoon ahead of him in Bahrain on Sunday.
Top Six Finish
2020 has thrown up its fair share of thrills and spills already this season and there will be plenty of racers fancying their chances of cracking the top 6 in Bahrain this weekend:-
Monégasque racer Charles Leclerc is continuing to lead the charge for Ferrari this term and despite some inconsistent results, he tends to feature in the top 6 in most races.
McLaren look to have found a gem of a driver in Carlos Sainz and he looks to be part of Ferrari’s plans next year and a solid drive here would boost his profile even more.
With a win at Monza already under his belt this season, Pierre Gasly is continually coming of age in F1 and his 5th place at this circuit last weekend should be fresh in the memory.
F1 Sakhir Grand Prix Best Bets:
Race Winner: Max Verstappen – 2.80
First Driver to Retire: Esteban Ocon – 8.00
Top Six Finish: Pierre Gasly – 1.80
