Couch Critic previews the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix which takes place at Sakhir on Sunday 28th March including best bets with @Olimp_SA
FORMULA 1
Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, 26-28 March
OVERVIEW
It’s the first race of a brand-new season. There are many questions that will only be answered a fair way down the line but the first qualifying, first race and even the first practice session could already show us plenty. Can Red Bull challenge the Mercedes dominance? Will McLaren be able to kick on from an impressive 2020? How will the rebranded teams (Alpine and Auston Martin) fare in their new colours? Can Ferrari finally turn around their slump?
TRACK PREVIEW
In the Bahrain outing late in the 2020 season the Mercs sped their way around the circuit achieving a 1-2 qualifying result and Hamilton delivering the victory on Sunday. On the other hand to this we have Verstappen who finished the last race (Abu Dhabi) drinking the Champagne. As such we have Red Bull who finished on a high but Mercedes who have track form in Bahrain.
Verdict
Toto Wulf enjoys a spot of mind games more than most. All the talk post the testing run is how the Red Bull’s have edged ahead. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Benz boys bounce back and dominate the weekend. However, I am living in hope that this is the year we see a very competitive battle both at the front and in the middle of the pack and as such I will be a bit more adventurous from the first lights out and back Max to send an early warning sign in the direction of Hamilton. I am also expecting a strong start from the McLaren’s whom I fancy to be the “best of the rest” in 2021.
BETOLIMP BEST BETS
Max Verstappen to get the Fastest Qualification Time and Win the Race @ 3.00
The young Charles has become a bit of a qualifying expert and at a decent price he is worth a go to do emulate his 2019 efforts.
Pierre Gasly to finish in the Top 6 @ 2.20
AlphaTauri were one of the big winners in testing. Pierre Gasly clocked the most laps and team mate Yuki Tsunoda showed the car has some pace. Gasly had a solid 2020 and will be keen to kick on from this achievement. With Ferrari likely to continue their struggles and Aston Martin potentially taking a few races to get up to speed I am happy with this play.
Team to win Free Practise 1 – McLaren @ 18.00
Dani Ric has Mercedes power underneath him this season and will be keen to hit the ground running. Lando Norris enjoys putting his foot down early in the weekend whilst the big boys are still finding their range. Tasty price this.
Click here for all the Bahrain GP markets
Note, odds are subject to change
Claim your 1st deposit bonus up to R3,000 here
Click here for details of our all current promotions
