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- What: Bahrain Grand Prix
- When: Saturday, March 2nd, 10 AM ET
- Where: Bahrain International Circuit
The 2024 Formula 1 season will officially get started on Saturday, March 2nd with the Bahrain Grand Prix. The race is expected to begin at 10 AM ET. Typically, F1 events take place on Sundays, but it will be different this time around in Bahrain. By no surprise to anyone, Max Verstappen is a massive favorite to win here with -300 odds after a historic 2023 campaign. Lewis Hamilton comes in at +800, Charles Leclerc (+1200), Sergio Perez (+1500), George Russell (+1500), and Carlos Sainz (+2500) are expected to contend as well. Continue reading for the Bahrain Grand Prix picks.
Before we get into the odds and predictions, make sure to check out our F1 betting page and our sports betting 101 guide.
Bahrain Grand Prix Odds
| Driver |  |  |  |
| Max Verstappen | -300 | -345 | -300 |
| Lewis Hamilton | +800 | +900 | +1200 |
| Charles Leclerc | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Sergio Perez | +1500 | +1400 | +1400 |
| George Russell | +1500 | +1600 | +1600 |
| Carlos Sainz | +2500 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Fernando Alonso | +3300 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Lando Norris | +4000 | +3300 | +3300 |
| Oscar Piastri | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
All 20 drivers from last season remain with their same teams heading into the debut race of the campaign. This will be the first of 24 races. Verstappen is the reigning winner of the Bahrain Grand Prix, a track with many sharp turns. It’s not an easy circuit to drive.
Max Verstappen (-300)
Verstappen was absolutely fantastic in 23′, recording a mind-boggling 19 wins and 21 podium finishes, which made history in all sorts of ways. No one came even close to the Dutchman, who won the F1 championship by a longshot. Red Bull is still as strong as ever and Verstappen hasn’t missed a beat. The reality is there isn’t anyone in Formula 1 who can compete with Verstappen. He is truly in a league of his own. Although last year was his first win at the Bahrain GP, his test runs were much faster than anyone else. While Verstappen does sit at steep -300 odds, he should likely be in top spot when Saturday rolls around.
Lewis Hamilton (+800)
Sure, Hamilton isn’t the same guy who won four years in a row between 2017 and 2020, but he’s still a very talented driver who usually finishes towards the top of most races. In 23′, the Englishman came third in the standings, finishing on the podium six times but failing to grab a single victory. However, Hamilton has thrived in the practice sessions in Bahrain and appears to be in good form, despite his impending breakup with Mercedes. He had the two fastest practice times ahead of Saturday’s race. Perhaps that could mean something? Hamilton has five Bahrain titles, including three straight from 2019 to 2021. He’s one to definitely watch.
Charles Leclerc (+1200)
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was fifth last season, compiling six podium finishes and no wins. He finished the campaign with back-to-back second place finishes in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, though. Don’t be surprised if Leclerc is in pole position on Saturday, having collected 23 pole positions so far in his F1 career. Don’t forget he also drives a rival to Verstappen. No, Leclerc isn’t going to go out and beat Verstappen, but he should be in the mix. Leclerc may be worth a more specific bet.
Sergio Perez (+1500)
Last year it was either Verstappen or Perez as a winner in every race. Although the Mexican only won twice, he had nine podium finishes. Impressive. Red Bull dominated in 23′. Perez had three top-five finishes to close out the campaign and was second to Verstappen at Bahrain a year ago, too. Although Perez didn’t look that great in the practice runs, you can definitely expect him to show up and put his best foot forward on Saturday. Perez could offer value for a podium or top-five finish here.
George Russell (+1500)
Just like Hamilton, fellow Mercedes driver George Russell also did very well in the practice runs. He was eighth in the standings last season with only two podium finishes. Russell came in seventh at Bahrain last year. If his practice sessions are any indication, the Brit could be in contention when Saturday rolls around.
Bahrain Grand Prix Picks
You’d be a fool to not bet on Max Verstappen as the outright winner in Bahrain. I have zero doubts about him coming in first place to start the season off with a bang. Also, Hamilton has a track record of success at this race, which is exactly why he’s worth a bet for a top-three finish at +125 odds. Lock those two picks in.
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