F1 Expert Picks for The Bahrain Grand Prix: The Return to Sepang International Circuit

We are back with Formula One and this weekend the paddock heads to Asia as they part take in the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

So lets talk about why the Bahrain Grand Prix is not in Bahrain. Due to the war in Iran F1 organizers did not want to hold the race in Bahrain. So the crown prince of Bahrain called in a favors and got Malayasia to agree to host this years race.

This marks the first time Formula One has been at Sepang International Circuit in nine years and we are definitely in store for a wild weekend of racing.

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Bahrain Grand Prix Breakdown & Analysis

Sepang Internation Circuit is a track known for pushing cars to absolute limit in terms of aerodynamics. With long straights and heavy breaking zones drivers must use all of their skill to push these cars to top speed and break on time.

Another remarkable quality of this track is its' width. Being between 16 and 22 meters on average this gives the drivers plenty of room to overtake all over the track, so expect a lot of action.

Like I mentioned before, this year it is in Malaysia and that climate is very difficult. Hot and humid, the track heats up fast so managing tires will be a key factor for this race as well. Also rain may be a factor too.

To win this race it takes a lot, managing your tires, perfecting the breaking zones, and taking advantage of overtaking opportunities. As for mechanically teams must perfect the load vs drag strategy and planning out the perfect pit stop strategy for their drivers.

Free Practice & Qualifying Results

In free practices this week we have seen Max Verstappen look very good, placing top four in all three sessions this week. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has been steady all week as well being within the top ten all week long.

Also to note Verstappen's teammate Isack Hadjar has performed really well too placing top three in all practice sessions. George Russell was seemingly a bit off pace during the practice sessions as he was not up to par with his teammate during practice.

In qualifying we saw more of the dominance from both Red Bull drivers, putting up a blistering pace to secure P1 and P3 for Verstappen and Hadjar (Hadjar has a 5 place grid penalty due to engine component changes). Lewis Hamilton put up his best qualifying session of the year placing P2 in the Ferrari.

Kimi had a high drama session as he had times deleted due to exceeding track limits but still managed to place fourth. His teammate George Russell had a disappointing session only managing to place eighth.

Bahrain Grand Prix Qualifying results

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. Lando Norris (McLaren)
6. Oscar Piastri (Mclaren)
7. George Russell (Mercedes)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) [5 place grid penalty]
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)

Bahrain Grand Prix Predictions & Best Bets

Race Winner: Kimi Antonelli +400 on Lucky Rebel

Though Verstappen has looked good all weekend I think Kimi is just on another planet this season. It is something both Max and Lewis whom placed ahead of him have experienced in their careers before.

With the high speeds on this track and the wide room it offers overtaking should be easy for Kimi. He flies by Lewis on the straights and then the pure pace of the Mercedes will eventuallu lead him to catch up and pass Max.

Barring a mistake from Kimi I love for him to win the race and extend his championship lead.

Total Classified Drivers u18 +162 on Lucky Rebel

With the difficulties of this track the temperarture, breaking zones, and just the overall nine year gap of data I think this race will see a lot of chaos.

The nine years data gap is something I want to point out, teams do not know this track so it is going to be incredibly difficult for teams and try to predict different factors.

Rain is forcasted for this race so that could add another layer of unpredictability for this race.

Driver to Be Classified Sergio Perez – No +120 on Lucky Rebel

Hey look it is not Lance Stroll this week! Though it is more so because his odds are at -150 and I do not find that as a bettable number.

But I like this bet and number here for Sergio. Listen that Cadillac car is not good and the overall mechanical stress this track puts on cars, I do not think it will be able to handle that. With the impending weather and back of the grid chaos as well I do not like Perez's chances to finish this race.

Perez has DNF'd in 5 races out of 14 races this year.

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