Bahrain Grand Prix: Editorial Overview and Predictions

For the first time since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix, a seven-time world champion will be on the starting grid for a Formula 1 Grand Prix. After securing his title in Istanbul a little less than two weeks ago, it will be interesting to observe the behavior of Lewis Hamilton this weekend for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

A meeting that has become a classic in F1

Welcoming F1 since 2004, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become over the years one of the classics on the Formula 1 calendar. The Grand Prix was initially held during the day but became the second fully nighttime Grand Prix in 2014 after Singapore, with Abu Dhabi starting at dusk.

With a length of 5.412 kilometers, the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir features a total of 15 turns with very interesting sections.

Starting with the first corner, at the end of the pit straight, where overtaking is plentiful. Everyone still remembers the splendid battle between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton during the 2014 edition.

The elevation change of this circuit is also interesting, like the sequence of turns 9 and 10, all downhill, where the left front tire lifts at every pass.

Also noteworthy, three DRS zones on this circuit: the first on the main straight leading to the first corner, the second on the short straight between turns 3 and 4, and the last leading to turn 11.

For this Grand Prix, Pirelli has opted for one of the softest ranges, going from C2 to C4 (C1 being the softest tire and C5 the hardest).

Ready for the start of back to back weekends at Sakhir? First up the #BahrainGP! #Fit4F1 ???????? #F1
Learn more: https://t.co/aMD3rv8jRm pic.twitter.com/nYu9N8Lf9D

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) November 23, 2020

Who can stop Lewis Hamilton?

Winner three times on this circuit and in great form with 5 wins in the last 6 races, Lewis Hamilton stands out as the favorite for the race.

To such an extent that one might wonder who would be capable of beating the Briton right here! Let’s take his opponents one by one.

Valtteri Bottas? Author of the first pole of his career on this circuit, the Finn can therefore be quick on this track. He narrowly missed victory in 2018 against Vettel and has never won on this circuit despite two podiums. A power-oriented circuit, Mercedes should be comfortable in the Bahraini desert, but it remains to be seen how Bottas will react after a disastrous Turkish Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen? The Dutchman has never been on the podium in Bahrain. Worse: since Vettel’s victory in 2013, no Red Bull has been on the podium at this circuit.

Ferrari? While in recent years this Grand Prix has generally been favorable to Ferrari, there is no doubt that this year things are likely to be much more complicated due to a less powerful engine.

Recall that Charles Leclerc, after securing his first pole position, should have won the Grand Prix without mechanical issues last year, and that Sebastian Vettel holds the record for victories in Bahrain with four wins. But all of this is quite anecdotal in light of the 2020 performances of Ferrari.

Stays Lewis Hamilton himself. He may very well be his own greatest adversary, and a slight relaxation after securing his seventh title cannot be ruled out, although the 2016 lesson must certainly remain in his mind.

Next weekend! ????#BahrainGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/sS69oNUC95

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 22, 2020

The editorial team’s predictions:

And you?

Who are your favorites for this Bahrain Grand Prix?

Let us recall that the Grand Prix will start this Sunday at 3:10 p.m. All the schedules can be found here in the TV program.