The new Formula 1 season got off to a spectacular start Down Under in Melbourne two weeks ago.
But it was the first chapter of a season-long story that will no doubt feature plenty of twists and turns throughout the year.
Valtteri Bottas leap-frogged teammate Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap around Albert Park and couldn’t be caught, claiming maximum points - including the newly introduced bonus point for the fastest lap.
Hamilton himself set a blistering time to claim pole position but a hole in the floor of his car meant he spent more time keeping Max Verstappen at bay than challenging his Mercedes teammate.
The big talking point was the pace of the Ferrari, or lack of it. After pre-season testing they appeared to be in a fight with Mercedes, if not the team to beat. In Australia however, they struggled all weekend, eventually finishing 4th and 5th.
The teams now roll into Bahrain for the second race of the year and GIVEMEBET looks ahead to this week’s race:
- Ferrari have won the last two races in Bahrain, with Sebastian Vettel taking the checkered flag on both occasions. This is a good track for the German who has won four of the last seven races here. While second to teammate Leclerc in first practice, Vettel is 12/5 to win the race.
- Amid the Ferrari struggles last time out, Leclerc showed composure for a driver in his first season at Ferrari. If he can continue maturing and maintains his practice pace he could well end up on the podium. Leclerc to make the podium is 23/20.
- Whilst the three big fight it out for the podium there are plenty of points available and a top 10 finish could see a close battle. Daniil Kvyat showed good pace in Australia to clinch the final points position and finished an impressive 9th is first practice. Kvyat is 21/20 to finish in the top 10.