Bahrain Grand Prix
The Formula One will have its triple-header finale to cap off the 2020 calendar as we head on over to Sakhir for the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
With the drivers and constructors championship already settled, now we will focus to the others who came up short as they try to finish 2020 on a decent note.
It can be noted that Lewis Hamilton effectively won his seventh championship during the Turkish Grand Prix while making history in the process.
Prior to Turkey, the British driver became the all-time Formula One wins king when he emerged victorious in Portimao. And then he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula One championships in the last time out.
Other than the exciting action that we will witness in the next few weeks, the triple-header offers storylines that goes beyond the paddock.
With the season approaching its conclusion, several parties have been mulling about their futures as the playing field for 2021 is far from set.
For the drivers, leaving a lasting impression by performing well should do the trick. So today here at SBOTOP, allow us to give you a preview along with our latest set of Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 updates.
Daniel Ricciardo looking to resolve unfinished business
Talking about the Bahrain Grand Prix brings painful memories for Daniel Ricciardo given how it turned out last year.
The Australian international, along with then-teammate Nico Hulkenberg, suffered DNFs due to a power failure just as they were about to finish the race.
But eventually Ricciardo recovered and now he is in great form. He has already secured two podium finishes prior to this weekend and redemption in Sakhir will be on top of his mind.
“The Sakhir circuit in Bahrain is a good one, I’ve always enjoyed racing there and night sessions are always fun to take part in,” said Ricciardo.
“In recent years, I haven’t had the best results in Bahrain, but I’m looking to set that right this weekend,” he reiterated.
Renault are eager to seize the final three races of the season as they fight for the third spot in the constructors standings.
For Daniel Ricciardo, who is set to join McLaren next season, another spot at the podium will be a fitting farewell for his time with the French outfit.
Red Bull have some decisions to make
While Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is secured, it remains to be seen on who will drive with him in the 2021 season.
Alex Albon is currently the No. 2 behind Max Verstappen, but his current deal will expire by the end of the year and the American-based outfit has been mulling their options.
Along with the Thai driver, Sergio Perez has also been linked to Red Bull from the day he learned that Racing Point were letting him go for next season.
Perez indicated that he wants to continue his career in Formula One, and at 30 years of age, the Mexican racer still has a lot left in his tank.
He is fresh from a second-placed finish in Turkey and a string of positive results in the next few races can help him make a strong case for himself.
Valtteri Bottas eager to bounce back
Valtteri Bottas will look to secure more points to his campaign by performing well in the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Finnish driver is fresh from a disastrous outing in the Turkish Grand Prix as he finished 14th after picking up damage on the opening lap and spinning six times.
Bottas considered it as his worst race in a long time especially as he tip-toed around in the wet conditions, but he is eager to move on in order to salvage his campaign.
Since his victory in Sochi, Bottas has finished at the podium two more times so a victory this weekend is not a far possibility.
History
Compared to the other races in the Formula One calendar, the Bahrain Grand Prix is one of the youngest.
The first-ever race in Sakhir happened in 2004 and Fernando Alonso won the inaugural event in 2005.
Sebastian Vettel holds the most wins with four, which includes a couple of back-to-backs in 2013-2014 and 2017-2018, while Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have three apiece.
The 2020 edition of this race was originally slated for last March. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it will be rescheduled this weekend.
What are the odds?
Even with the seventh championship in the bag, Lewis Hamilton is still backed to win by the Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 odds.
He is priced at 1.45 compared to only 2.58 for any other driver, but there’s not much incentive for him to go all out this time around.
Fresh from their superb performance in Turkey, Ferrari standouts Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel are also favoured at 1.55 and 1.85 respectively.
With this essentially being the battle for the best of the rest, all three podiums spots will be up for grabs.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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