F1 Bahrain Grand Prix: Is Verstappen a Betting Lock?

Most of the early money is for Max Verstappen to win the opening Formula 1 race in Bahrain.

Formula 1 odds have the king of motorsport at -300 to win, but he will have pressure from the likes of Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton.

The opening race will be raced in trying night conditions in the desert.

It’s Happening for Verstappen

It’s tough to bet against Verstappen. He has been driving the fastest car for the last few years, and there’s no denying that.

Motorsport odds have him as the short favorite, especially given the nature of Formula 1 racing. However, his results over the last five years are a testament to his endurance.

The 26-year-old is a one-time winner of the Bahrain GP, which came last year. He kicked off the season with a victory before adding another 18 wins.

It’s an incredible statistic. We have never seen such dominance in the sport, and we see no reason why his car won’t be as fast in 2024.

Our sportsbook could have priced him around -500, so getting -300 isn’t a bad price. He’s likely to pole and never be headed, so we’re putting him on top in our Formula 1 picks.

Leclerc Knocking on the Door

Charles Leclerc has had mixed results in Bahrain, but as sports betting odds suggest, he’s worth following this week.

He retired from the race last year, but he won in 2022. Having a win under his belt is huge around Bahrain, which isn’t a track that suits every driver.

Many drivers have criticized the circuit, but Leclerc loves it, and bettors get +1200 for the 26-year-old Ferrari driver.

“This is a track we’ve been strong [at] in the past and I hope we can challenge for the win. Of course, if there’s an opportunity we will do absolutely everything to take it,” Leclerc said.

He could shorten even further on race night, so he’s worth locking in early.

Hamilton with Gas Left in the Tank

Lewis Hamilton didn’t race his best in 2023, but his $55 million salary in 2024 is nice to fall back on.

The British F1 champion didn’t win a race all year, but he knows what it takes to win in Bahrain, and his online betting odds are too good to pass up.

The 39-year-old first won in Bahrain in 2014, before adding victories in 2015, 2019, and 2021.

Being a four-time winner at the track is ideal, and bettors get +1200 for the classy driver.

He would love a confidence-boosting victory, and qualifying will be the most important aspect of his Bahrain GP. If he qualifies near pole position, he could be off and gone before the first corner.

His Ferrari just needs to outpace Verstappen into the first bend.

Piastri Improving

Australia’s Oscar Piastri didn’t start 2023 very well, but he improved nicely in the middle stages.

He could use that momentum to his advantage, and we’re picking him for a top six spot at +250 odds.

The youngster recorded top-six finishes at Great Britain, Hungary, Japan, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, including a second-place finish in Qatar.

If he’s anywhere near his best, he could be right around the mark.

Questions Of The Day

Is Verstappen the best bet for the opening Formula 1 race in Bahrain?

When does the 2024 F1 season start?