There’s a buzz of excitement in the air as sports fans prepare for an action-packed start to 2024. Tennis lovers get off to a flyer with the Australian Open, while lovers of American Football know the Super Bowl is looming. If soccer is more your thing, you’ll be eagerly awaiting the return of the UEFA Champions League in February. The year offers no settling-in period as the big fixtures come at us quickly, which is great news for armchair fans.
If you are one of the millions worldwide who love motorsports, you’ll know another exhilarating campaign is just around the corner. The teams, drivers, mechanics, owners, and backroom staff enjoyed a brief break during the off-season. We’ve seen all major constructors upgrade their cars while some have gambled to sign new drivers. The 2024 FIA Formula 1 season promises to be the most exciting and unpredictable in living memory. But which name will be crowned the driver’s champion? Have your say at one of the best apps offering Formula 1 betting.
The leading sportsbooks offer odds and markets on the upcoming season, allowing fans to make predictions, place bets, and target a profit. You can wager on the first fixture of the season, the Bahrain Grand Prix, on Saturday 2nd, March or look further ahead and call the outright champions. Will Max Verstappen win the Drivers’ Championship? Can Red Bull live up to expectations and secure the Constructors’ Championship prize? Call the result early and showcase your Formula 1 knowledge.
Verstappen, still the favorite
Respected Formula1 pundits, commentators, and traders working at the largest online sportsbooks have put their predictions on record. The top names all come in support of in-form driver Max Verstappen, who they believe is good enough to defend his championship successfully. Max is the pre-season favorite with fans, and that will come as no surprise to anyone who watched him blaze a trail of glory to the title last season.
Will he do it again? The talented driver is expected to dominate the F1 circuit after breaking open Lewis Hamilton’s long-running iron grip on the game. Max is fast, brave, competent, and improving with every grand prix. If he shows the kind of improvement expected of him this season, there’s no reason why he can’t comfortably win the title with races to spare. But he must be at his best and will want to lay down a marker for the campaign by winning in Bahrain on the first weekend in March.
Verstappen winning the Drivers’ Championship is no guarantee at this stage, and he faces stiff competition. If he doesn’t do as expected and defend the title, which driver will take advantage and score a stunning win? There are a few names in the frame, including Lando Norris, George Russel, and Charles Leclerc. Lewis Hamilton remains a danger, of course, but the Brit’s best years appear to be behind him, and he’ll struggle to keep pace.
Fast start required
All drivers with realistic chances of challenging for the Driver’s Championship trophy know Bahrain offers an excellent opportunity to hit the ground running. Verstappen won this title last year, beating Sergio Perez into second place, with Fernando Alonso completing the podium in third place.
Max started the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix first on the grid and held his position to win the season opener. Fans would love to see a repeat performance, and the defending champion is the pick of online gambling traders who expect him to pick up where he left off last season. It’ll surely be an entertaining race.
Let’s look back at how Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix last year, looking for any clues as to how this season’s renewal might play out in March.
Qualifying drama
Qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix set the stage for the high-stakes drama that would unfold on race day. Verstappen showcased his raw speed and impeccable skill, securing a spot on the front row alongside his perennial rival, Lewis Hamilton.
The duo’s battle for supremacy had become a defining narrative in Formula 1, and the Bahrain Grand Prix promised to be another chapter in their fierce rivalry.
Race unfolds…
As the lights went out, signaling the start of the race, Verstappen made an assertive move to challenge Hamilton into Turn 1. The two drivers engaged in a wheel-to-wheel battle, thrilling fans with their daring maneuvers. Verstappen’s aggression paid off as he emerged in the lead, setting the tone for a race that would be punctuated by strategic brilliance and unrelenting pace.
Strategic masterclass
The Bahrain Grand Prix unfolded under the lights, with the desert setting providing a spectacular backdrop for the on-track action. As the race progressed, the strategic chess match between teams added an extra layer of intrigue. Red Bull Racing, led by their astute technical guru Adrian Newey, made a series of decisive calls that would ultimately play a pivotal role in Verstappen’s triumph.
A critical moment came with the decision to execute a well-timed pit stop, taking advantage of a virtual safety car period. The Red Bull team displayed remarkable coordination and efficiency, ensuring that Verstappen rejoined the race with minimal time loss. This strategic masterstroke allowed him to maintain track position and apply relentless pressure on his rivals.
Wheel-to-wheel battles
The Bahrain Grand Prix featured intense battles throughout the field, with Verstappen finding himself in wheel-to-wheel combat with various competitors. His ability to defend and attack with precision showcased the maturity and race craft that had become synonymous with the Dutch driver. Each overtaking move and defensive maneuver drew cheers from fans, amplifying the electric atmosphere surrounding the circuit.
Late-race drama
As the laps dwindled, Verstappen found himself engaged in a tense battle with Hamilton, who had managed to stay within striking distance.
The two titans of the sport exchanged positions, with each corner potentially shaping the outcome of the race. Verstappen’s car control and determination were on full display as he fended off Hamilton’s relentless pursuit.
The final laps
In the closing laps of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen’s race craft reached its zenith. Despite the pressure from Hamilton, he maintained his composure, skillfully navigating the twists and turns of the Bahrain International Circuit.
As the checkered flag loomed, Verstappen crossed the finish line, securing a hard-fought victory and sending the Red Bull Racing garage into jubilation.
