Get ready, race fans! The 2024 Formula One season is revving up with the Bahrain Grand Prix, set to kick off this Saturday. Last year’s champ, Max Verstappen from Red Bull, is back in the driver’s seat and looking to defend his title. Verstappen also aced this race last season, so the stakes are high.
The action starts at 10 a.m. ET at the Bahrain International Circuit. Drivers will zoom around the 3.363-mile track for 57 laps. Verstappen is the top pick to win again, with odds at -275 (meaning you’d need to risk $275 to win $100). But keep an eye on Lewis Hamilton, a five-time winner of this race, who’s currently at +800 on the grid.
Other contenders to watch include Sergio Perez from Red Bull (+1200) and George Russell from Mercedes (+1400). But before you lock in your Formula 1 picks, it’s smart to check out the latest predictions and betting tips from SportsLine’s experts.
Their Formula 1 prediction model, created by data whiz Mike McClure, has been spot-on in the past. It crunches numbers and simulates races 10,000 times, considering things like track history and recent results. This model has a solid track record, accurately predicting nine NASCAR winners since 2021.
It’s been particularly hot in Formula 1, correctly calling Charles Leclerc’s wins in 2022 and backing Verstappen at the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix, where he snagged a surprise victory. The model also nailed Verstappen’s wins in races across the globe.
Now, it’s focused on the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix. It’s not putting all its chips on Russell, despite his status as a top favorite. Russell slipped a bit in 2023, finishing eighth overall and missing out on the podium. Plus, he’s never podiumed or led a lap at Bahrain. While Mercedes has shone in this race thanks to Hamilton, Russell’s track record is less impressive, with an average finish of 10.4.
But the model has its eyes on some underdogs, with two drivers going off at longer than 25-1 odds. If they make a move, it could mean big payouts for savvy bettors.
So, who’s going to take the checkered flag in Bahrain? Will Verstappen reign supreme again, or will a dark horse steal the show? Check out the odds and full predictions at SportsLine to get the inside scoop.
