AUTOhebdo predictions: who is in the game in Sakhir?

Apart from a mechanical Trafalgar blow, we don't really see who could hinder the forward march of Lewis Hamilton, imperial in qualifying this Saturday under the floodlights of the Sakhir track. 

Mercedes Although he stopped development of the W11 relatively early, the seven-time world champion still has the best equipment, but this technical advantage alone does not explain the Briton's mastery. 

Endowed with an impressive natural raw talent, Hamilton has continued to refine it over the years to reach a stage where he is almost unplayable, regardless of his starting position or the quality of his flight when the lights go out. lights. The English runner is not only lightning fast; he is also a master in the art of managing his tires and his effort. 

In short, all that to say that Hamilton is the big favorite for this 15th round of the world championship. It's not very original but that's how it is. His victory is rated at 1,20* but you can increase it to 2,20* by adding the fastest lap in the race into the balance. 

• Verstappen rather than Bottas

In the event of a failure by the impregnable Mercedes driver, who would be best placed to take advantage? His teammate Valtteri Bottas, who will start alongside him on the front row? We lean more towards Max Verstappen and his Red Bull. 

The Dutchman, whose success would bring you 5,5* times your initial stake (same for Bottas), was only 0”125 behind the second Flèche Noire in qualifying. He will also start on the right side of the track and we also know his managerial qualities when it is necessary to protect the tires before delivering the blow. 

All the drivers expect to have to stop more than once due to the severe degradation of the tires. This could open up the range of strategies, even if the leading men all go to Mediums. 

• Go off the beaten track

Behind the inevitable leading trio, Alexander albon recovered nicely after his accident in Free Practice 2 but the Red Bull driver only had a slim lead over his direct competitors, Sergio Pérez (Racing Point), the duo Renault compound Daniel Ricciardo et Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri). Knowing that the Sakhir circuit offers several overtaking opportunities. An Albon podium is rated at 3,50*, compared to 4,50* for Pérez, 5* for Ricciardo, and 12* for Ocon and Gasly. 

Finally, don't forget that you can also bet on the author of the best lap in the race. However, this category tends to have more surprises than the others. Example in Türkiye where it is Lando Norris who left with the bonus point distributed to the author of the reference time. If the pilot McLaren were to repeat such a performance this Sunday, the players having bet on such a scenario would then pocket 75* times their initial stake. Not bad before the end of year holidays. 

Find all the odds and betting combinations for the Bahrain Grand Prix on the Parions Sport website. 

*Odds may vary