The new F1 season kicks off this weekend with a race around the Sakhir Desert. Bahrain International Circuit hosts the 2024 season opener and all eyes are fixed on what promises to be a weekend full of surprises. If you’re looking to bet on the action, you’ve come to the right place.
How to watch F1 Bahrain Grand Prix
When: Saturday, March 2nd, 10AM EST
Where: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain
How: ESPN, F1TV, Sky Sports F1
The 2024 F1 races will be broadcast on ESPN & ESPN+, while both of Friday’s practice sessions and Qualifying sessions will be shown on ESPN2. Fans can also subscribe to F1TV for an unrivalled viewing experience.
F1 Bahrain Grand Prix betting odds
| Max Verstappen | -360 |
| Charles Leclerc | +1000 |
| Sergio Perez | +1400 |
| Carlos Sainz | +1400 |
| Lewis Hamilton | +1600 |
| Lando Norris | +2500 |
| George Russell | +2500 |
| Oscar Piastri | +3500 |
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix preview
With pre-season testing taking place just one week before this race, and at the same circuit, it’s much easier to get a read on how things might shake out this weekend.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull remain unchallenged at the top of the Formula 1 totem pole, but Ferrari have absolutely closed the gap. The Scuderia are often rapid around Bahrain, with 7 total Grand Prix wins to their name since the race was first introduced back in 2004. Can Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz take the challenge to the reigning constructors champs?
If you want to bet on a wildcard this weekend, look no further than Lando Norris. McLaren burst out of the gates in testing and looked to be a real threat before the pace slowly dropped towards the end of the window. The Woking outfit has been quietly optimistic about their pace and at -120 to finish inside the top-6, Lando Norris brings some early value to the table.
Some other wildcards include the newly-named Visa Cash App Red Bull (formerly Alpha Tauri) cars. Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda head up the team in 2024 and while they’re not really going to be challenging for podiums, a top-6 is viable. Alpine’s pace looks miserable, Aston Martin look much slower and the heat in Bahrain often brings up reliability issues early. All it takes is a couple of retirements for a VCRB to sneak into the top-6 and at +800 to do so, they’re bets worth taking.
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix betting pick
This is a circuit that has historically not been kind to Red Bull. Max Verstappen did win this race in 2023, but it has long been a playground for the Mercs and Ferraris.
I never really like backing favorites here and feel like this could be a sneaky opportunity for Charles Leclerc. The two Ferrari drivers are very close in terms of raw pace and there’s no reason why Leclerc won’t be able to be in amongst the action this weekend. Team orders will likely be prevalent due to what’s happening to the team in 2025, meaning Leclerc is the only real option if you’re looking to back a red car this weekend.
