5 Early Predictions for the Bahrain Grand Prix

In Formula 1, you should always expect the unexpected, and it's fair to say that we witnessed plenty of that two weeks ago in Australia. Valtteri Bottas' win has slingshot him into title contention when some were expecting the Finn to be replaced by Mercedes' test and reserve driver, Esteban Ocon for 2020, if not before.

Bahrain produced one of the most thrilling races of 2018, as Sebastian Vettel held off a charging Bottas in the late stages thanks to some of the finest driving in the four-time world champion's career.

What can we expect 12 months on? Sakhir usually springs a few surprises, so here are five bold predictions ahead of the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix.

#1 - Gasly to get his First Podium

Gasly got the best result of his F1 career so far at Bahrain.

Pierre Gasly had an excellent year in 2018, being one of the standout drivers of the campaign despite it being only his first full season of Formula 1 racing. Gasly's highest finish came at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where he capitalised on the retirements of both Red Bulls and Kimi Raikkonen to finish an incredible fourth place.

Combined with standout performances in Hungary and Monaco, this drive earned the Frenchman a promotion the senior Red Bull team for 2019. However, it's fair to say things haven't gone to plan for young Gasly at RBR, failing to get out of Q1 in Melbourne before finishing outside the points and behind Daniil Kvyat, who drives for the junior team.

If anybody needs a good drive in Sakhir, it's Gasly, we all know how swift Helmut Marko is to swing his axe when one of his drivers are underperforming, just ask Kvyat. Despite this pressure, though, I'm backing Gasly to not only get a solid points finish, but to stand on the podium for the first time in F1.

Red Bull appear to be the second fastest car on the grid right now, Honda finally getting their act together. Of course, to do this won't be easy, as Pierre will have to be faster than his teammate Max Verstappen or one of the Mercedes men, but it's definitely possible.

#2 - Hamilton to Return to Winning Ways

Lewis Hamilton won 11 times in 2018 and his fifth driver's title.

Whether Lewis Hamilton gave up chasing the win in Australia due to him being significantly slower than Bottas or if it was because he wanted to maintain his power unit components remains to be seen.

What isn't in doubt, though, is that the world champion is eight points behind his Finnish teammate and Hamilton has to begin clawing that deficit back. Of course, with 19 of the 21 rounds remaining after Bahrain, there's more than enough time to do so, but the Brit will want to get on with it ASAP.

Although Bottas has claimed pole position around the Bahraini track, he's never won there, but Hamilton has, claiming victory twice, in 2014 and 15. If Mercedes' five-time world champion was backing off down under, the Silver Arrows could be a long, long way clear of the chasing pack come the checkered flag on Sunday.

#3 - Ferrari to Continue to Struggle

Ferrari weren't smiling after Australia.

Ferrari were the fastest team in pre-season testing, setting the quickest time in most sessions, but they were lacklustre in the opening round in Australia to say the least. Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth, respectively, and while that doesn't sound bad on the surface, the red cars finished almost a minute behind Bottas.

That's a pace disadvantage of a second a lap, a huge margin, and one that they won't close overnight. The change in track configuration and climactic conditions could give the team a boost, but in truth, I don't see this.

Most teams were struggling to warm their tyres after making their pit-stops, despite the warm temperatures, and it will likely be cooler in the Gulf. I can't see either Ferrari finishing ahead of either Mercedes or Red Bull car unless one of those four retires.

At least one thing's for certain, though, Vettel is obviously still the Ferrari number 1, as Leclerc was ordered to not pass his teammate, despite being obviously faster.

#4 - Haas to Beat Renault (again)

Magnussen and Hulkenberg were best of the rest in Australia.

Those that have watched the series Formula 1: Drive to Survive will know of the intense rivalry between Renault and Haas for the "best of the rest" spot in 2018. After just one race completed in 2019, it seems as though this could be continued into 2019, as Haas' Kevin Magnussen was best of the rest in Australia and Renault's Nico Hulkenberg was directly behind the Dane in seventh.

The likes of Alfa Romeo and McLaren can't be discounted, of course, but on current pace, last year's 4th and 5th placed teams are fastest of the midfield. With Bahrain being a power track thanks to its long straights, you'd expect the VF-19 to better suit the Sakhir track, but it will also likely be another close battle in the mid-pack with plenty of overtaking throughout the race.

Haas also have an impressive record in Bahrain, with Romain Grosjean finishing what was then the team's highest ever finish of fifth in 2016. Magnussen replicated the feat last year, and there's always been a Haas in the top ten since the American team came into the sport.

#5 - McLaren to get their First Points of 2019

Norris had an impressive F1 debut in Australia.

McLaren are one of just two teams that are pointless so far in 2019, but unlike Williams, they have a realistic chance of changing that at the next attempt. Lando Norris had a superb debut in Australia but finished outside the points thanks to getting held up behind Antonio Giovanazzi's Alfa.

Carlos Sainz could've also conceivably finished in the top ten, but an engine failure put paid to that after just nine laps. If McLaren finish the race in Bahrain, they have a real chance. Although the Renault engine doesn't appear to be the most powerful again this year, still being behind Mercedes and Ferrari and possibly losing out to Honda. I'm sure that wouldn't go down well in Woking if it were true.

What are your predictions for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix? One of ours or another bold call? Let us know in the comments below!