5 Early Predictions for the Bahrain Grand Prix

#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.