Sakhir Grand Prix Betting Preview: Who Will Win in the Absence of Hamilton?

Finally there is a chance for other drivers to get the victory in the next Formula 1 race in Bahrain this weekend. In the absence of Lewis Hamilton his biggest rivals, Max Verstappen and Valteri Bottas are the main favorites. But we can see a surprise driver as well in the Sakhir Grand Prix betting preview. 

The 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton tested positive for Covid-19, so he has to miss the next race this weekend. Which opened up the door for a young, British driver, George Russell to take his place and drive his Mercedes at the Sakhir Grand Prix. What an opportunity for Russell, who has already been mentioned in the favorites to win the race. Another British driver, Jack Aitken will take his seat at Williams, and make his Formula 1 debut. But of course, without Hamilton his main rivals will have the biggest opportunity of winning. Unless another sudden turn happens in this striking season.

Sakhir Grand Prix betting preview favor Verstappen over Bottas

Online sportsbooks in the Netherlands favor their own driver, Max Verstappen to win the race with the odds of 2.40. He finished second last weekend behind Hamilton for the fifth time this season.  The winner of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix in Silverstone just couldn’t match the speed of Hamilton, and also suffered from mechanical issues. But Verstappen finished ahead of Bottas on several occasions which can be a good sign ahead of the next race. The Red Bull driver is currently in 3rd place in the drivers’ standings, 12 points behind Valteri Bottas. So with a victory he could come closer or even overtake him.

But surely Hamilton’s teammate, Valteri Bottas will go for the victory as well after a poor performance last weekend. He only finished in 8th place after his slow start and two flat tires. Bottas has been criticized for his performance after winning only 2 races this season with one of the fastest cars of the field. But the Finnish driver is not slow, just very unlucky. And unlike Hamilton who could win even with a flat tire, he can’t come out from these situations with a great result. Now he has another chance to prove his abilities and win another race. His odds to do so is 2.50 in the Sakhir Grand Prix betting preview.

Can Russel take his big chance?

Probably the biggest question of the next race is how George Russell will perform driving a Mercedes. As the Williams driver will replace Lewis Hamilton this weekend which might be his biggest opportunity so far. Russell was the reserve driver of Mercedes in 2018 and a candidate to get the second seat beside the world champion next season. He has a valid contract until the end of 2021 with Williams though so he will definitely stay one more year with the team. But with a good performance now he can surely strengthen his position to get the job at the Silver Arrows.

Online gambling sites in the Netherlands offer the odds of 3.24 for his victory which would be a small miracle. As Russell hasn’t got any point yet in Formula 1. Though he was close to it in the Tuscan Grand Prix. But now driving the world champion’s car he has a huge chance to get his first points. Or even finish on the podium. While one of the best drivers of the season, Sergio Perez has the odds of 25.00 to get the first victory of his career. The Mexican driver would deserve it but it’s not very likely he can finish on top in the very fast Bahrain circuit.

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