4 Oct 2026, 03:00
Formula 1
Bahrain Grand Prix
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
Bahrain Grand Prix Predictions & Betting tips - Formula 1
by Devesh Jaganath |
Round 16 of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes us to the Sepang International Circuit for the Bahrain Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli has finished on the podium in five of the last six Grand Prix, and our prediction is that he will claim a top-2 step this weekend.
Saturday marked the long-awaited return of Max Verstappen to the front of the grid, as the Red Bull star clinched pole for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix during qualifying with a time of 1:35.130s.
The Dutchman went 0.298s faster than second-placed Lewis Hamilton, who admitted that he was surprised that he secured a place on the front two, having expected Mercedes to be significantly faster.
Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar matched his best-ever qualifying result in third, but he will be forced to start the main race in eighth place owing to a five-grid place penalty for a new internal combustion engine.
As such, Kimi Antonelli will start in third place. The championship leader made a costly mistake in Q2, which saw him use an extra set of tyres before Q3, and left him with just one run in the final part of qualifying.
George Russell only managed P7 and will have plenty to do to keep up with his teammate, especially given that both drivers are still coming to grips with the new upgrade to their W17’s.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Bahrain Grand Prix - Formula 1 prediction key points
- Kimi Antonelli is the Drivers’ Championship leader.
- Kimi Antonelli was third-fastest in qualifying.
- Kimi Antonelli has finished in the top three in five of the last six races.
- Mercedes have rolled out a massive upgrade for this race.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our Bahrain Grand Prix - Formula 1 prediction
Max Verstappen made his long-awaited return to the top of the timesheets on Saturday in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, and his experience at Sepang could be crucial on Sunday afternoon.
However, the Dutchman will have a massive task on his hands keeping Kimi Antonelli in his rearview mirror. The Italian is still getting to grips with Mercedes' new upgrade, but we feel he will challenge for the top step on Sunday. Our Bahrain Grand Prix prediction is Kimi Antonelli top 2 finish.
Sportsbook Welcome Offer - 100% First Deposit Match up to €50
The welcome offer for bet365 customers is a simple 100% first deposit match bonus which can see you receive up to €50 in free bet credits. You need to make a qualifying deposit of at least €5 within 30 days of opening an account, then make qualifying bets equal to the amount of your deposit. The bets can be placed on any sport, as long as the odds are at least 1.20 (1/5). The bet credits are available for 7 days.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
