F1 2018: 5 early predictions for the Bahrain Grand Prix
The opening round of the 2018 Formula One Season, was not a heated battle between liveries and engines from beginning to end. However, the 2018 Australian Grand Prix was entertaining in its own unique way.
From a blistering double start to, a depressing double wheel-gun failure, Haas F1 team were the main stars of the race. While their pace from pre-season testing is clearly something to be taken seriously this year, Haas didn't show the fruits of their labour.
Pitstop errors ruined both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean's races, which also threw a wrench in the works for Mercedes and Red Bull. Both Fernando Alonso and more obviously, Sebastian Vettel benefited, with the latter winning the opening race.
Will we see similar craziness under the lights in Bahrain? Are Mercedes going to bounce back like they did last season, and will it be Hamilton or will it be Bottas? Will Haas or any other team give a good fight to Ferrari and Mercedes? We certainly don't know, but that won't stop us from guessing.
#1 A Haas on The Podium
Yes, Haas F1's last Grand Prix ended absolutely terribly, but with that start, is it really out of the question to see either Magnussen or Grosjean on the podium with the potential that Haas have been showing?
It does seem unlikely for a podium to come so soon, especially as only Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes and a solitary Williams, were on the podium in 2018.
However, the pace that both cars showed in Australia is promising, and their potential is only bolstered by the contrasting driving styles of the aggressive Magnussen and tactical Grosjean, giving Haas two very clear strategies to sneak their way onto the podium in Bahrain.
Let's just hope Haas can get their technical difficulties in order and give their drivers the chance to get the best out of this car. Otherwise, the wheels might just fall off this entire Haas operation in Bahrain.