The world of Formula 1 is revving up for a record-breaking 24-race season, with the Bahrain Grand Prix marking the start of what promises to be an exhilarating year. The anticipation is palpable as rivalries are set to renew on the track and battles for the 2024 championship commence.

Race to the championship begins

After an unpredictable winter off-season, the new 2024 cars are ready to make their competitive debuts under the floodlights at the Bahrain International Circuit. All eyes will be on the chasing pack as they look to close the gap to reigning world champions Red Bull and their star driver, Max Verstappen.

The opening race weekend, much like the following week’s second round in Saudi Arabia, starts a day earlier than usual. This means that Practice will be on Thursday, Qualifying on Friday, and the Grand Prix itself on Saturday. This shift in schedule adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event. The F1 Drivers’ Press Conference and a special season-opening preview edition of The F1 Show sets off and this will be followed straight into the track action from just before lunchtime on Thursday with Practice, as drivers gear up for Qualifying on Friday and then the season-opening 57-lap Grand Prix on Saturday at 3pm (CET).

Betting odds and predictions

As the countdown to the Bahrain Grand Prix continues, betting odds are being keenly observed by fans and pundits alike.

These odds indicate a high level of confidence in Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance for the upcoming Formula One season, both in terms of the driver’s championship and the constructor’s championship. It also suggests a considerable gap in expectations between the top teams and the rest of the field, with Ferrari being the closest competitor but still considered a longshot.

Event	Betting Odds	Implied Probability
Max Verstappen to win Championship	-600 (1-to-6)	>85%
Red Bull to win Constructor’s Championship	-650	>86.67%
Sergio Pérez to finish second (without Verstappen)	+125 (5-to-4)	44.44%
Charles Leclerc to finish second (without Verstappen)	+225 (9-to-4)	30.77%
Ferrari to win Constructor’s Championship	+600 (6-to-1)	14.29%
Mercedes to win Constructor’s Championship	+800	11.11%
McLaren to win Constructor’s Championship	+1200	7.69%
Aston Martin to win Constructor’s Championship	+6600	1.49%
Max Verstappen to win Bahrain Grand Prix	-300 (1-to-3)	75%
Max Verstappen to win qualifying	-155	60.78%
Charles Leclerc to win qualifying	+250	28.57%

These odds are subject to fluctuation and provide an intriguing insight into the potential outcomes of the race. The 2024 Formula 1 season presents a plethora of opportunities for drivers and teams alike. With a record 24 races on the calendar, there are ample chances for teams to strategize, drivers to showcase their skills, and for the unexpected to happen. As the Bahrain Grand Prix sets off, the excitement builds, rivalries intensify, and the countdown to a season of high-speed thrills truly begins. Whether you’re a casual viewer or an avid fan, the Bahrain Grand Prix promises to be a spectacular start to the Formula 1 season.

———-The next SiGMA Africa Summit takes place in Cape Town between 11-13 March !  SiGMA Africa event kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa on the 11 March. Building on the success of its inaugural edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in January 2023, SiGMA Group recognizes the need to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry.