Bahrain 2022 Predictions – A Surprise Winner? Max DNF? Lewis v George to Intensify?

By Joe Murphy

To be honest, that winter break went fairly quickly. It may have dragged at times, but we are now less than a week away from the first “lights out” of the season. As the drivers line up next Sunday for the first time in 2022, there are many questions that will be answered. Here are five realistic outcomes you should expect to see this upcoming weekend…

Sainz to win his first race

Yes, I thought that would grab your attention. Whilst Mercedes downplaying their pace is about as inevitable as death and taxes, Ferrari are certainly going to be a competitive force this year. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are all in contention for success this Sunday, as is Charles Leclerc. Spanish driver Carlos Sainz would make a huge statement of intent with a performance here. He has the talent and experience to put in a masterful display and Wheel2Wheel predicts he will do just that. Having several genuine contenders is an extremely exciting prospect, but back the ‘Smooth Operator’ to raise more than a few eyebrows on week one.

McLaren to disappoint?

In contrast, the other side of the paddock will see McLaren struggle in comparison. I fully expect the top six finishers to be from the top three teams, but Alpine and Alpha Tauri will be no slouches. With Norris never really standing out in recent practice sessions, and friend of the channel Daniel Ricciardo off ill, it could be a difficult opening weekend for the team in orange. A handful of points is a realistic target for both McLaren drivers, whoever they end up being when the lights go out at 3pm GMT.

Alex back with a bang…

Alex Albon has shown no signs of ‘ring rust’ in practice, despite having a year off the grid. In fact, the Williams has had a very positive start to life at his new team and looks set to take this positivity and form, into the opening round. His teammate may not quite get to the points, primarily due to the competitive nature of the grid, but Alex has a real shout at claiming a couple. The next step for Williams in their recovery trajectory is to have more consistent points finishes this term and be closer to the midfield pack, come the end of the campaign. A ninth or tenth place finish for Albon this weekend, could act as a springboard platform for better things to come, over the next nine months or so.

George to topple Lewis in major statement...

Not by any means is this a prediction that George will win the race, as possible as that may be. No, the Brit will have his time and will surely claim a win in the not too distant future. However, he has the potential to put the cat amongst the pigeons and finish above his veteran teammate. Whether it’s down to luck, talent, circumstance or a combination of all three, is it certainly an opportunity for the younger of the two to make a huge statement. It will be extremely interesting to see how team orders come into play for the Silver Arrows, with things more clear at Ferrari (who will have none) and Red Bull (who will definitely have some). With no signs that team orders will be in play so soon on the F1 calendar, Russell kicking off the season with a podium would be a brilliant start. To also beat his teammate, would certainly get people talking.

Max Verstappen confidence could go one of two ways…

There is no doubt in my mind that car number one will be competitive, both over this weekend and the season more generally. The Dutchman races in the sport for the first time since being crowned World Champion and he will surely still be riding that wave of confidence, when we get to Sunday afternoon. It would not be shocking in any way should Max win in Bahrain and get his title defence off to the best possible start. However, things are different in 2022. Mainly, he is the one with the target on his back. It is the first time in half a decade that Lewis Hamilton isn’t the one everybody is chasing. No, it’s Max. As a result of this, he will get less respect on track. Lewis and George to name two, will not buckle of give places up easily, and you can expect the same with the Ferrari pair and others. Therefore, despite a race win still very much remaining on the cars, a DNF is not out of the question, not by any stretch. Contact, especially into that famous first corner, is almost an inevitability.