Bahrain Grand Prix Predictions, Picks and F1 Prop Bets: McLaren Fast to Rebound, April 13

We never counted Max Verstappen out. But we, like almost everyone else, were surprised by his Japanese Grand Prix victory. Verstappen raced nearly perfectly, especially in qualifying, as he overcame the McLaren duo to claim his first victory of the 2025 season.

As much as we love a good “comeback” story, the odds for Formula 1 this weekend aren’t supporting it. Instead, we’ll double down on McLaren heading to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Betting Lines

F1 Bahrain Grand Prix Race How to Watch

• Race: Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025
• Day/Time: Sunday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. ET
• Location: Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain
• Bahrain Grand Prix Live Stream: Fubo TV

Building on a strong start 💪#McLaren | #BahrainGP 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/J09RrcBeYR

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 9, 2025

3 Bahrain GP F1 Predictions

1. Bet McLaren (-125) to Stay Strong Despite Upset

The Japanese GP was a rousing success for Verstappen. For McLaren, it showed how much work they still need to do, particularly with strategy. Red Bull played their cards right and it helped Verstappen. Fortunately for McLaren, Bahrain suits their style better as this track benefits the fastest car.

The motorsport betting odds heavily favor the Papaya team to come away with a victory (-250) while having pole position (-225). The lines are also short for them to have a double podium victory (-250). It’s tough to find value when you’re laying that much. Instead, we’ll bet on McLaren to set the fastest lap at nearly even odds.

Lando Norris already set the fastest lap in the first two races and he’s won that point in seven of his last 12 grand prix events, dating back to last year’s Dutch GP. He’s +150 to do it here and it’s not a bad wager. Oscar Piastri set his first and only fastest lap in Miami last season. Our F1 prediction is on either.

Bet on Car to Set Fastest Lap – McLaren (-125)

2. Back Rookie Hadjar for Top 10

We have to give a shoutout to the rookies as well. In particular, Isack Hadjar of the Racing Bulls and Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes killed it last week. The latter is a contender and consistently finishes in the top six, though we wish his Bahrain Grand Prix odds were longer than -200 to finish in the top six. So we’ll bet on Hadjar to finish in the top 10 instead.

Hadjar qualified sixth in Japan and finished eighth. He’s been “hit or miss” as a driver, but he’s got a high ceiling. At the least, we expect more points for the Frenchman as he eyes Red Bull’s second seat.

Bet on Points Finish – Isack Hadjar (-150)

Isack Hadjar says he would be “ready” if Red Bull Racing opted to promote him to their driver line-up in future 👀#F1 pic.twitter.com/nGZIa1vqKz

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 9, 2025

3. Tsunoda Rebounds, Scores Points

While Verstappen assaults the Formula 1 title odds, his running mate must bounce back. Yuki Tsunoda had a disastrous result in his home grand prix, though Liam Lawson finishing worse is a silver lining. We can write Tsunoda out, but we won’t. We expect a better result in Bahrain, which should be easier than Japan.

Tsunoda to finish in the top 10 is at -250, which is not ideal. Instead, we’ll take a discount F1 prop bet at -225 for both he and Verstappen to finish with points.

Bet on Both Cars Points Finish – Red Bull (-225)

Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.

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