*** ----> Fans put their money on Max Verstappen at Bahrain F1 | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Fans put their money on Max Verstappen at Bahrain F1

TDT | Manama                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Report by Zahra Ayaz, Julia Cassano

Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc.

Race-goers yesterday were busy speculating and weighing out the possibilities of their favourite drivers taking the Bahrain GP.

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The Daily Tribune also joined them in their talks as they told us how thrilled they are to be in Bahrain.

Most of them also sported T-shirts from their preferred team.

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Meanwhile, several also queued up to purchase caps and T-shirts at the sportswear stall.

Each one of them said their favourite driver would win.

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However, by far and away, the most widely talked about man yesterday was Max Verstappen, the fans’ favourite.

Dutchman Max Verstappen witnessed a surge in popularity in 2017, with one-third of global F1 fans also ranking him in their Top 3 drivers, while 14.4% named him their favourite.

Interestingly, Max’s popularity is not just among youngsters, as he also scores highly in the 35 to 54 age group.

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Nurris, a Russian and Israeli fan, told The Daily Tribune she is here exclusively for Formula 1.

“I live in Dubai, and this is the first time I have travelled to Bahrain.”

While her son is a huge fan of Max Verstappen, Nurris herself supports Ferrari.

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“Let’s see who prevails, then.” Nickodem from Poland expressed his support for Max and his hope for him to win again.

However, he acknowledged that there were new cars and drivers, which made him anxious about the outcome of the race.

“So, we are pretty anxious about how the race is going to go.”

He also mentioned purchasing a cap for his son to cheer him up.

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Santiago, a supporter of the Ferrari team from Argentina, expressed his favouritism towards Sainz and Leclerc.

”I really hope they win.”

Banayal, a US citizen, declared his support for Hamilton, stating that he was his favourite driver who had won numerous races.

“He has been winning many races, and I hope that this year he wins the hearts of all of his supporters.

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I wish him the best.” Bowin, a supporter of the Ferrari team from the US, expressed his excitement for the start of this year’s season and his pleasure to be in Bahrain for the race.

He stated his desire for Ferrari to emerge as the victor.

Jack, a fan of Max Verstappen, expressed his love for the driver and revealed that he had travelled from Qatar to witness the Formula 1 race.

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“The experience has been amazing, and I really hope the Red Bull team wins.”

Entertainment for all!

As superfans were treated to insights into the drivers’ mindset before the crucial race day, cosplayers, stilt walkers, musicians, marching bands, and dancing drummers kept them entertained throughout the day.

There were fans from all over the world yesterday at the circuit, including from Switzerland, Scotland, England, and the United States.

“I am pleasantly shocked by all the entertainment outside of the race,” said Helen and her son, who were travelling all the way from the United Kingdom and a first-time attendee.

Although they were uncertain about buying tickets for the entire event, both she and her son are now thrilled with the decision they made.

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Anna, a first-time visitor from Scotland, and her sister arrived yesterday just in time for the event and looked happy.

“This is my first time in the Middle East, and it has exceeded my expectations.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect or whether it was worth buying tickets for the first two days, but I am glad I did.”

The novice Formula One attendee also expressed her desire to discover the Island and experience the welcoming culture that the Kingdom has to offer.

Claude, a Swiss super fan, revealed that he has attended Formula One event 17 times, including 7 times in Brazil, 6 times in Malaysia, and 3 times in Australia.

 According to Claude, Bahrain International Circuit is among his top favourites.

He stated, “Beginning the Formula 1 season here is fantastic because Bahrain has an exceptional circuit, and the climate is perfect for holding off-track events that F1 enthusiasts can enjoy besides the racing aspect.”

Additionally, he praised the kindness and hospitality of the locals.

Despite the thrilling off-track entertainment that filled the circuit, the attendees said they are eagerly anticipating today’s race day, to see who will emerge victorious.