There is a curse in Formula 1. At least, if the statistics of the past six years are to be believed. Since 2017, the winner of the opening race has failed to take the world title. Will the 'curse' continue or will Max Verstappen make short work of it?
Is Verstappen doomed?
Statistics in F1: some swear by them, others do not value them at all. For those who do believe in them and do not want to see Verstappen become World Champion for the third time in a row, a glimmer of hope has emerged after the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Red Bull Racing driver won the first race of the year in dominant fashion, but he would be the first in seven years to then also manage to capture the world title. However, this would not be the first time Verstappen has made short work of such statistics. Will the reigning World Champion manage to break the 'curse of the opening race' and take in his third world title in a row?