Which driver will surprise with a podium in the Bahrain Grand Prix?

Looking ahead to the qualifying run in Bahrain, it seems that the battle for victory in Bahrain will be between Red Bull Racing and Ferrari. Over the course of the weekend, however, Fernando Alonso excelled in the long run, but will it be enough to enter the fray?

Who will surprise with a podium in Bahrain?

Aston Martin clearly seemed to be the second team on the F1 grid based on the free practice sessions. It would therefore seem unfair to qualify Alonso as an underdog, but on Saturday Ferrari appeared to have kept something in reserve. As a result, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz start ahead of the 41-year-old Spaniard, but his pace, in the long run, should not be forgotten.

Moreover, his battered teammate Lance Stroll also managed to surprise. Despite his broken wrist and toe, the young Canadian managed to secure eighth spot on the grid, leaving Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton trapped by customer team Aston Martin.

Will it be Alonso or perhaps Stroll who can surprise in the race? Or will Mercedes manage to connect with the frontrunners? Or will it be none of these drivers and the battle will play out 'as usual' between Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez and the Ferraris?