Hakkinen predicts top three for Bahrain: 'Just don't know the order'

It is now only a matter of hours before the 2021 Formula One season officially begins. The last opportunity to make a prediction or make a bet. Mika Hakkinen lets Unibet know who he is betting on.

"I expect Red Bull Racing to be very strong in qualifying [in Bahrain]. McLaren and Mercedes will also be pretty good. I don't know the exact order, but that's my top three teams," said the two-time world champion.

Furthermore, the Finn expects the coronavirus pandemic to be the main issue this season as well. He is very curious how Formula 1 and its drivers will deal with it. The uncertainty that events could be cancelled will always hang over the season.

He's also a bit chauvinistic. Few people care anymore, but Hakkinen still has hope that Valtteri Bottas can become world champion. "Of course I am also interested in Valtteri's performance this year. How he is going to develop and if he will be able to win the championship for Finland."