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Verstappen just holds the edge over Hamilton at Bahrain GP

If you haven't bought into the hype surrounding the 2021 Formula One season already, now might be the time.

On the eve of the first qualifying session of the year in Bahrain, Red Bull has emerged as a genuine threat to Mercedes and Max Verstappen appears to be the favourite for victory.

That's not to say it's a done deal. If anything Mercedes has closed the gap that appeared to divide the two teams in preseason testing, but on the basis of Friday's opening practice sessions, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is on the back foot.

What's more, an equally close battle is brewing behind the top two teams, with McLaren and Ferrari leading an ultra-competitive midfield pack that is closer to the front of the grid than it has been for years.