Sakhir (Bahrain) (AFP)

Who and what to watch out for during the Bahrain Grand Prix, the first round of 23 of the Formula 1 World Championship, from Friday to Sunday at the Sakhir circuit.

.

The Covid

Even if it intends to organize a record number of Grands Prix (23) in the midst of a pandemic, F1 remains under the threat of Covid-19.

The cars were originally scheduled to set off in Melbourne on March 21, but travel restrictions prevented it.

Last year, the Covid had derailed the Australian GP at the last moment after a positive case within McLaren.

The season finally started in July, shortened to 17 races from 22.

This year, the health crisis has already had consequences: the Vietnam Grand Prix, never organized, has been canceled as in 2020 and the Chinese Grand Prix has been postponed without a fixed date.

After Bahrain, where spectators vaccinated or cured of Covid are expected, F1 must continue with the GP of Emilia Romagna in Italy (April 18) and Portugal, in Portimao (May 2), added as last year.

Alonso, the ghost

World champion in 2005 and 2006, Fernando Alonso has just spent two years outside F1.

He took the opportunity to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and 2019, the world Endurance title in 2018-2019 and to participate in the Indianapolis 500 or even the Dakar.

At 39, he says he is "better than ever" and ready to compete with defending champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) or Max Verstappen (Red Bull).

Operated after a bicycle accident in February, he has two titanium plates in his upper jaw but says he was not hampered in his preparation.

The ghost will have to fight above all to maximize the strengths of his Alpine single-seater (ex-Renault), which aims to fight for the podium.

Before considering a third crown in 2022.

One thing is certain, Alonso knows this Sakhir circuit well: he has won there three times (2005, 2006, 2010).

.Vettel, never never again?

Four times world champion with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013, will Sebastian Vettel be able to become it again one day?

The German is coming out of a catastrophic year with Ferrari, finished in 13th place, and wants to relaunch at Aston Martin (ex-Racing Point).

Figurehead of the return of the famous British brand in F1, Vettel wants to believe in this project.

At 33, it could be the last for him.

He holds the record for Bahrain GP victories (4) with Lewis Hamilton.

.Pérez, up to it?

On this circuit a few months ago, Sergio Pérez signed the first victory of his career during a memorable 2020 Sakhir GP.

Removed from Racing Point (now Aston Martin), the Mexican was recruited by Red Bull to accompany Max Verstappen.

At 31, he finally has in his hands a car capable of playing the title.

If he managed to follow, and overtake, his Dutch teammate.

The Schumacher name back

Mick Schumacher, reigning Formula 2 champion and son of legend Michael Schumacher, makes his debut this weekend with American team Haas.

He begins nine years after the departure of his father and will face former rivals of the seven-time world champion: Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen (41), but also Hamilton (36) and Vettel (33).

"It's quite funny to think of that, that they have raced for two generations," said the German at a press conference.

"It just goes to show that they've been in the sport for a while now and have clearly been successful."

To succeed, Schumacher will have to be patient, his team being promised to the last places.

© 2021 AFP