Red Bull’s Max Verstappen came agonisingly close to a first race win of the season at the opening F1 race of 2021 in Bahrain last month, but ultimately missed out after a tight fight with Mercedes’ Sir Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman will be looking to turn the tide at Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend and go one better, while he will also be seeking an improved performance at the Italian track after a puncture took him out of contention in last year’s race. And former F1 driver Davide Valsecchi has said that he thinks Verstappen and Red Bull are the favourites to take him the victory at Imola over the Mercedes drivers, he told the F1 Nation podcast. "It’s not easy (to pick) but I think Verstappen is not going to lose another opportunity and to take the lead of the championship, because for them it is extremely important to be top of the grid and the list at the start of the season," he said. "So I think Verstappen and Red Bull for the victory. And then I guess second (Valtteri) Bottas and third Hamilton. I love Hamilton and I admit that he is the best driver probably ever, but you know I would like to see a big fight for the championship, so I’m personally pushing a little bit for the underdogs."
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