But Hamilton expects a Ferrari one-two in Bahrain unless his team can work miracles over the next few days.
Marko agreed that Ferrari have ‘caught up a lot’ this off-season which could leave Sainz and Charles Leclerc feeling quietly confident, even if the former slapped down Hamilton’s prediction of early Prancing Horse dominance.
Verstappen was even more dismissive, scoffing: “If someone is doing well or a team that everyone expects to do well, then it’s: ‘Oh no, we’re definitely not the favourite’.
“And then a week later, when things do go well, all of a sudden it’s: ‘Oh no, but we turned it around completely within a week. Not normal, unbelievable work. Thanks to all people in the factory!'”
