Hamilton says bah humbug

Even before the rubber hit the road [circuit] the Bahrain Grand Prix was rocked to its roots with the announcement that four-time world champion Lewis

Hamilton would by-pass the second race on the 2018 F1 calendar opting instead to hop over to nearby Dubai for the annual World Fashion Festival Awards. That might be good news for the other drivers but surely not for organisers and the 90,000 fans expected for Monday's (NZT) race. Hamilton defended the move adding that his Mercedes bosses had agreed, apparently reluctantly, with his decision. Sebastian Vettel will be more than happy. The defending champion at Bahrain and early pace-setter in this year's championship after his win in Melbourne will chase a fourth title on the 5.412km circuit adding to the three has already bagged. He also won in

2012 and 2013. Last year he beat Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas who started from pole. Fernando Alonso is equal with Vettel with three wins in the Gulf state. He will be looking to add to his 2005, 2006 and 2010 victories after a disappointing 14th last year when he completed only 54 of the 57 laps. Kiwi Brendon Hartley will looking to improve on his 15th in the opening round when he lines-up here for the first time.

● Bahrain GP, today 11.45pm (practice 3); tomorrow

2am (qualifying); Monday 1.30am (Grand Prix).