Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the Belgian Grand Prix which takes place iat Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday 1st September

A VISIT TO THE SPA AFTER A HOLIDAY

The holiday is over and we get things back on track with a visit to Spa in Belgium. Here’s how I’ll be looking at the Belgian Grand Prix from a punting perspective.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST RACE?

Hamilton had to get his elbows out to pick up his eight victory of the season in Budapest. After duelling with Verstappen at the front of the race his team opted for the strategy of bringing the championship leader in for a fresh set of boots which left him with a dramatic late run at the Dutchman who was fast running out of rubber. The gamble paid of handsomely for the Mercs.

Budapest was yet another disappointing outing for the Ferraris.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN BELGIUM

The Spa-Francorchamps track is an old-school classic enjoyed by the majority of the drivers. Set in the shadow of the Alps this track is currently the longest on the F1 calendar.

Bad news for title challengers; Vettel, Bottas and Verstappen is that they might have had three weeks to dream and scheme of how they could possibly overhaul the flying Brit but are hit by a tough assignment first up. As we have become accustomed to, Lewis has enjoyed great success in Spa. On three of the past four occasions Hamilton has qualified on pole and he’s gone on to win on two of those occasions. Vettel did beat him to the top step last year but Max and Bottas haven’t enjoyed much success at this venue.

VERDICT

The challengers will be focussed and hungry after the mid-season break but I think there will be more heartache and disappointment for those with dreams of chasing down the Champ at the Francorchamps. Hamilton has enjoyed this traditional track and I expect him to come out keen on re-establishing his dominance on the chasing pack from the word go after the extended break.

I will opt for the extra price of backing Hamilton to do the double of dominating both Saturday and Sunday at Spa.

BETOLIMP Bets for the Belgian Grand Prix:

Special: To qualify fastest and win the race – L Hamilton @ 2.87

Note, odds are subject to change