Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the Italian Grand Prix which takes place at Monza on Sunday 8th September
After a three week break we are treated to back-to-back races and this means last week’s Spa visit is followed up with a trip to Italy and the Monza track.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST RACE?
Ferrari came back rejuvenated with a weekend at Spa as Charles le Clerc turned a pole position start into a victory come Sunday. This was the maiden F1 victory for the talented young driver – we can be sure than many more will follow. Lewis Hamilton kept his tight grip on the Championship by securing a second-place finish but it was quite clear that it was the scarlet reds who shone brightest in Belgium. Max Verstappen and the Red Bull’s would have been disappointed at their performance.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN ITALY
Ferrari are on a high from a near perfect performance at Spa and now head to their home Grand Prix. With Monza being a high-speed circuit, the home favourites will be licking their lips at continuing their good showing in Belgium since the Ferrari’s clearly currently have a top-end speed advantage over the Silver Arrows. Bad news for the Tifosi is that it’s been the Mercs who have been the dominant force in the country synonymous with fast cars. Mercedes have won on all of the past four occasions at Monza, Hamilton claiming three of those victories.
An interesting result of the Belgian Grand Prix was the realisation of a possible changing of the guard at Ferrari. Yes, it was clear that Vettel would run out of tyre but it was still significant to see the multiple champion be ordered to let his young team mate pass.
Max Verstappen should be out of the reckoning at Monza since he will apparently be taking an engine change and thus starting from the back of the grid.
VERDICT
The Italian fans will pack Monza and expect nothing less than a dominant showing from their beloved prancing horses. In qualifying mode Le Clerc has been flying of late and I don’t see that coming to a halt this weekend with the Scuderia seemingly about to introduce a further engine upgrade.
Whist the Ferrari’s have clearly taken a big step with their one-lap pace the Mercs have still shown good race pace with their longer runs. Hamilton also has great track form and memories along with much more winning experience than Le Clerc. I give Lewis a decent shot of taking his third straight Monza win and a record sixth in total on Sunday.
BETOLIMP Bets for the Italian Grand Prix:
Qualifying Winner – C le Clerc @ evens
To win the race – Lewis Hamilton @ 2.75
Click Here to bet on the Italian Grand Prix
Note, odds are subject to change
