Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the United States Grand Prix which takes place in Austin on Sunday 3rd November
IT’S ON IN AUSTIN
We stay in the Americas as the Mexican Grand Prix is closely followed by the United Sates event. Having seen all three of the top manufactures show good pace at different times in Mexico City we could be in for a thriller in Texas. To add some further interest to the event, Lewis Hamilton finds himself on the verge of sealing the Driver’s Championship as well.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST RACE?
After Verstappen got relegated from pole the Scuderia looked penned in for victory. Yet despite being in first and second place after the first lap they somehow managed to fluff their lines with regard to pit stop strategies. First Leclerc was pulled in too early on his first stop and then Hamilton didn’t experience the tyre degradation expected at the death which saw him hold off fellow one-stopper, Vettel. Once again, we saw Ferrari having superior one-lap pace but in race trim the Mercs still had the edge. On the day tactics also cost the men in red.
The Red Bulls had a horror result by way of Verstappen. The young Dutchie was red-hot in qualifying but flew into his fellow racers on Sunday which saw him have to fight back from last spot. Max responded with a fiery fightback whilst Albon also showed good pace.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN AUSTIN
It’s all about the number 6 at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend. Hamilton will be looking for his sixth victory at the track (having won five of the 7 races hosted here) whilst also only needing four championship points to secure his sixth Drivers Championship Title. If Hamilton is to do things in style he will however have to fight off the Ferraris who come into this race off the back of six straight pole position efforts.
The track in Texas is a technical one yet the outright pace of Ferrari should still see them very much in the mix. Leclerc and Vettel will also be pretty bitter at not making the most of their opportunities in Mexico City. Red Bull will also be ruing their missed chance last week and if they have anything like the same kind of pace you can be sure they will be desperate to make it count this time around. With course form and harmony in the camp after pulling off a tactical masterclass in Mexico the Mercs should yet again come out like greased lightning on race day.
VERDICT
This really should be a gloves off affair in Austin. Things didn’t quite materialise into a no-holds-barred battle between all of the big boys in the last few laps last Sunday, but it certainly was much closer than most of the previous races. From a punting perspective things have really become tough to predict as you are never quite sure who has the edge on a specific track until after qualifying.
I do however believe that Ferrari are still the team to beat in terms of single lap performance and Leclerc will be very disappointed at how his last few races have transpired despite him having serious pace on Saturday. I’m looking for another pole effort from Charles.
It has been a tight battle for dominance between team mates at Toro Rosso. Gasly has had the advantage but Kvyat edged his team mate in qualifying in Mexico and also only finished behind him due to a reckless last lap challenge. At the price Kvyat offers a touch of value.
My last play is probably a boring one but I’m backing Hamilton to win his sixth World Title by also claiming his 6th Austin victory. Lewis has always had a taste for the flashy and dramatic and he won’t be keen on celebrating come Sunday evening unless its from the top step of the podium in Texas!
BETOLIMP Bets for the US Grand Prix:
Race Head-to-head: Kvyat over Gasly @ 2.47
Fastest Qualifier – C Leclerc @ 2.50
To win the race – L Hamilton @ 2.87
Note, odds are subject to change
