The Qatar Grand Prix makes its Formula 1 debut this weekend with the race taking place at the Losail International Circuit and there is every chance it plays a crucial role in an exciting title race.
Lewis Hamilton was forced to start at the back of the grid in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil last week, but in a ride which has been described as one of his best ever, he stormed through the field to take the win ahead of title rival, Max Verstappen and his Mercedes teammate, Valtteri Bottas. Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez finished 4th and took the fastest lap of the race while Bottas had qualified in pole.
Hamilton has now narrowed the gap from 19 points down to 14 points between him and Verstappen with 3 Grand Prix’s left to race and bookmakers cannot separate the pair, betting 9/10 each of them to win the title.
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As this is the inaugural Grand Prix we don’t have any previous form or track records to go on so waiting to see how the qualifying sessions work out may well be a solid punting strategy. We are nonetheless going to get involved with a couple of early bets.
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Lewis Hamilton 8/11
Max Verstappen 16/10
Valtteri Bottas 16/1
Sergio Perez 20/1
Charles Leclerc 50/1
70/1 and better the balance
Suggested Bet: Hamilton win at 8/11
I don’t usually take a win price of much under 9/10 in a Grand Prix, but this Hamilton bet comes with a Money Back in Free Bets guarantee if he runs 2nd. Such was his form in Brazil that I am struggling to see past him and although he wouldn’t admit it, Verstappen may race a bit more defensively with 2nd place not the end of the world for him.
Suggested Bet: Top 6 Finish, Sebastian Vettel at 6/1
There should be a serious battle between Ferrari and Mclaren for 3rd place in the Constructors Championship and although I had no success with this bet last week, I feel there is some value in Vettel at a price of 6/1. He has only had 3 Top 6 finishes in 19 starts suggesting the odds are about right, but I was impressed with his ride in Mexico and having a speculative play that he comes good this weekend in Qatar.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
