After a chaotic and wet qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, who looks best poised to take the win on Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps?
With Max Verstappen looking to take not only his first win in three but also his first in Belgium, the Red Bull driver claimed his sixth pole of the season on native soil in qualifying and is now firm favourite to take the chequered flag on Sunday, priced at 4/6 with SkyBet. But could surprise front-row companion George Russell yet upset the odds?
Making a supremely timed dash at the end of an elongated Q3, the Williams man came within three tenths of a remarkable P1. The King’s Lynn driver will have few obstacles in his way at the start of the race, but Russell’s bigger problem will be his straight-line speed, which could see a sobering start at lights out and his position at the head of the field may slip away dramatically. With that said however, another wet ride is expected for race time and almost anything can happen as we have already seen this term. Whilst a Russell win at 45/1 with SBK looks a little too much of a stretch, a podium finish at 5s with William Hill looks more than attainable.
In terms of Lewis Hamilton’s chances meanwhile, Mercedes were forced to claw their way into Q3 alone initially, so perhaps the second row of the grid does not look so bad for the Briton. Winner of the Belgian GP last season, Hamilton has won here now on four occasions, and as a man capable of scrapping in the wet at Spa before, his value of 5/2 for the win still looks equally worth a ponder or two.
Another man to perhaps consider a punt on in the rain is Sergio Perez. The Mexican is adept in the same greasy conditions he almost mastered in Istanbul last season, and now with the Honda engine at his disposal, Perez still can challenge for the top three at least, even from P7. For the less likely of Red Bulls to claim top honours in Belgium, Unibet have you covered at 16/1, however, a double-your-money 2/1 for a podium finish with all three of SkyBet, PaddyPower and William Hill, could also be worth your money, and which should be the far safer bet.
Finally, how about a flutter on Daniel Ricciardo? Achieving his best Q3 classification for McLaren so far, the Australian will sit next to Hamilton on the starting grid come Sunday in fourth. Whilst Lando Norris’ participation in the race remains in doubt due to his heavy shunt and spin, Ricciardo may be forced to carry the McLaren burden on his shoulders alone but will know the power his car possesses and could spring a surprise. The Perth driver stands at 4/1 with BetVictor for a top-three placement. Could he win it? The Betfair Exchange will oblige you a Ricciardo outright win at an eye-bulging 56/1 should you be inclined.
