As Formula 1 swings into top gear this weekend for the French Grand Prix, Round 7 at Le Castellet sees the start of three back-to-back races.
Ahead of a pivotal period in the season, Max Verstappen still clings on to his World Drivers’ Championship lead over Lewis Hamilton, after a dramatic conclusion in Baku a fortnight ago.
The Dutchman will be keen to return to the top of the podium at Circuit Paul Ricard, but it is Hamilton however, who is marginal favourite at 6/5 with PaddyPower, Betfair and Betfred, with two victories already under his belt in France from 2018 and 2019.
With a wet race currently forecast in the south of France, that may explain Verstappen’s placing as second in the running, but at 2/1 with Betfair and William Hill, the Dutchman may not be better priced all season.
Sergio Perez was the beneficiary of the late on-track chaos in Azerbaijan last time out, and though teammate Verstappen is yet to win successive F1 races, Perez can do just that this weekend.
For the Mexican to win his second race on the spin, SBK will give you odds of 31/2, with MansionBet offering 14/1 on the Perez victory.
If either Verstappen or Perez are victorious meanwhile, Red Bull will secure their third successive win for the first time since 2013, and if you want to cover the Red Bull win at Le Castellet, the Milton Keynes outfit are 13/8 with Betfred and Bet365 to take the chequered flag.
Elsewhere, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc could be worth a punt in qualifying.
Having enjoyed a solid campaign thus far, the Monegasque has finished no lower than sixth in the five races he has competed in.
Leclerc’s strong suit has been in qualifying however, having secured pole in the last two races, on his home track of Monte Carlo, and in Baku.
Though Mercedes and Ferrari are the ones likely to be battling for the front row on Saturday, Leclerc could secure his own triple this weekend and is priced at an eye-opening 50/1 Bet365 and BetVictor, to come out on top in Q3.
