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Tag: Formula 1

  • Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari for 2025

    Lewis Hamilton Joins Ferrari for 2025

    Shocking news announced this morning as Lewis Hamilton will be joining Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

    Many fans of the support are surprised to see this move, however, there have been signs for a while showing that this move may happen. But what does this mean for the rest of the grid moving forward? 

    Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari

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    Lewis Hamilton has been at Mercedes for over 10 years, racing alongside the likes of Rosberg, Bottas and most recently George Russel. He has won numerous championships with the team, cementing him as one of the greats. Unfortunately, his time with the team is coming to an end after the 2024 season with a move to join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season.

    But why now? Well.. there have been numerous hints of this move over the last few years. Leclerc has wanted Hamilton as a teammate for a long time and Ferrari has been pushing for another championship through the dominant Mercedes and Red Bull era. Right now, it’s unclear how long Lewis will stay at Ferrari but he has said he has a few more years in him yet.

    After a couple of years of poor performance, engine failures, and strategy issues – perhaps Lewis can help Ferrari push for another constructor Championship with two top-tier drivers alongside Leclerc. 

    What about Sainz? 

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    Carlos Sainz (currently at Ferrari) has been rumoured to be joining Audi when they join the grid in 2026 – perhaps he’s looking to take a year out or simply join Mercedes for that interim period alongside Russel. The pair are known to be good friends so this change would make sense. 

    We also received news this week that Formula 1 has declined Andretti and Cadillac’s application to join the grid due to a lack of “added value”. Perhaps they are considering another team to join the grid and add 2 seats for Carlos to jump into alongside a rookie.

    Sainz has shown he is as good of a driver as Leclerc with a similar performance over the 2023 season, unfortunately, Ferrari has decided to stick with Leclerc as their poster boy… for now. 

    The Rest of the Grid

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    With this change, we will likely see a massive shake-up for the rest of the grid. Rumours of Perez’s retirement have been circulating since his “poor” performance last year in comparison to his teammate. 

    We may see Ricciardo take his place and the young Kiwi Liam Lawson jump in a permanent seat after his stellar performance in his few races with Alpha Tauri. 

    There is also plenty of young talent ready for their turn in F1 with F2 champions, third drivers and more patiently waiting to be called into a seat. To name a few, Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman and Aston Martin 3rd driver Felipe Drugovich all showed great performances during practice sessions towards the latter end of last season.

    Other rumoured changes across the grid include Sargeant, Magnusson and Alonso “expected” to make a departure at the end of 2024 due to retirement – or simply poor performance. However, this is all rumoured. 

    All we know for now is Lewis is off to Ferrari for his last few years in F1.

  • Formula 1 | Hamilton’s Brazil GP Awakening – 12/1 Tip

    Formula 1 | Hamilton’s Brazil GP Awakening – 12/1 Tip

    Formula 1 arrives in São Paulo this weekend for the Brazil GP where an expectant crowd will welcome their adopted favourite, Lewis Hamilton.

    The seven-time World Champion was granted Brazilian citizenship last November.

    His affinity with legend Ayrton Senna and on-track heroics of his own has led to supporters taking him as one of their own.

    Following a strong second place finish in Mexico, Hamilton and Mercedes appear primed to build on their momentum.

    Let’s explore his prospects, along with a 12/1 tip and insight into the most likely challengers on Sunday.

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    Victory for adopted hero – 12/1

    Hamilton carries momentum into the Brazil GP weekend having recovered from two pointless outings to finish a fine runner-up in Mexico.

    Interlagos is a circuit he thrives on and where memories flood the mind, including his last triumph here in 2021, claiming victory from tenth on the grid during a tense title battle.

    Returning to the scene of their sole win of 2022, Mercedes will hope to provide their lead driver with a car worthy of challenging Max Verstappen.

    Related: Mercedes’ Battle Boils Over In Qatar GP Heat

    On race day, Brazil’s high altitude level promises to reduce the deficit of a high drag package, an area the Silver Arrows have frequently struggled in.

    Crucially, this may hinder the straight line speed advantage that Red Bull would otherwise hold on the steep climb approaching Turn 1. There is potential for this to be key in Hamilton’s battle with Perez in the standings.

    Furthermore, the middle sector of the Interlagos lap features several mid to low speed corners. This happens to be a particular strength of the Mercedes design.

    Hamilton can utilise this to close the gap heading onto the long, slingshot-like pit straight to attempt an overtake.

    Should the above materialise, there is potential for a repeat of 2021’s showdown for victory between Verstappen and Hamilton.

    Claim odds of 12/1 and a free bet with William Hill for Hamilton to win the Brazil GP. 

    Norris to crash carnival? – Evs

    McLaren’s Lando Norris will also look to continue his excellent form.

    Following a qualifying error in Mexico, the Brit battled from 19th on the grid, pulling off several remarkable overtakes to P5.

    The result provided a clear statement from Norris that he remains the team number one, following a recent upturn in form from rookie teammate Oscar Piastri.

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    Norris’ performance was yet another demonstration of McLaren’s competitiveness on every style of circuit.

    Like Mercedes, they too promise to reap the rewards of the lack of air density at Sao Paulo. This should bring top speeds closer together across the grid.

    On Saturday, expect Norris to rediscover his qualifying form, placing him in an optimum position to return to the podium on Sunday.

    Claim odds of evens and a free bet with William Hill for Norris to secure his seventh podium of the season at the Brazil GP. 

  • Formula 1 | Mexican Grand Prix Tip for Home Hero Perez

    Formula 1 | Mexican Grand Prix Tip for Home Hero Perez

    The Formula 1 paddock heads for the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend with little time to digest Sunday’s thrilling race at COTA.

    Sergio Perez heads into his home race needing a positive result amid retirement rumours and quashed reported finishing position ultimatums.

    Perez struggled to make progress in Austin last time out, finishing a distant P5 while teammate Verstappen was once again victorious against the odds.

    The Guadalajara native arrives to a hero’s welcome this weekend, but the Red Bull driver will be under pressure to deliver from an expectant home crowd.

    Mexico should also see the continued resurgence of McLaren, and we are eyeing a strong 8/13 tip for the race.

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    Home heroics

    Six-time race winner Perez is in search of a first podium in four races entering Mexican Grand Prix weekend.

    This weekend presents an ideal opportunity to rediscover his previous form on a circuit where he has twice finished in the top three.

    A track that traditionally suits the Red Bull package – having won four of the last five races – Perez has the tools to repeat his past successes on Sunday.

    Related: Singapore Thrills as Red Bull Struggle

    Expect the Mexican to benefit from Red Bull’s efficient DRS system on Mexico’s 1.2km pit straight.

    This should aid overtaking manoeuvres and increase the potential to progress through the race, should Perez struggle in qualifying.

    Considering these factors, Perez to finish on the podium has a good chance of landing, with William Hill offering odds of 8/13.

    Rival resurgence

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    Away from Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes showed promising pace throughout the U.S Grand Prix once more.

    Lewis Hamilton pushed Verstappen closely to finish second while Charles Leclerc snagged pole, before struggling on a one-stop strategy come race day.

    Controversially, both drivers would be disqualified post race for failing to adhere to the FIA’s floor wear regulations.

    Hamilton will be especially keen to bounce back immediately from this setback, now sitting 39 points behind Perez in their fight for runner-up in the Driver’s Championship.

    Although the seven-time champion has struggled to find success in Mexico, Mercedes appear to have discovered a turn of pace with their latest upgrades.

    Expect both Hamilton and teammate George Russell to fight for podium positions.

    William Hill have a 4/6 shot for Hamilton to finish in the top three.

    McLaren’s mixed fortunes

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    An in-form Lando Norris continued his scintillating run of results with P3 and another podium last weekend.

    Unfortunately for the team, rookie Oscar Piastri retired following damage suffered in a Lap 1 collision.

    A fourth consecutive podium for Norris at a track not especially suited to the McLaren highlights the team’s progress this season.

    Furthermore, Norris appeared to have a pace advantage over Piastri throughout the weekend. This comes after momentum seemed to be swinging towards the Australian rookie in recent races.

    Mexico’s fast, sweeping corners promise to suit the McLaren car. They were particularly strong at similar circuits such as Silverstone and Suzuka.

    With Norris in the best form of his young career and Piastri looking to return to the podium, motivation will be high to achieve a positive result.

    Norris especially will be determined to finally go one better and claim victory, with odds of 20/1 available with William Hill.

     

    Click here to claim a free bet to use on this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix.

     

    Read Next: Mercedes’ Battle Boils Over in Qatar GP Heat

  • Formula 1 | 8/1 McLaren COTA tip ahead of triple-header

    Formula 1 | 8/1 McLaren COTA tip ahead of triple-header

    The Formula 1 circus rolls into Austin this week for the United States Grand Prix Sprint weekend.

    As the dust settles on a hectic, humid race last time out in Qatar, McLaren arrive as the paddock’s form team.

    The Woking outfit capitalised on a turn 1 clash between Mercedes’ teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to claim a double podium in Lusail.

    The team also showcased their current high operating levels by breaking the record for the sport’s fastest ever pit stop at 1.80 seconds.

    Let’s explore McLaren’s chances this weekend, including an 8/1 tip and other areas of value across the grid.

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    Papaya pace

    McLaren’s resurgence of late has received praise from key figures on the F1 grid following the Qatar GP.

    Chief among those to applaud the British manufacturer was newly-crowned three-time champion Max Verstappen.

    The Dutchman pointed to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as the sport’s strongest driver line-up.

    This came following their second consecutive double podium and Piastri’s first taste of F1 success with a pole and victory in Saturday’s sprint.

    Furthermore, McLaren’s pace relative to Verstappen’s Red Bull caught the eye in Qatar. Piastri finished just 4.8 seconds behind the reigning champion, with Norris close behind him.

    The reduced gap solidifies the team as the Red Bull’s closest challengers, which bodes well for the remaining five races.

    Should Verstappen falter out in the lead, expect McLaren to capitalise.

    COTA’s fast sweeping corners – a strong suit for the team – suggest another strong weekend await their drivers.

    A win for Norris can be found with William Hill at odds of 11/1, with Piastri priced slightly higher at 14/1.

    Piastri’s purple patch

    F1 rookie Piastri has built on his stellar junior record to deliver on the biggest stage this season.

    The Australian began steadily enough, but has recently found his feet. A Sprint race victory and second place in Qatar followed a first podium in Japan.

    Related: Tensions Rise At Japanese Grand Prix For Mercedes

    His performance last time out means Norris has once again been beaten to success by an Aussie teammate after Daniel Ricciardo’s victory in 2021.

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    Piastri is beginning to out-qualify Norris consistently. This proved a key factor in benefitting from McLaren’s team orders call and securing second place in Qatar.

    He now sits just 26 points away from becoming F1’s highest ever points-scoring rookie.

    Piatri’s pace shows no signs of slowing. He is priced at 8/1 with William Hill to claim a maiden victory before the end of the season.

    Teams targeting COTA comeback

    Two teams inparticular will be aiming to bounce back in COTA following a gruelling battle with extreme heat in Qatar.

    Mercedes will hope to put the weekend behind them following their driver’s opening lap clash.

    The eight-time champions will introduce a floor upgrade in Texas as they target second place ahead of Ferrari.

    They will hope to replicate their result at this race last season, where Hamilton narrowly missed out on victory to Verstappen.

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    Further down the grid, AlphaTauri are also set to bring upgrades to the Lone Star State ahead of Daniel Ricciardo’s return from injury.

    This arrives following another poor result for Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.

    Rumours have been circulating across the paddock about the Mexican’s potential retirement, with an announcement possible at the Mexican Grand Prix.

    With that in mind, Ricciardo’s return promises to pile pressure on Perez as he looks for a first podium in three races.

     

    Click here for odds of 10/3 and a free bet with William Hill for Lewis Hamilton to finish runner up in the Driver’s Championship.

  • Formula 1 | 11/2 Hamilton Tip for Qatar Grand Prix

    Formula 1 | 11/2 Hamilton Tip for Qatar Grand Prix

    The Qatar Grand Prix is likely to see Max Verstappen clinch his third Formula 1 title encompassing Saturday’s sprint race, a format he previously criticised.

    However, many fans have already turned their attention to the chasing pack.

    Lewis Hamilton faces a battle to beat Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to second in the Driver’s Championship.

    Meanwhile, The Silver Arrows are also locked in a fierce battle with former title rivals Ferrari in their battle for Constructor’s runner-up.

    Read on to explore why a 11/2 tip has caught the eye in Qatar.

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    Hamilton hunts Perez

    Hamilton arrives in Lusail having closed to within 33 points of Perez.

    He returns to the scene of his last F1 victory in 2021, an event that he dominated in both qualifying and on race day.

    The seven-time champion insists finishing runner up to Verstappen is not important to him.

    However, given Mercedes’ inconsistent pace, the achievement will likely provide some personal satisfaction as well as hope ahead of 2024.

    Related: Tensions Rise at Japanese Grand Prix for Mercedes

    The smooth track surface in Qatar promises to suit Mercedes’ car, which has, once again, suffered from porpoising at certain points.

    Saturday’s sprint race also provides an additional opportunity to close the gap on Perez, whose poor form continued with retirement in Japan.

    Based on this evidence, Hamilton stands a good chance of reducing the points deficit this weekend. 

    Old rivals reunited

    Elsewhere, Hamilton’s Mercedes team face stern competition for second in the Constructor’s Championship from former title rivals.

    The incentive to finish as runner-up to Red Bull promises to benefit Hamilton in his own pursuit of Perez.

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    Ferrari have gained recent ground with two podium finishes in three races, including a victory in Singapore.

    As a result, Mercedes will be highly motivated to recover this deficit at the Qatar Grand Prix this weekend.

    Expect Hamilton to lead the team once again and deliver crucial points in both standings.

    Hamilton 11/2 to finish runner-up

    Backing Hamilton to finish second to Verstappen in the championship represents good value ahead of the Qatar race weekend.

    Perez appeared to be finding form following a podium in Monza.

    However, the Mexican may be low on confidence after his last two races.

    Red Bull are not expected to bring any more major performance upgrades after clinching the constructor’s crown in Japan, leaving Perez to rely on his own performance.

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    In contrast, Hamilton heads into the final six races with a highly motivated team.

    The remaining rounds of season suggest favourable circuits for Mercedes.

    A trip to Brazil in November carries decent hopes after their sole win of 2022, whilst a first venture to Las Vegas promises an unpredictable contest for all teams.

    With a performance upgrade rumoured to be introduced in Texas, Hamilton has the tools available to overhaul his rivals.

    Despite Verstappen cruising towards his third consecutive title, the battle behind could go right down to the wire. 

     

    Lewis Hamilton is 11/2 with William Hill to finish second in the standings.

    Click here to use a free bet on this tip and the weekend’s action in Qatar. 

     

  • Formula 1 | Tensions Rise at Japanese Grand Prix for Mercedes

    Formula 1 | Tensions Rise at Japanese Grand Prix for Mercedes

    The Japanese Grand Prix saw tensions arise between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and George Russell as the pair’s battle for intra-team supremacy continued.

    One week on from Marina Bay where the pair were both in a position to clinch a first race victory of 2023 – while they fought for lower positions this weekend – their radio calls appeared higher in intensity. 

    The events have placed a spotlight on the driver’s relationship, as despite not being in attendance, Team principal Toto Wolff was forced to intervene during the race.

    What could the Silver Arrows’ all-Brit rivalry mean for the team going forward?

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    Japan jostle

    Race day at Suzuka saw Hamilton start ahead of Russell for the first time since before F1’s summer break. 

    With their rivals appearing to have an Asian edge, the teammates found themselves close together throughout.

    Coming close to contact when Russell passed Hamilton into the chicane five laps into the race, Hamilton responded immediately by picking up a slipstream down the pit straight and sweeping around the outside of turn one. 

    The move felt like something of a statement from the seven-time world champion who left Russell bemused by his straight-line speed advantage. 

    Battle lines would continue as Russell looked to capitalise on Hamilton’s mistake at the second Degner corner. 

    As a result, both drivers would run wide at Spoon Curve, as Russell voiced his frustration over team radio. 

    The incident was clearly in the front of the young Brit’s thinking when the pair met on track in the races’ closing stages. 

    Team order tension

    With Mercedes opting to split their race strategy, Hamilton would close on Russell with fresher tyres during the closing stages in Japan.

    Consequently, the pair were in danger of both losing a position to last week’s race winner Carlos Sainz.

    Hamilton found himself being held up by his teammate for the second week running, eventually prompting a call from the team to reverse the positions.

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    Russell had requested that Hamilton aid him by staying close in front to provide a tow and DRS, a trick used against him in Singapore by Sainz. 

    Related: Singapore Grand Prix Thrills as Red Bull Struggle

    However, Mercedes decided to overrule this request with Hamilton clearly feeling he had lost time and a potential shot at fourth place. 

    This is not the first time that Russell has attempted to assert his dominance by making unorthodox decisions and radio calls.

    Zandvoort 2021 saw the Kings Lynn driver pit for fresh tyres, leaving Hamilton to defend the lead on worn rubber and eventually overtaking him on track.  

    Mercedes’ hope to challenge for race wins again next season but in-team issues might yet intervene.

    Future fallout

    In-house friction is no strange bedfellow to Mercedes in the past, and it could threaten to derail team progress.

    Between 2023-2016, a strong dynamic between Hamilton and former teammate Nico Rosberg ended in acrimony as the two battled for the title.  

    As tensions boiled, friends became foes.

    With a still green Russell looking to make his mark, whilst also seeking to secure his future as team leader, will history repeat itself? 

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    Hamilton himself will be determined to re-claim the championship that he and many others felt was stolen from him in 2021.

    For now, harmony remains, but as season reaches its climax over the coming weeks, the gloves at Mercedes could yet come off.

     

    Click here for a free bet to use when F1 resumes for the Qatar GP in two weeks time. 

    Claim odds of 33/1 for Lewis Hamilton to clinch a race win in 2023 with William Hill.

     

    Next: Williams’ Albon Thriving in Team Leader Role

  • Formula 1 | Singapore Grand Prix Thrills as Red Bull Struggle

    Formula 1 | Singapore Grand Prix Thrills as Red Bull Struggle

    The Singapore Grand Prix was a reminder of the excitement Formula 1 can deliver when the playing field is leveled for Red Bull Racing.

    Was Team principle Christian Horner correct in his insistence that FIA’s clampdown on flexible bodywork had no impact to the team’s performance this weekend? It appears suspicious that such a dramatic decline in pace should come directly following this rule change. Nevertheless, fans were treated to a rare five-car battle for the lead in Sunday’s thriller, nearer to expectations heading into the season. 

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    Red Bull’s rotten week

    It’s fair to say, it was a week to forget for Red Bull, both on and off track. Even before arriving at Marina Bay, the Milton Keynes outfit dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Following Dr. Helmut Marko’s incendiary comments, Red Bull’s Advisor to the Team appeared to blame Sergio Perez’ poor performances on his ethnicity. The FIA were under heavy pressure to act throughout the week, and finally reprimanded the 80-year-old. However, many felt his punishment lacked severity.

    Ryanair Join Debate Surrounding Helmut Marko On Social Media

    Red Bull have been untouchable throughout 2023, but sentiment of this kind threatens to divert attention away from their stellar season. 

    No flexi-wings, no pace

    Christian Horner was staunch in defence of his team’s compliance with F1 rules this weekend. This came following an FIA technical directive ahead of the Singapore to control the flexibility of aerodynamic parts. Horner’s comments were, by and large, echoed by team principles across the paddock.

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    Many appeared to dismiss the idea that Red Bull could suffer such a sudden decline following a small rule tweak. However, fans can be forgiven for thinking the team have been pegged back judging by their weekend performance.

    Related: Relentless Verstappen Bent On Season Dominance

    After both cars failed to make Q3 after electing not to pit under an early safety car, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez found themselves tumbling down the order. Remarkably, Singapore was the first time the Dutchman has been passed on track this season. The true impact of the rule change on Red Bull’s performance won’t be measured until Japan next weekend. Regardless, the Austrian manufacturer can still clinch their second consecutive constructors title at Suzuka.

    Rivals’ gain

    As the top dogs floundered, the chasing pack wasted no time in capitalising. Following a Virtual Safety Car period, Sunday’s race exploded into life, prompting Mercedes to pit both their cars with fresh tyres. As the pressure piled on Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton charged toward the leaders, with the latter the faster of the pair.

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    As Russell struggled to make progress behind Lando Norris, Hamilton was vocal on the radio in his attempts to hurry his teammate along. Pressures of the seven-time champion then saw Russell eventually crash on worn tires during the final lap, after clipping a wall. Sainz cruised home to victory ahead of Norris, as Hamilton trundled home to claim a 196th career podium. Mercedes are now approaching their ideal set-up; inevitably, disharmony between the Brit duo could now appear. The relationship may become truly tested if wins become a more frequent possibility.

     

    Click here for a free bet on Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.

    Claim odds of 16/1 with William Hill for Carlos Sainz to repeat his Singapore victory at Suzuka.

     

    Next: Williams’ Albon Thriving In Team Leader Role

  • Formula 1 | Albon Thriving In Williams Team Leader Role

    Formula 1 | Albon Thriving In Williams Team Leader Role

    Williams’ Alex Albon, fresh from a stellar performance in Zandvoort, delivered a second consecutive points finish with P7 in Sunday’s Italian GP. 

    The Anglo-Thai driver as been a standout performer throughout 2023.

    Often, he has utilised his car’s low drag design to deliver deliver valuable points for the team. 

    Albon has been able to frequently showcase the talent that earned him a mid-season promotion to Red Bull back in 2020, when many felt he was unfairly relieved of his drive a season later.

    Now, he appears to be thriving in a settled underdog role with Williams, a team in the process of re-building under former Mercedes’ strategist James Vowles’ leadership. 

    Let’s look at Albon’s performances so far and assess his prospects heading into the final eight rounds of the season. 

    A natural team leader

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    Fresh from a year as Red Bull’s reserve driver, Albon has adopted a natural leadership role within the Williams setup alongside rookie Logan Sargeant. 

    With the security of a multi-year contract announced over the summer break, a new confidence in the driver both on and off track is now present. 

    Although Williams have progressed from their position of last in the standings, the car is not yet a regular points scoring package. 

    However, Albon has maximised the car’s straight-line speed advantage to finish inside the top 10 in Monza and on four other occasions this season.

    Although the team expected progress, they perhaps did not expect such a points tally with over a third of the season still remaining. 

    Related: Verstappen Edges Towards F1 Title At Monza

    Both Albon and his team understand their car’s strengths and have maximised them where circumstances have allowed.

    Often, they have opted for an early pit stop in a Grand Prix. In doing so, they have secured track position facing rivals with with the challenge of overtaking the low-drag Williams. 

    With a clear understanding between team and driver, Albon is now finding the form that earned him early career praise.

    Williams will hope he can build on consecutive points finishes as they target seventh in the constructor’s championship. 

     

    Opportunities remaining in 2023

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    Albon leaves the European portion of the season looking ahead to the remaining circuits that have potential to suit the Williams car.

    The inaugural Las Vegas GP in November will host the penultimate race of the year.

    Initial circuit map images indicate the track will suit low downforce, boasting a straight stretching over one kilometre in distance. 

    Then as the season concludes once again in Abu Dhabi, the venue introduced a new circuit layout in 2021 which aided overtaking with redesigned corners.

    Williams could be in business at Yas Marina.

    Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton proved overtaking has been aided by the changes during their controversial title showdown that year. 

    Before both stops however, Sau Paulo and Texas also offer long stretches of flat out asphalt, both of which will benefit teams whose cars can deliver high top-end speeds. 

    The stakes for Williams and Albon

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    Williams and Albon in particular can thrive in the season’s final races. 

    For midfield teams, constructor’s positions are often valued higher than those at the front of the grid.

    Direct correlation to next year’s spending budget and testing time mean there is an opportunity to make large performance gains to move up the grid for next term.

    Albon will be keen to continue accumulating top 10 finishes. Should the former Red Bull driver continue on his current trajectory, he will be on course to achieve the highest finish by a Williams driver since 2016. 

     

    To get into pole position for the remainder of the F1 season, click here for a free bet.

    Sergio Perez claimed victory in last season’s Singapore Grand Prix. Claim odds of 17/2 for the Mexican to repeat his victory this year with William Hill. 

     

    Next: Red Bull Threaten 2023 Clean Sweep

  • F1: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton keen to continue season momentum

    F1: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton keen to continue season momentum

    With Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth, Formula 1 left Belgium having witnessed a familiar figure taking the chequered flag. 

    Max Verstappen delivered his tenth win of the season in dominant fashion, cruising past former championship rival Lewis Hamilton in the process. 

    The overtake will have brought back memories of their epic on-track battles from 2021.

    However, with Hamilton not having taken a win since that season, the question remains will he reach the top step in any of the remaining races this season?

     

    Mercedes’ Continued Struggles

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    By their own admission, Mercedes took a wrong direction with their 2023 car design philosophy. This was an evolution of last years troublesome W13. 

    Results have been more consistent compared to last season. However, the dominance of Red Bull and the rise of midfield teams such as Aston Martin and McLaren has left victories out of the question for the Silver Arrows.

    The team arguably boast the most talented driver pairing on the grid in George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Despite this, inability to provide them with a front-running car continues to be a frustration.

    Regular upgrades mean the team have frequently fought for podiums. Although, the most recent performance improvements saw the return of the bouncing phenomenon that plagued the team throughout 2022. 

    Mercedes’ will be hoping their upcoming packages scheduled for after the summer break will eradicate this. The goal will be to provide a solid platform to work from going forward. 

     

    Hamilton still has the pace

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    Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has remained the centre of attention despite his team’s current performance levels.

    Regardless of their pace, Lewis has demonstrated throughout the year that he still has the pace to fight at the front should he be given the tools to do so. 

    Second place finishes in Melbourne and Barcelona were followed up by a stunning pole position in Budapest.

    When given the opportunity, Lewis has delivered strong results, perhaps results that proceed the expectations of the team in their current situation. 

    If Mercedes can provide the 7-time champion with a worthy challenger, Hamilton will certainly be ready to fight when the chance comes. 

     

    WiIl Mercedes challenge Red Bull this season?

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    Although Hamilton has the ability to win, there are doubts surrounding Mercedes’s ability to match Red Bull before 2024. 

    The Brackley-based outfit have a huge deficit to the reigning champions. More significantly, they are restricted by F1’s cost cap and aerodynamic testing regulations. 

    As a result, should Mercedes find an upturn in pace, they may be unable to add performance to their car until next season when the restrictions refresh. 

    For fans dreaming up a battle at the front, the team did manage a victory at the end of the 2022 season when they found a sweet spot in their car’s setup in Brazil. 

    There is potential of a repeat this year as teams begin to turn attention to the 2024 season. 

     

    Interested in betting odds for the remainder of the Formula 1 season? Click here to get in pole position with a free bet.

    Claim a free bet and odds of 16/1 for Lewis Hamilton to win the Dutch Grand Prix with Unibet

    To find out more about how the first half of the season played out, click here. 

  • Formula 1 | Alonso ready to defy Red Bull in Austria

    Formula 1 | Alonso ready to defy Red Bull in Austria

     

    Round 9 of the Formula 1 season arrives at the Red Bull Ring this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix.

    With more points available on this, a Sprint weekend, who can defy the odds in Spielberg?

     

    Best bet for the win

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    Max Verstappen, the unanimous leader in the Driver’s Championship, is by some distance the best bet.

    The Dutchman will compete in front of a home Red Bull crowd this weekend, looking to win for a fifth time around the Red Bull Ring.

    Teammate Sergio Perez, with the same set-up however, continues to push hard.

    The Mexican, who failed to score in Monaco and was podium-less in both Spain and Canada, is slightly longer odds with patchy form.

    Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, has shown Aston Martin do have winning potential.

    The Spaniard’s race craft in Canada proved that with the car’s much-needed upgrades, the Silverstone-based team are close to scoring their first-ever win.

     

    Sainz safe bet for podium

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    Mercedes are teasing a return to race-winning form, but is it a false dawn?

    As the Brackley manufacturer try to maximise the potential of the W14, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell are now consistent podium threats.

    Ferrari’s fiery Spaniard, Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, is looking to impress after a fifth-place finish in front of his home crowd in Spain and last time out in Canada.

    But the Scuderia driver’s points advantage over Russell, is now just three points in fifth.

    Nevertheless, Ferrari are in the frame for third in the Constructor’s Championship.

    Charles Leclerc, however, has the odds stacked against him with a 14-point gap to his teammate.

    Yet, with Leclerc having secured the only podium finish for the Prancing Horse this term and with a P4 in Montreal, they remain in the mix.

     

    Ocon to score points

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    Alpine, so far this season, have demonstrated they are the strongest team in midfield.

    With Esteban Ocon scoring a podium in Monaco, the team from Enstone can achieve points with ease.

    For the moment, McLaren are their main rivals for fifth place and it is worth noting also Lando Norris scored a podium here back in 2020.

    Can the Bristolian emulate the same success this weekend?

    When the lights go out Sunday, all will be revealed.

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