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Tag: Verstappen

  • 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 | 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.