This weekend sees the biggest race in Formula 1, as the world’s stars are bound for glitzy Monaco. The prestigious Grand Prix could be a decisive one, as Lewis Hamilton has managed to move 17 points clear at the top of the standings. Will the Brit extend that lead, or could we see a fightback in the title race? Ahead of the race, we give our thoughts on how the race will pan out, as well as the latest betting tips and odds comparison.
Monaco GP Contenders
While Hamilton has raced ahead in the overall standings, this race could prove to be an opening. The Brit has drifted in the betting, and his chances of taking maximum points has been hit by the conditions in Monaco. Daniel Riccardio and Max Verstappen made strong starts in the Principality. They can each be backed at 2/1 with Bet365, making them the leading contenders according to our odds comparison.
Those two, along with Sebastian Vettel – who is available at 3/1 with Betfred – are seen as edging out in front of Hamilton. Both the Brit and teammate Valtteri Bottas have been hit by struggles from their car. Mercedes have spent the week worried about their chances at this race, with the tight turns of the street circuit not playing to their strengths. That has provided an opening, so will it end with a victory for one of Hamilton’s title rivals?
Monaco GP Race History
Mercedes may be worried about this race, but they’ve not had that much of a problem here in recent years. They’ve won four of the last five Grands Prix at this circuit, although three of those came from Nico Rosberg. Fellow German Sebastian Vettel took the victory for Ferrari 12 months ago. It was a real struggle for Hamilton in his last visit here, as he finished 13th in qualifying. He fought back to move into seventh, claiming six points. However, that was a poor display overall, with Mercedes collecting just 16 points from their last visit here.
That doesn’t compare too well with their rivals, with Red Bull taking 25 points here last year. Meanwhile, a one-two finish for Ferrari saw them scoop the maximum 43 points on offer, leaving Mercedes in the dust. While that didn’t ultimately matter last time around, the other teams are slowly gaining on the Silver Arrows. Both Red Bull and Ferrari will see this as an opportunity to close the gap to the leaders.
Monaco GP Betting Tips
We are edging towards the Red Bull duo for this weekend’s race, as their improvements make them likely winners. They have a car suited to this circuit, it’s just a question of who takes the advantage between the two. Red Bull can be backed to win the race at 4/6 with Betfred, and we’d suggest going with them as the winning team, especially based on their starts in the Principality.
Of their two drivers, only Daniel Ricciardo has picked up a victory this season. He’s had a mixed year, but he was strong at this race last year, finishing third. Verstappen might need to wait a little while before he can pick up his first victory in Monaco. We’d side with the Australian of the two, especially as he’s looking to impress, with a move to Ferrari a possibility at the end of the campaign. We think he’s good value at 2/1 with Betfred, so Ricciardo is our pick ahead of this weekend.
Drivers’ Championship Betting Tips – Hamilton to Triumph Ultimately
With the other sides gaining on Mercedes, we’re likely to see a great contest in the Drivers’ Championship this season. While Vettel and Ricciardo are looking good for Monaco, Hamilton tends to come into his own later on in the campaign. He topped the pile last year after a great run in the second half of the season. We expect him to ultimately do the same thing this time around, so we’re backing him to win the title, which can be backed at 8/15 with Betfair.
Don’t forget to check our odds comparison before placing any bets on the F1 or the Monaco Grand Prix. We have the latest betting odds for both, ensuring you get the best available prices on your favourite F1 betting markets.