Azerbaijan Grand Prix Tips:
Outright Betting – Max Verstappen
Podium Finish Acca – Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton
Points Finish – Alex Albon
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
After a month-long break, the Formula 1 circus leaps back into action with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – and the Sprint weekend returns *groans* with a new format…
In case you haven’t swotted up on the latest set of changes, there will be a practice session on Friday before qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with Saturday comprising a Shootout to set the grid for the Sprint race that follows.
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Does anyone actually like the Sprint? Well, Max Verstappen isn’t particularly keen, but he heads into the latest round of action sitting pretty at the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings after victory in the controversial Australian Grand Prix at the start of the month.
The Dutchman also won last year’s race in Azerbaijan from team-mate Sergio Perez and he will have to defy historical trends if he is to take the chequered flag as there has never been a repeat winner of this Grand Prix.
As well as the new Sprint format having the potential to shake things up, the lengthy early-season break and closer proximity to HQs means teams are set to bring a stack of upgrades to Azerbaijan.
I’ve taken a look at Paddy Power’s odds for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and picked out three fancies. Let’s get to the bets…
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Qualifying: Friday 2pm
Sprint Shootout: Saturday 9:30am
Sprint: Saturday 2:30pm
Race: Sunday 12pm
TV: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports F1
Outright Betting – Max Verstappen
Barring any major incidents or penalties, Max Verstappen should continue his dominance and cruise to victory in Azerbaijan.
The Red Bull is, undoubtedly, the fastest car on the grid and the Baku track plays to the team’s strengths as they have won last two Grands Prix here.
Verstappen should really be seeking an Azerbaijan hat-trick as a late tyre blowout denied the Dutchman a deserved victory in 2021.
Podium Finish Acca – Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton
He is backed to win the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which makes it hardly surprising that Max Verstappen forms the first leg of our Podium Finish acca.
Sergio Perez is the king of the streets and comes alive around Azerbaijan, with his form figures around the Baku City Circuit reading 3-RET-3-6-1-2. Red Bull’s Mexican driver looks a confident punt for a Podium Finish.
Mercedes are bringing some upgrades to Baku, which coupled with their improved performance in Australia, should see Lewis Hamilton and George Russell challenging for the podium.
Fernando Alonso is also likely to be in the mix thanks to Aston Martin’s pure pace as he seeks a fourth consecutive Podium Finish, but Hamilton had the edge on his rival at Albert Park and can round off our acca.
*A Podium Finish acca with these three bets pays at approximately 3/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Points Finish – Alex Albon
The high-speed nature of the Baku City Circuit could see Alex Albon sneak into the top 10 as the Williams is pretty sharp in a straight line.
Despite sitting last in the Constructors’ Championship, there have been some promising signs for Albon this season. The 27-year-old scored a superb 10th-place finish in the Bahrain opener before an uncharacteristic crash in Australia when flying high in the points.
It would help Albon’s chances of a Points Finish if a number of other drivers fail to reach the end of the race – and it is worth noting that there has been an average of 4.83 retirements at the Baku City Circuit, with at least four blowouts in all six previous races.
If Albon can get to the chequered flag and his Williams continues to show pace on Baku’s long straights then he should be in the mix for a place in the top 10.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Tips:
Outright Betting – Max Verstappen
Podium Finish Acca – Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton
Points Finish – Alex Albon
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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