The Italian Grand Prix provided a surprising (but heartwarming) result as Charles Leclerc stormed to victory at Monza thanks to some brilliant strategy, but the race was dominated by talk of ‘Papaya Rules’ after Oscar Piastri’s first-lap pass on Lando Norris. The big question ahead of the latest stop on the calendar, Azerbaijan, is what will happen if the McLarens effectively trip each other up once again.
Our tipster Alex Harris has run the rule over Paddy Power’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix betting and picked out four fancies.
F1 Tips
Overall Qualification Winner – Charles Leclerc
Power Prices – Charles Leclerc to win Azerbaijan GP
Top 6 Finish – Sergio Perez
Points Finish – Nico Hülkenberg
WHEN: Sunday, September 15 – 12:00
WHERE: Baku City Circuit
TV: Sky Sports F1
Overall Qualification Winner – Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc has an outstanding record over one lap of the Baku City Circuit that is, quite simply, too good to ignore.
He bagged pole position in last year’s Qualifying and Sprint Shootout in addition to winning Qualifying in 2022 and 2021.
The concern is that it has not been a stellar year in Qualifying for Leclerc, although last weekend’s marginal fourth place when setting the grid for the Italian Grand Prix suggested there is still plenty of pace in the Ferrari.
Power Prices – Charles Leclerc to win Azerbaijan GP
You could make a case against all the leading contenders, but Charles Leclerc has the most solid profile to back for the Race victory.
The Monegasque is one of four drivers to have secured multiple Race wins in 2024 and should take confidence into Baku thanks to his stunning success at Monza a fortnight ago.
Despite McLaren boasting the best car, Lando Norris is poor off the start line and I would struggle to back him with confidence, Oscar Piastri still only has one (rather fortunate) win to his name, Mercedes have failed to step up their game since the summer break and Red Bull are in a bit of trouble.
Leclerc was the best of the rest behind the Red Bulls, who streaked clear, in last season’s edition of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and, as outlined above, should be starting towards the head of the grid.
He is likely in the mix.
Top 6 Finish – Sergio Perez
Sergio Perez is the most-successful driver in the short history of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix courtesy of his two victories at the Baku City Circuit.
The Mexican’s enduring a bit of a stinker this season, although he seems to be justified in his claims that the RB20 is tricky to handle as Max Verstappen is now struggling with Red Bull’s challenger.
If the ‘King of the Streets’ is to bounce back then the upcoming double-header of Azerbaijan and Singapore offers the best opportunity.
As a result of his struggles, Perez is odds-against to secure a Top 6 Finish, which seems generous when you consider his superb record in Azerbaijan.
Points Finish – Nico Hülkenberg
He let us down at Monza but you can put a line through Nico Hülkenberg‘s performance in the Italian Grand Prix.
The fact team-mate Kevin Magnussen – suspended for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – scored a point proves that there is still plenty of straight-line speed in the Haas, which will be needed here.
Hülkenberg, who is moving to Sauber next season, deserves to be in the chatter for driver of the season as he has scored points five times and finished 11th on six occasions.
He has a poor record at Baku but the minor points positions are still within reach for Haas, despite hints of a Williams revival in Italy.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix Tips
Overall Qualification Winner – Charles Leclerc
Power Prices – Charles Leclerc to win Azerbaijan GP
Top 6 Finish – Sergio Perez
Points Finish – Nico Hülkenberg
*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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