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Boxing Belgian Grand Prix Best Bets: Hamilton Continues Podium Streak
Belgian Grand Prix Best Bets: Sunday, August 28th
Fresh off the summer break, the 2022 Formula One season continues in Belgium this weekend. The historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit is the venue after a controversial ‘race’ at the track in 2021. Reigning world champion and Drivers’ Championship leader Max Verstappen is the 8/7 favourite to win this weekend’s race.
In this article:
This could be the last time Formula One races at Spa for a while, with the circuit’s contract expiring this year, and no confirmation of a return for 2023.
Ferrari are the most successful team in the history of the Belgian Grand Prix, but Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz do not represent value to win the race given the Scuderia’s strategic struggles.
Sunday, August 28th
Belgian Grand Prix Mercedes Best Bet
Sunday, August 28th
Only Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher have won more than Lewis Hamilton at Spa. The seven-time world champion has put together a run of five consecutive podium finishes with Mercedes overcoming their porpoising issues and finding some pace. The Silver Arrows was arguably the quickest car in Budapest, and heads to Belgium with a real chance of a race win.
It’s been reported that Mercedes have further major upgrades coming for Spa. The octuple champions already have a reliability advantage over both Red Bull and Ferrari, and Hamilton has delivered some stellar drives over the last couple of months.
While tyre degradation is expected to be less of a factor at Spa than in previous years, it’s notable how light the Mercedes has been on its tyres. Hamilton has become a master of tyre management over the last few years, which could again provide him with an edge in the closing stages on Sunday.
With Mercedes’ trajectory, this is a great price on the Brit to make it six podiums in a row. Some bettors will inevitably be tempted to back Hamilton to win here, too.
- Selection: Lewis Hamilton to Finish on the Podium
- Best Odds: 1.83 (BetVictor)
- Stakes: 6/10
Odds as at 11:30 am on August 26th, 2022. Odds may now differ.
Belgian Grand Prix McLaren Best Bet
Sunday, August 28th
Daniel Ricciardo has endured a torrid season with just four top-10 finishes, and it was announced this week that his time with McLaren is coming to an end. The Australian is driving for his Formula One future at a circuit which he has happy memories at, finishing fourth with Renault in 2020, and recording three podium finishes with Red Bull, including his third career race win in 2014.
The McLaren has generally looked very competitive of late, particularly in the hands of Lando Norris. Norris is as short as 1.40 for a points finish after finishing in the top 10 in seven of the last eight races. The Brit has been seventh or better in the previous four, and looks all but guaranteed of points if he finishes the race.
Wagering on a double McLaren points finish is all about Ricciardo. More specifically, it’s a question of Ricciardo’s Saturday performance – he hasn’t started higher than ninth in the last nine races.
Perhaps clarity about his future allows Ricciardo to drive more freely, maybe the motivation to earn a drive for next year spurs him on. This is a track he knows well and has excelled at in the past. The 2.50 price is worth a wager for both McLaren drivers to finish in the top 10.
- Selection: McLaren Double Points Finish
- Best Odds: 2.50 (Coral)
- Stakes: 5/10
Odds as at 11:30 am on August 26th, 2022. Odds may now differ.
