The 2017 Formula 1 season is back from the mid year break with the tour heading to Stavelot this weekend for the annual Belgian Grand Prix.
After a win in Hungary, Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel holds a commanding lead on the 2017 championship standings with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in second place. Aussie Daniel Ricciardo is in a position to challenge for a podium at the end of the year if he pulls out some good results in the back half of the season.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot is one of the longest running tracks in Formula 1, hosting races as far back as 1925. It is a favourite circuit for many of the drivers due to its speed, being one of the fastest on the tour. It has long straights and features just one hairpin turn with the rest of the corners being extremely fast.
2016 F1 Champ Nico Roseberg took out the race last year while Aussie Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton filled the remaining spots on the podium. Hamilton was once again the driver with the fastest lap time of the weekend, as he generally is. If he can pull it together then there should be no reason why he cant win this race, although that’s what we have been saying about him for a while now.
Hamilton will be desperate for a win here though, he can’t afford to fall any further behind his rival Vettel in the standings. It’s been a fairly inconsistent track for him throughout the years with 5 podiums including 3 wins but a few retirements as well. Vettel on the other hand has rarely had success in Belgium with only 3 podiums in his career and a host of low finishes. We like Hamilton to tighten the gap between himself and Vettel here.
Lewis Hamilton to win
$1.80
Belgium has been a decent stomping ground for the Aussie Daniel Ricciardo over the past few years. While he retired from the race due to mechanical problems in 2015, the two years sandwiching that event saw Ricciardo on the podium. The fast track suits his Red Bull machine and another podium finish here is a solid bet.
TIP: Daniel Ricciardo podium finish - $3.75 at William Hill
Over the years in Belgium there has been a ridiculous amount of retirees due to its fast corners and potential tyre blowouts. Its at short odds but the market for there to be a safety car throughout the race is almost guaranteed.
TIP: At least 1 safety car throughout the race - $1.42 at Sportsbet
