The F1 field heads for Sochi this weekend for the 2018 Russian Grand Prix.
Sebastian Vettel will be feeling the pressure as the field heads for Sochi this week. The German ace trails title rival Lewis Hamilton by 40 points after the ‘Brit won the Singapore Grand Prix two weeks ago.
The Ferrari bag a couple of wins in the coming weeks as the circuit is fast approaching the Americas segment which is where Hamilton has dominated over the past few years.
Russian Grand Prix
Sunday 30 September
Sochi Autodromo
18:05
Previous Race
For the second race running Mercedes managed to overcome the odds and land Lewis Hamilton a race win. Talk all you want about Ferrari’s poor race strategy but you can’t help but give praise to the Silver Arrows team who managed to get their drivers’ cars functioning at the optimum.
While Hamilton’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, was unable to make the podium he did manage to pick up a valuable fourth place finish. The Finn was sandwiched between the two Ferrari’s at the end of proceedings with countryman Kimi Raikkonen claiming third place and Sebastian Vettel taking fifth.
Singapore once again proved to be a happy hunting ground for Red Bull as Max Verstappen brought his car across the line in second. His compatriot Daniel Ricciardo also managed to grab some vital points as he drove his car across the line in sixth.
The remainder of the top ten featured veteran Fernando Alonso (7th), the Renaults of Carlos Sainz (8th) and Nico Hulkenberg (10th) as well as impressive Sauber young gun, Charles LeClerc.
To Win Race Outright
Lewis Hamilton 11/10
Sebastian Vettel 5/4
Valtteri Bottas 7/1
Kimi Raikkonen 8/1
Max Verstappen 25/1
Daniel Ricciardo 33/1
Track
Picturesque, yet menacing. The Sochi Autodrom is one of those tracks that splits opinion among drivers and fans. Covering some 5.853 kilometres, the circuit is certainly on the long side of the spectrum. It also contains some blindingly quick segments and some incredibly slow corners – like Russia itself, this track is full of contrasts.
As this is a street circuit, the tyres will play a big role here. So expect the teams to be rather coy about what strategy they’ll opt for during the first few practice sessions.
The weather looks slightly iffy at this point with a few showers predicted for qualifying and the main race. This could well change, however, so make sure you look at the weather forecast before striking a bet on markets like First Driver/Constructor to retire.
Last year’s race was won by Valtteri Bottas with Sebastian Vettel claiming second place and Kimi Raikkonen third. Lewis Hamilton had a tough time of it in Sochi last season and brought his car round in fourth
Value Bet – Fastest Qualifier – Valterri Bottas @ 9/1
The ‘Finn has a great record at the track. He won last year’s race and did rather well for Williams here while driving an under powered car. He certainly offers decent value at ?
To Win Race Outright – Lewis Hamilton @ 11/10
While I can’t see Hamilton producing a pole to finish line win, I can see him taking the race honours especially if he can get himself on the front row of the grid. The reigning world champions is in solid touch and a good race strategy from his team could well deliver him his third consecutive race win.
Bet on this race now at Hollywoodbets! Haven’t got an account? Open one here!
