Our F1 scribe gives his verdict on who will dominate come race time out in Sochi on Sunday the 29th of September.
The F1 field is in Sochi, Russia this weekend and we could well be in for a cracking race in the picturesque coastal town with Mercedes looking to reassert their dominance after losing the last two races.
Russian Grand Prix
Sunday 29 September
Sochi Autodrom
To Win Race Outright
Charles Le Clerc 15/10
Lewis Hamilton 9/4
Sebastian Vettel 7/2
Valterri Bottas 5/1
Max Verstappen 9/1
Alexander Albion 100/1
Carlos Sainz 1000/1
Practice Sessions
As this preview was written later than usual, we’ll focus on the practice sessions and just glance over the previous race.
Singapore saw a return to form for Ferrari with Sebastian Vettel claiming his first win of the season. The Ferrari veteran was followed across the line by teammate Charles Le Clerc with Max Verstappen rounding out the podium places. The Mercedes duo finished fourth and fifth with Lewis Hamilton bring his car across the line ahead of teammate Valterri Bottas. The final place in the Top 6 went to Alexander Albion.
The final practice session took place in Sochi on Friday the 27th of September and saw Max Verstappen secure the quickest time. He was followed by Charles Le Clerc with Lewis Hamilton an entire second behind Verstappen.
There was plenty of drama during the practice sessions with Australian Daniel Ricciardo crashing out and hometown hero Danil Kyvat – A.K.A the torpedo – crashing into teammate Pierre Gasley.
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.
There’s a lot of rain being forecast for Saturday’s qualifying sessions and Sunday’s main race which could mean we see quite a few crashes over the next two days.
Last year’s race was won by Lewis Hamilton who was followed across the line by teammate Valterri Bottas. The final podium berth went the way of Sebastian Vettel.
Value Bet
Podium Finish – Max Verstappen – Yes @11/4
While Red Bull do struggle in the went I simply cannot pass up on Max Verstappen claiming a podium spot at a price just shy of 3/1.
The Red Bull man topped Practice 3 and his staggering pace should hold him in good steed here.
To Win Race Outright
Lewis Hamilton @9/4
I think Hamilton will come good here. Wet conditions will suit the ‘Brit and his Mercedes team who are a slightly down on power since the mid-season break.
Hamilton has a very handy record out at Sochi as well having won three of the five races held at the track.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
