Miami will make its debut on the F1 calendar this coming weekend as the F1 field heads for the States a lot earlier than we've grown used to.
Miami Grand Prix
Sunday 8 May
Miami International Autodrome
To Win Race Outright
Max Verstappen 21/20
Charles LeClerc 15/10
Sergio Perez 9/1
Carlos Sainz 14/1
Lewis Hamilton 25/1
George Russell 45/1
Previous Race
There was drama aplenty at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix with constantly changing weather conditions affecting proceedings greatly.
Red Bull took full advantage of the changes in weather with a smart pit strategy and a brilliant start off the line from Sergio Perez ensuring the reigning Constructors’ Champions would close the gap to just 11 points on Ferrari, who currently lead this year’s standings. That gap could have been even smaller had Charles LeClerc not recovered from a crash and managed to salvage sixth place.
There was good news for those who followed my tips last time out as Lando Norris managed to claim third and deliver a tidy return. He was followed across the line by fellow young gun George Russell who ensured Mercedes would at least take a respectable points haul from the race. Joining them in the top six was veteran Valtteri Bottas who took fifth.
Just outside the top 6 sat Yuki Tsunoda, who produced his best drive in an F1 car to date claiming a valuable seventh place for AlphaTauri.
Aston Martin managed to gather some valuable points with Sebastian Vettel taking eighth and Lance Stroll claiming tenth. Sandwiched between them was the Haas of Kevin Magnussen.
Mighty Max 💪
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 24, 2022
What a weekend it's been for the Dutchman #ImolaGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/5ckvUFCGJl
Track - Miami International Autodrome
So what does Miami hold in store this weekend? Well, we’ve got a classic street circuit that exudes the ‘Miami’ vibe with a fake marina thrown in.
Drivers will face 57 laps of the 5.4-kilometre track which features 19 corners with turns 11 (a left-hander) and turn 17 (a tighter left-hander that leads into a massive straight) touted to see most of the overtaking action.
There are three DRS zones on the track which caters to the American sports public’s urge to see continuous action.
In terms of the weather for this weekend, the early forecast is indicating we may well be in for another wet race.
Value Bet
Sebastian Vettel to finish on the podium – 50/1
A very left-field call for this one but after landing some good bets in recent weeks the kitty allows for it. Vettel produced a solid drive to take eighth place last weekend and with more rain expected here, his years of experience could put him in contention for a real points haul. As I noted earlier, this one is very left-field so keep the stakes small.
To Win Race Outright: Max Verstappen at 21/20
The reigning World Champion produced a solid drive in Italy and I reckon he’ll back that up here. The Red Bulls looked good in the rain and I reckon this is Max’s race to lose. This may be one of the few times this season that the Dutchman can be had at odds of greater than even money. Get stuck in.
