We head from the sunny skies and fake marinas of Miami to a staple and classic F1 track in Catalunya for this year’s Spanish Grand Prix. Max Verstappen and Charles LeClerc continue to be the season pacesetters as we return to European shores.
Will one of the aforementioned duo take race honours here or could a surprise occur with Mercedes possibly getting their act together on a track they have done so well on in the past?
Spanish Grand Prix
Sunday 22 May
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
17:00
To Win Race (Outright)
Max Verstappen 21/20
Charles LeClerc 13/10
Carlos Sainz 12/1
Sergio Perez 18/1
Lewis Hamilton 25/1
George Russell 25/1
Previous Race
Verstappen may not be having the best of times in qualifying this year but he once again proved a real threat off the grid with the Red Bull ace taking P2 off Carlos Sainz from the start and beginning his hunt for pole-sitter Charles LeClerc. Max would be successful in his endeavours as he claimed first spot off a pit. While a virtual safety car would cut his lead somewhat, he would still manage to hold on for his third win of the season.
Ferrari managed to ensure they would keep the pressure on, however, as Charles LeClerc took second place and Carlos Sainz rounded out the podium. They were followed across the line by Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez while the twin Mercedes rounded out the top six with George Russel claiming fifth and Lewis Hamilton taking sixth place.
Hamilton’s former teammate Valtteri Bottas followed behind bringing his Alfa Romeo across the line in seventh ahead of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon (eighth) and the Williams of Alexander Albion (ninth). The final points-scoring berth went to Lance Stroll.
First winner in Miami!
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 8, 2022
👏👏👏 @Max33Verstappen #MiamiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Wudi4ssRlF
Track – Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offers the F1 field a great blend of high and low-speed corners which really tests the reliability of the faster cars on track. While these corners require top-notch braking, they don’t offer much room for overtaking as they are some of the narrowest on the calendar. As such, pole position will be a key factor here.
The weather for this weekend looks really good with temperatures in the mid 20’s to low 30’s and not much rain being forecast.
Last year’s race at the venue saw Lewis Hamilton claim his sixth consecutive win at the venue, while Max Verstappen claimed second and Valterri Bottas took third.
Value Bet
Lewis Hamilton – Podium Finish – Yes @ 4/1
The Brit has had a torrid year and is driving in an underpowered Mercedes but he loves this track and I reckon he is very good value for a podium place here.
To Win Race Outright
Max Verstappen @ 21/20
You simply cannot look past Max here. He’s in great touch and Ferrari tends to struggle in Spain. Not much value on this one but it is the smart play.
