The Formula 1 season continues this weekend, with another race in Europe, this time in Austria. With the 2016 race having seen the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg having go overboard at turn 2 on the final lap of the race, anticipation is high in the build-up to this year’s race.
With Rosberg having now retired from the sport, the title battle looks to be between Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Both men will be looking to recover from the disappointment of finishing outside of the podium positions in Azerbaijan last time around, with just 14 points separating the duo in the current Driver’s standings. Motor racing fans are set to bet on their favourite for this weekend’s race, with many bookmakers offering odds from Austria. Let’s take a look at the contenders, as well as providing our top tip for the race.
Austrian Grand Prix Contenders
The rivalry between Hamilton and Vettel has only intensified after the German rammed into the back of the Mercedes driver, as well as the side of it, behind the safety car in Baku. Despite Vettel receiving no further punishment for his part in the coming together, it will certainly be interesting to see how the duo fair in Austria. With the second half of the season now underway, the two drivers are set to give their all to win another World Championship. Both drivers have three wins to their name this season, making them the two favourites for the win in Austria.
However, for those looking for another potential outside bet for the race, Max Verstappen could well be your man. The Dutch starlet may have been forced to retire in four of the last six F1 races, including at Baku, however he is one to watch in Austria. The Red Bull man performed well in Austria last year where he finished second, with an upgraded Renault engine should improve his lap speed.
Meanwhile, the likes of Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo are also in with an outside bet of finishing in a podium position, with the duo separated by 19 points in the standings at present.
Top Betting Tips
With odds on both Hamilton or Vettel to come out on top in Austria somewhat on the short side, out top betting tip for the race is to back Bottas to finish in the top three. This can be backed at odds of 8/11 at Ladbrokes, with the Finnish driver having already won one race so far this season.