F1 returns to our screens this weekend, and it is Azerbaijan’s turn to host.
Baku has been the sight of a number of incredibly dramatic and controversial incidents in recent years, and F1 fans will be licking their lips at the thought of a Ferrari fight as they look to reel in Mercedes in the inner-city track.
Our F1 expert guides you through the best bets from the latest F1 date in the calendar.
Expect excitement in Baku
Despite being a relatively new circuit, with just two previous races, Baku has a reputation as an exciting race.
Both Red Bull and Mercedes have won here once, with Valtteri Bottas cruelly robbed by a late puncture last season.
You would expect the Mercedes to be challenging for the chequered flag again this year, and Bottas is just 3/1 to gain redemption for last year, and win the Grand Prix.
Team orders halting Leclerc’s progress
Charles Leclerc has unfortunately found himself in the middle of an awkward situation at Ferrari. He is clearly the faster driver at the minute in comparison to Sebastian Vettel, and is undoubtedly the future for the storied constructor.
Unfortunately, Ferrari insist on team orders, denying Leclerc the opportunity to truly challenge the Mercedes, and also refusing to allow fans to enjoy a terrific dual between the two drivers.
Ferrari will be under enormous pressure to allow their two drivers a free race, and Leclerc will be fully expected to capitalise. The cars have undergone some serious aerodynamic upgrades, so expect the Monegasque driver to be right in the mix. He is also 3/1 to win in Baku.
Verstappen to break Mercedes/Ferrari dominance
Max Verstappen is the clear no.1 driver for Red Bull now, and they have previous history at this track. Red Bull triumphed in the inaugural Azerbaijan GP, and last year experienced a disastrous race with both drivers colliding with each other.
Verstappen will be looking to redeem himself after some immature displays last year, but there is no denying his talent. Although an outsider to win at 10/1, he is a good enough driver to break the duopoly of the Ferrari and Mercedes teams, and is Evens to make the podium. That seems like a very safe bet.
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