With three wins each to their name at the start of the new Formula One season, both Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton will be looking to put in a strong showing in Baku this weekend, as the duo battle it out at the top of the Drivers’ standings. With just 12 points currently separating the two former World Champions, it is all to play for at the inaugural Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, with Hamilton having rediscovered his form after poor showings in Russia and Monaco. Due to the layout of the track, it is likely that most overtaking will happen on the 1.4-mile-long straight, along with turn one. As a result, qualifying is perhaps going to be more important than ever, with many bookmakers offering odds on both this and the outright winner of the race on Sunday. Let’s take a look at some of the main contenders for the spoils in Baku.
Sebastian Vettel
The German is chasing down what would be a fifth F1 title this season, with Ferrari also looking for a first Driver’s title since back in 2007. Having raced to victory in Monte Carlo last month, thanks to a little help from team mate Kimi Raikkonen, Vettel found himself at the back of the grid in Canada following a collision with Max Verstappen, before battling back to a remarkable sixth place finish. Vettel certainly looks more comfortable in the Ferrari this year, with the Baku circuit set to suit his style of driving down to the ground.
Lewis Hamilton
The British superstar recovered from the disappointment of Monaco by claiming victory in Canada, adding to successes in China and Spain earlier in the campaign. Despite question marks surrounding Hamilton’s dedication to the sport over recent weeks, the three-time World Champion is seemingly motivated by another battle with Vettel, calling for more consistency from his Mercedes team recently. Hamilton will be hoping to have overtaken Vettel by the time the British Grand Prix comes around in July, with the Austrian Grand Prix sandwiched in between.
Valterri Bottas
As the only other man to have won a Grand Prix this season, doing so in Russia back in April, Bottas will be hoping for another strong performance in Baku, having finished second to team mate Hamilton last time around. The Finnish driver will need a strong performance in qualifying to have any hope, as he looks to hit back at comments made by Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff.
Top Betting Tips
It is difficult to look beyond either Vettel or Hamilton once again, with little separating the bookmaker odds between the duo. William Hill slightly favour Hamilton with odds of 10/11, with Vettel at just 11/10. Meanwhile for those fancying a surprise victory for another driver, the likes of Bottas, Raikkonen and Ricciardo can be backed at 5/1, 14/1 and 50/1 respectively at Betfred.