Couch Critic provides his betting tips for the Singapore Grand Prix which takes place on Sunday 22nd September
The mid-season break is now firmly in the rear-view mirror as we head to the excitement of a night race in Singapore.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST RACE?
Charles Leclerc followed up his maiden Formula 1 victory in Belgium with a superb lights-to-flag victory that sent the Tifosi into raptures at Monza. Leclerc came under all sorts of pressure for the lead, first from Hamilton and when he couldn’t get the job done the flying Bottas had a stab. Yet the young man from Monaco showed that there is more to him than sexy over taking and flying through corners chasing down whoever happens to be in front of him. In Italy Ferrari’s newest and brightest star showed that he also had the tactical nouse and mental fortitude to scrap as hard as is needed to keep his Prancing Horse ahead. It truly was a superbly gutsy performance.
One has to take away from Monza that the scarlet reds were supremely fast in the straights and their one lap pace was impressive, yet Mercedes must be quietly satisfied that their longer race pace is still superior to that of the Italians.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SINGAPORE
Ferrari have enjoyed the last two races but the talk around the paddock has always been that despite the red team’s clear mid-season improvement the Asian swing would favour the Mercs.
Not just is the Marina Bay circuit expected to suite the 2019 version of the Silver Arrow, given how the car has performed thus far this season compared to the characteristics of the track, but further bad news for the likes of Leclerc and Verstappen is that Hamilton has traditionally shined in the bright lights of Singapore. Lewis returns here looking for his third straight win whilst Mercedes have won on all of the past three occasions.
Despite it not being a venue that has favoured Ferrari all that match their seemingly almost forgotten man, Seb Vettel has many fond memories. Victory for the German would give him his fifth Singapore success making him the dominant force here over the past decade of racing. With the 20-plus corners of the Marina Bay to negotiate we must not merely pass over the chances of Red Bull who should also take a liking to the track.
All in all we could be in for a really tantalizing tussle between all three the big teams in Singapore.
VERDICT
We will find out over the weekend whether it’s the W10 or the RB15 which takes to the Singapore track best whilst I reckon the SF90 won’t find nearly the same amount of joy with their main strength (straight line speed) less of a factor here.
I see Max using his new power unit to snatch pole but Hamilton having the hunger and fight to ensure he ultimately gets the victory come Sunday.
BETOLIMP Bets for the Singapore Grand Prix:
Fastest Qualifier – M Verstappen @ 2.50
To win the race – L Hamilton @ 2.20
Click Here to bet on the Singapore Grand Prix
Note, odds are subject to change
