Formula 1 Best Bets: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

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Race Winner: Carlos Sainz +700

The Jeddah Circuit is known for its high speeds, as one of the three fastest tracks on the Formula One calendar. With that in mind, I’m looking for the Ferrari-powered cars to thrive this weekend, as they begin the season having made a step forward with their power unit.

But instead of taking Charles Leclerc to win this weekend, my money is on Carlos Sainz, who finished eighth in last year’s race despite a 15^th place starting position. While he finished behind Leclerc last year, he passed Leclerc on track and only gave up seventh to Leclerc late in the race as he struggled with an unfavorable tire strategy. Look for Sainz to have the upper hand this week in Saudi Arabia.

Double Podium: Ferrari +120

Even before Red Bull had their catastrophic end to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Ferrari was headed for a double podium finish, with Carlos Sainz consistently in third place. While Red Bull will be competitive again in Saudi Arabia, I see Ferrari as maintaining the advantage and look for them to get both cars on the podium once again. With the odds at +120, that will provide a solid bankroll booster.

Top Six Finish: Esteban Ocon +350

Esteban Ocon had an incredible 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, leading the race at times and barely missing a podium finish on the last lap. The Alpine was third and fourth in the speed trap at Bahrain, indicating they have the straight-line speed to be competitive at Bahrain. With Ocon coming off a solid seventh-place finish in Bahrain and having recent success in Saudi Arabia, I’d look for him to be a shoo-in for a top-six, particularly with the potential for chaos ahead.

Drivers Champion: Carlos Sainz +700

With Ferrari looking strong out the gate, and Carlos Sainz having kept the intra-team battle close in 2021, I think now is a good time to lock him in at +700. The drivers currently below him in terms of odds (George Russell and Sergio Perez) are all most likely to come behind their respective teammates and therefore are not worth putting the long-shot money on.

But Sainz has proven his ability to compete with Charles Leclerc, and the Ferrari is a clear favorite out the gate, so now may be the best chance to capitalize on those odds, particularly if Sainz pulls out the victory this weekend.

As always, you can get all of these odds exclusively at BetUS.

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