Formula 1 DraftKings Picks: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

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Best Stack

Ferrari ($10,800), Captain: Carlos Sainz ($14,700)

With Ferrari strong out the gate, having made a huge step forward with the power unit and performing strongly in medium to high-speed corners, I’m looking for Ferrari success at the high-speed Jeddah Circuit.

As a basic strategy, I want to stack the team I expect to win the race with the driver of that team that will win and put that driver in my captain slot. The price for Charles Leclerc is steep this week, coming off that Bahrain Grand Prix victory, so I’m pivoting to Carlos Sainz in the captain slot this week.

Sainz had an eventful Saudi Arabia Grand Prix last season, starting in 15^th and finishing eighth, despite a chaotic and interrupted race. He even passed Leclerc on track at one point but lost out at the end on worn tires. I expect him to be in a more favorable position in terms of strategy this week and take advantage by pulling out the victory, giving you a solid points floor.

Value Plays

Yuki Tsunoda ($3,600)

Last year, Yuki Tsunoda had many run-ins with other drivers in Saudi Arabia, hampering his final result in the race. That said, he managed to qualify eighth, demonstrating his speed around this circuit. I think we are going to see significant growth from Tsunoda this year in terms of his ability to make it through a race weekend with fewer errors.

Tsunoda is also coming off an eighth-place finish in Bahrain and the Alpha Tauri were in the top half of the field in the speed trap, which should help elevate them in Saudi Arabia. Plus, adding Tsunoda provides room for you to go after the likes of Kevin Magnussen ($8,000) and Valtteri Bottas ($7,600).

Esteban Ocon ($5,600)

Can I just say how happy I am to see Esteban Ocon in Formula One? He had a solid season in 2021, getting his first victory and nearly finishing on the podium in Saudi Arabia. The Alpine’s were fast in the speed trap in Bahrain and both Ocon and Fernando Alonso finished in the points. With Ocon spending time leading the race in last year’s Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, I expect him to over-perform this weekend as well.

Fernando Alonso ($6,200)

While Fernando Alonso had a messy 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, I think that was an outlier and that he has a more successful go of it this time. I mean, let’s be honest, who didn’t have a messy 2021 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix?

As mentioned in reference to Ocon, the Alpine cars are fast in the speed trap, which should provide Ocon and Alonso plenty of overtaking opportunities. I expect the Alpine to compete for the top of the mid-field this week, potentially taking it to the Mercedes who are struggling in the straights.

My Ideal Lineup

Captain: Carlos Sainz ($14,700)

Valtteri Bottas ($7,600)

Pierre Gasly ($7,200)

Esteban Ocon ($5,600)

Yuki Tsunoda ($3,600)

Constructor: Ferrari ($10,800)

Don’t forget to stay tuned to practice and qualify and pivot if necessary. Follow @FantasyAustin and the hashtag #F1Faceoff on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the best pivots throughout the weekend.

Formula 1 Best Bets: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

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