It has been an unforgettable Formula 1 season to this point, and the drama looks set to continue as we head to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this coming weekend. The race for the championship looks set to go down until the final race in Abu Dhabi, but will it be Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton sitting at the top of the Drivers’ Championship after this weekend?
Outright Italian Grand Prix Winner
Vital points will be decided in the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, as there is currently just a difference of three points between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen took control at the summit this past weekend, as he won his home Grand Prix in the Netherlands. It was a stunning tactical ride by the Dutchman, as Red Bull were able to hold off every challenge put down to them by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
The British driver finished second, but managed to get the bonus point after clocking the fastest lap in the closing stages. Hamilton has a fine record in Monza though, having won five times in the past, and would be our slight pick to win the race this weekend.
Prediction: Lewis Hamilton at 1.10 with BetXchange.
Fastest Qualifier Pick
Qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix will take place the day before the featured race at Monza. Red Bull have been in fine form in qualification throughout the season, with Verstappen taking pole in seven of the 13 races. He has also been at the top of the grid in six of the previous seven races, with the only exception coming in Hungary, as Lewis Hamilton had the top spot.
Mercedes have only topped the grid on four occasions this season, with Hamilton being the fastest qualifier on three occasions and Valtteri Bottas achieving the feat on one occasion. It will be another close contest between the two leading manufacturers again this weekend. Hamilton has been the fastest qualifier at the Italian Grand Prix on two occasions in the previous four years, and that track record for both him and Mercedes could be the important factor this weekend.
Prediction: Lewis Hamilton at 1.20 with BetXchange.
Fastest Lap Pick
Bonus points for the fastest lap could be integral when we get towards the tail end of the F1 season this year, which means that the last couple of laps will be vital regardless of the places that drivers find themselves in. Mercedes had a bit of a mishap at the Dutch Grand Prix last weekend, as they gave Bottas the green light to get the bonus, before altering their decision for Hamilton to get the bonus.
Should Hamilton be at the head of the race coming into the closing laps this weekend, then we could see a fascinating race for the fastest lap between Bottas and Verstappen on Sunday. However, the firepower that the latter has ensures that he would be the pick, after clocking the fastest lap on four previous occasions this season.
Prediction: Max Verstappen at 1.75 with BetXchange.
