Abu Dhabi Grand Prix betting tips: F1 preview, picks and analysis
Louis Bollard was in profit again last week and he's looking to cap an excellent season with more winners in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
F1 betting tips: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
3pts Ferrari to take pole position at 11/4 (Sky Bet)
2pts Fernando Alonso for a podium finish at 16/1 (Star Sports)
Ferrari can top the charts again
FERRARI proved to be ahead of the pack on single lap pace on the streets of Las Vegas last weekend where this selection landed for us. This weekend, we return to a more conventional track for the final race of the season where I will be backing Ferrari to take their sixth pole in nine races.
The Yas Marina circuit features two long straights as well a some low-speed corners which will benefit the Ferraris. Since the summer break, Ferrari have failed to get pole on only three tracks, all of which require more performance in high-speed corners, which is Ferrari’s weakness.
Ferrari have P2 in the Constructors' Championship in their sights having clawed the deficit back to just four points after a strong Las Vegas GP. I expect we’ll see a close battle for this on Sunday, but on Saturday I expect the Ferrari to be clear of the Mercedes and fighting for pole position.
Value in Alonso podium play
After McLaren’s strong performances in the Japanese and Qatar Grand Prix it looked like the battle for 4th (and $20 million) in the constructors’ was over. That was until Aston Martin brought their upgrade package to the US Grand Prix in Texas.
After some teething problems, we’ve seen Aston Martin get close to their early-season form once again. The last two races have seen a FERANDO ALONSO podium and Lance Stroll with consecutive fifth-place finishes.
The Aston Martin upgrade looks to work on a range of circuits as it was successful on both of the vastly different ones in Brazil and Las Vegas. With three practice sessions before competitive action begins, I am confident Aston Martin can set the car up correctly and avoid the setup mistake we saw in Texas.
As mentioned, Alonso scored a podium in Brazil, and I expect him to challenge for the top three again this weekend as they bring the fight to McLaren. With an 11-point deficit to McLaren to make up this weekend, we may see extra risks being taken by Aston Martin to get the 42-year-old Spaniard his 107th podium finish.
Other drivers' chances
Max Verstappen
Arrives to Abu Dhabi in a much more relaxed state than he did for his maiden 2021 title win. Was challenged for the win in Las Vegas but there is no performance reason for him to get beat here.
Lewis Hamilton
Will be more confident of a good result here than he was last weekend. Will give it his all to beat Ferrari in a championship battle that is too close to call.
Lando Norris
Has recovered from a big impact in Las Vegas. Will be more confident of a strong result here than last weekend but this track won’t suit as much other high speed circuits. Podium chance.
Alpha Tauri
Nightmare weekend in Las Vegas after such a positive run. Will hope to be challenging for points again here with Alpine. Aim is to beat Williams in the championship, will need luck to do so.
Sergio Perez
Has secured second in the championship. Pressure is off now so hard to predict how he will perform.
Posted at 1450 GMT on 23/11/23
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