With the conclusion of another off week, Formula 1 is back for their first stint in Europe (and first sprint race!) of the 2022 season. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix gets underway this Friday, April 22nd, with the first free practice beginning at 7:30 A.M. EST.
Who’s favored in race number four of the F1 calendar? I’ll walk you through the drivers and bets I like this weekend in Italy.
All betting odds for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix referenced via BetMGM.
EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX PICKS: RACE WINNER
More than a week removed from his grand slam in Albert Park, Charles Leclerc remains the no-brainer pick to continue his winning ways at Imola. Who has been faster than the Monegasque driver this season? Leclerc boasts two pole positions, two race wins and fastest lap in all three contests in 2022. His track record at Imola is excellent as well, with top five finishes at both appearances in 2021 and 2020.
Max Verstappen won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from third in his championship-effort last season, but until Red Bull reach a higher level of reliability with the RB18, I wouldn’t trust him. With a shorter track already negating Red Bull’s high top speed, sleep on Verstappen this weekend.
After a notable improvement in the Australian Grand Prix, Mercedes looks primed to deliver on the improvements promised by the first European campaign of this season. Team boss Toto Wolff preached patience however, admitting the W13 still remains behind the pace of Ferrari and Red Bull. With upgrades to come, take a wait-and-see approach on both Mercedes drivers for the time being.
Leclerc is the obvious favorite for a reason and I will plug him till proven otherwise. Expect another win from the hottest driver of 2022
PICK: CHARLES LECLERC (+120)
EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX PICKS: TOP SIX FINISH
Fun fact, there is only one driver on the grid with more than two starts at Imola: Fernando Alonso. The Alpine driver started at Imola six times, winning in 2005 and finishing P4.6 on average (He finished in the points last year in his second race at Alpine). If not for an unfortunate hydraulics issue in Australia, Alonso showcased top three qualifying pace at Albert Park.
The Spaniard looks more comfortable every race. With the turn of pace Alpine displayed and his wealth of experience, I’m hammering Alonso to find a top six finish this weekend.
PICK: FERNANDO ALONSO (+150)
EMILIA ROMAGNA GRAND PRIX PICKS: TOP TEN FINISH
Despite a lackluster start to the year, Pierre Gasly continues to punch above his weight. After a top ten finish got derailed by engine failure in Bahrain, Gasly delivered top ten performances at Saudi Arabia and Australia. He has never qualified worse than fifth at Imola, which is fourth among qualifying averages on the grid.
Gasly is a consistent force at AlphaTauri and an almost-lock to finish in the points every race weekend. He’ll keep up his stellar record in Imola with another top ten finish.
Wolveridge Langan 
Max 😴😴😴😴
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