We’re back in Europe for another Formula 1 weekend, with the Spanish Grand Prix on the docket. Multiple teams have brought upgrades to Barcelona, which play major factors in our picks for the weekend.
After the first two practices, I looked through and picked out my favorite bets of the race weekend, including a former World Champion (just not the one you think).
Check out my picks, with all odds referenced via BetMGM:
SPANISH GRAND PRIX PICKS
RACE WINNER
Two races removed from his last race win in Albert Park, Charles Leclerc is looking primed to come up big in Barcelona. The Ferrari driver already has two top five finishes at the Spanish GP and landed at the top of the times in FP2. Leclerc was one of four drivers to crack the 1:19 mark for his fastest lap time.
Surprisingly, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen couldn’t make the top four in FP2. The World Champion’s time lagged more than three tenths behind Leclerc’s. Even after winning two in a row, I think Verstappen will be behind the pace in Spain. Red Bull’s straight line speed build struggles in Barcelona. Since 2012, Verstappen’s win in 2016 is Red Bull’s only win and was the benefit of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg’s iconic crash.
The pole sitter in Barcelona is arguably one of the most important positions of the season. If Verstappen can’t get into the 1:19’s, expect Leclerc to dominate the weekend. His line for the win is favorable, so I’m taking Leclerc to finish first in Spain.
(Note: Verstappen did finish FP3 in the 1:19’s, so he’ll be more competitive than I previously thought. Leclerc finished ahead of him, so I still prefer the Ferrari driver)
PICK: CHARLES LECLERC RACE WINNER (+150)
TOP 3 FINISH
Despite Mercedes starting the season below their standards, George Russell continues to be consistent for the Silver Arrows. Russell is the only driver to finish in the top five of every single race this season.
An upcoming strong finish from Russell is encouraged by Mercedes’ historical domination in Spain. Both Mercedes drivers have finished on the podium in every season since 2018 and have won seven of the last eight Spanish GPs.
Russell boasted a 1:19.787 in FP2, trailing only Leclerc. He outpaced Hamilton, Carlos Sainz and Verstappen during the session. Russell has shown incredible qualifying and race pace in a maligned Mercedes car this season. With the W13 looking significantly improved this weekend, take the favorable line on Russell to podium.
PICK: GEORGE RUSSELL TOP 3 (+275)
TOP TEN FINISH
The Ashton Martin upgrades for Spain fell under heavy criticism after resembling the frontrunning Red Bull Rb18. Regardless of the legality involving the changes, the car looks very much improved.
Sebastian Vettel showcased the improvements by posting a 1:20.703 in FP2, only a second behind the leading Leclerc. Vettel’s time was good for eighth in the session, which is very encouraging for a driver who has struggled to finish races this season.
Vettel definitely has the pace to make an impact. In the only race he did finish, the former World Champion climbed five places to finish in the points in Imola. With a stellar track record at Barcelona (fourth best qualifying and finishing average among active drivers), Vettel appears primed to score points for Ashton Martin once again.
PICK: SEBASTIAN VETTEL TOP 10 (+125)
Check my betting record and track my current bets on Betstamp.
Wolveridge Langan 