We’re now at our third race of the season, with this weekend shaping up to be a repeat of our first two weekends.
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled, this is our final race for some weeks, so let’s hope these new regulations continue to spice up the racing and leave us with something in the meantime.
Kimi Antonelli to take pole position at 23/10 (Sky Bet)
At the Chinese Grand Prix nearly two weeks ago, Kimi Antonelli took pole position and became the youngest ever pole-sitter in F1 history.
While George Russell may have more experience, Antonelli is a sure bet to be in the hunt during qualifying this weekend at Suzuka, with Shanghai proving just that.
Russell is the bookies’ favourite at 4/6, but Antonelli’s young, fighting energy feels a sure bonus.
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George Russell to win at 4/7 (Sky Bet)
Whilst Antonelli had the edge in qualifying and the race last weekend, Russell’s mature racecraft experience is something that cannot be subdued.
In China, Russell lost time to his team-mate while stuck in a dogfight between the two Ferrari drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, unable to break free and deliver his true pace.
Despite this, Australia showed us what he was capable of.
One thing seems certain, though: these Mercedes boys and their car seem tough to beat.
Antonelli is the bookies’ second-place bet at 10/3.
Charles Leclerc to get fastest lap at 5/1 (Bet365)
Whilst Mercedes has been the rocket ship to beat so far, the Ferraris have always been in a close second.
The fastest lap is not always claimed by the quickest team at a given weekend, but rather by the person who finds the space to set one, just like Red Bull driver Max Verstappen in the opening round of the season.
Expect Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc to be in a hunting mood this weekend as Ferrari tries to prove their worth over the dominant Silver Arrows.
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SportJustSport writers