The Max Verstappen show arrives in Barcelona this week for the Spanish Grand Prix (9 a.m. ET, ESPN).
The two-time reigning F1 champion looks set for a third straight title, having won four of the six rounds of the world championship so far this season, the latest of a dominant 27-second win in mixed conditions at Monaco . Verstappen enters the weekend at -250 according to BetMGM and only two other drivers – his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso – have odds above +2200.
The Circuit de Catalunya holds a special place in Verstappen’s history as it was the site of his first career victory in 2016, the same week he was promoted from Toro Rosso to his senior team Red Bull Racing.
Even if that means putting in $2.50 for every dollar you win, bet on the Dutchman. Only a mechanical breakdown or an accident stops it. But, if you’re adventurous, here are some other bets to consider this weekend:
Fernando Alonso finishes on the podium (-185)
He’s only finished worse than third once this season – fourth in Baku in what was also his worst qualifying performance – and he’s in his native Spain. A year ago, with less competitive Alpine machines, Alonso went from last on the grid to ninth. He plans to do much better this weekend for Aston Martin.
Mercedes and Red Bull drivers will finish in the top 6 (+110)
This bet would have been cashed last year in Spain and it has happened in three out of six rounds this season, including the last two. The only lingering concern here would be the strength of Mercedes’ car this season, but the upgrade package brought by the Silver Arrows to Monaco has seen both drivers improve their starting grid position, which is increasingly difficult in the principality.
An Aston Martin driver does not finish in the points (+150)
We’ve already offered Alonso a podium finish, which means we don’t expect much from Lance Stroll this weekend. His average finish in Catalunya is 12th and he has never finished a Spanish Grand Prix in the lead lap.
Esteban Ocon finishes in the top 6 (+250)
The Frenchman and his Alpine Renault team appear to be back in shape over the past two race weekends, culminating in Ocon’s third-place finish in Monaco. Although he finished seventh last year in the Alpine, he has never had such a good car and he is showing what he is capable of.
Verstappen wins by more than 10 seconds, sets the fastest lap and Red Bull achieves the fastest pit stop (+1200)
At these odds and as dominant as Verstappen and Red Bull have shown this season, it’s definitely worth picking up a flyer.