Bookies Expect Repeat Performance from Hamilton at Monaco

Gambling.com Editor

May 18th, 2017

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The prestigious Monaco Grand Prix 2017 is the race of all races. This is the Formula 1 (F1) race that every driver wants to win. This circuit can only be won with complete precision, bravery and technical brilliance behind the wheel.

With 78 laps of the finest and most demanding race track in the world, there is no room for error at Monaco. The record for fastest lap was achieved by Lewis Hamilton only last year; this will certainly put the Brit as the favourite if he tops the qualifying race.

Tips for Betting the Monaco Grand Prix

When you’re placing bets on the Monaco Grand Prix, there's a lot more to consider than other circuits. The barrier-lined circuit is one of the most dangerous, with overtaking being a bigger challenge than it should be, even close to impossible.

This is why your betting strategy should involve watching the qualifying race very carefully. The qualifying times count more than anything at Monaco; the campaign will set the pace and tell us who will likely finish strong in the race.

What to Consider Before Placing Bets this Year

Before placing your bets on your selected online betting site, you should watch how drivers perform around Monaco’s Portier corner. This very turn on the track is what will see a driver hit a good lap time. This corner then leads on to Loews hairpin, the slowest corner in Formula 1.

That turn is then follows the tunnel where drivers can hit flat out speeds. Even the best drivers can end up out of the race on these demanding turns. The 3.34-kilometre Monte Carlo circuit is all about qualification, so the pole sitter will likely be a strong favourite to win.

Best Bets of the Monaco Grand Prix 2017

Sebastian Vettel’s season is going well and some online sports betting sites have placed him as favourite to win the F1 Championship. He's currently sitting at cool odds of 11/8 with bet365. Vettel won two of the first three races this season but the German still sits behind Lewis Hamilton at the top.

The three-time world champion is considered the man to beat by the bookmakers, with William Hill pitching him at 5/4. However, after the Russian Grand Prix, it looks like Hamilton may not be a foregone conclusion.

Valtteri Bottas took the win in Russia, with Vettel coming in second and Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen (14/1 with bet365) claiming the other podium spot. Lewis Hamilton had to make do with a fourth-placed finish after struggling to overcome engine issues, resulting in his drop on the table.

Vettel currently has a 13-point lead on Hamilton going into Spain and then Monaco, with the German looking like a serious contender. Hamilton is the record lap holder and will likely claim pole position. If the Brit can top it, then he’ll surely finish the race with a win.

Hamilton the Clear Favourite in 2017

The early bookmakers' favourite is Hamilton, after the retirement of former teammate and last season’s champion, Nico Rosberg. He's been replaced by former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, who looks in very good form but should not pose a threat to teammate Hamilton.

If you're willing to take a chance, he's priced at a reasonable 13/2 with William Hill to take the top spot. There are, however, some new changes that have come into play that could have an impact on the racing style of certain drivers.

The F1 has introduced wider tyres and lower rear-wings, which will increase cornering speeds and reduce the downforce. It'll be interesting to see how these changes are handled on the Monte Carlo circuit. They could favour certain teams, like Red Bull and Renault who will be trying to close the gap on Mercedes.

Ferrari’s regular personnel changes have proved to be a miss with no wins for the second time in the last three seasons; they have the budget and drivers but behind the scenes it doesn’t instil confidence.

What it All Comes Down to

Monaco’s Monte Carlo race track is won on the qualifying campaign. There are plenty of betting opportunities besides picking the winner, so you’ll be able to learn a lot from watching the qualifying round and making an educated pick on the top three finishers or fastest lap time achieved.

If you’re placing bets across the season, keep in mind that with new regulations and a variety of personnel changes in the teams, the 2017 season will probably throw some curve balls. For all the odds on the Monaco Grand Prix, head over to bet365 Sports today before things kick off next Thursday!