Alonso is top value in British GP market without Mercedes
Published:The British Grand Prix is next on the Formula One calendar and given every man and his dog are expecting another Mercedes procession it’s time to assess the race market without Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.
Unsurprisingly, the only other man to have experienced a chequered flag being waggled at them this season leads the chasing pack from a betting perspective.
Red Bull rookie Daniel Ricciardo, who has upstaged his quadruple world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel all season, is a 3/1 chance.
However, not only do the short-ish odds detract slightly from this punt, but so does the extremely poor showing of his Red Bull team over the weekend in Austria.
Team principle Christian Horner has been particularly vocal in his criticisms of engine suppliers Renault, deeming the unreliable performance of their equipment as “unacceptable”.
In that race, Vettel was forced to retire for the third time this season, while Ricciardo finished eighth.
The world champion is a 9/2 chance at Silverstone, but cannot be backed with any confidence, though an improved showing from the Red Bulls is expected after a two-week hiatus to iron out some technical issues with Renault.
After Williams’ brilliant performance in Austria, it certainly adds attraction to Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas at 4s, though the advantage they gained with their Mercedes engine is likely to be lost with an inferior chassis at downforce-demanding Silvertsone.
This leaves two-time British Grand Prix winner Fernando Alonso in a strong position and at great odds of 6/1 as well, given Ferrari’s superior downforce.
Although third remains the Spaniard’s best result of the season in China, he’s been consistent by finishing in the top four positions three times and was fifth in Austria.
If Ferrari’s Renault engine performs, expect the double-world champion to squeeze every last drop of pace out of it at one of his favourite circuits.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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