Formula One: Ricciardo to sling his way past Mercedes in Singapore

The Formula One circus rolls into glamorous Singapore this weekend after a snooze-fest of a race in Italy last time out. Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had it easy at Monza, but there’s plenty to suggest the title rivals will face a proper challenge around the Marina Bay Street circuit.

Step forward Daniel Ricciardo.

The Red Bull ace has been in stunning form this season, and the Australian is the only non-Mercedes driver to pick up more than one podium finish in the past four races.

What’s more, the man who takes inspiration from the fierce Honey Badger’s relentless attitude is looking to Singapore as the place to avenge half-a-season’s worth of pain.

Ricciardo could and should have won at Monaco back in May, only for a pit-stop error to hand victory to Hamilton.

Four months on, and back at a street circuit which should – like Monaco – suit his RB12 to a tee, the 27-year-old could be a great punt at 10/3 for a fourth career victory.

The Aussie has fine pedigree at F1’s famous night race too, finishing third in 2014 and second last year, so if he’s to maintain that podium pattern, the next step is the top step.

And Ricciardo will be hoping Mercedes repeat their Singapore struggles from 12 months ago too.

Amid another season of total dominance, the German outfit were nowhere at this event last year, qualifying fifth and sixth, with Hamilton retiring in the race and Rosberg trundling home in fourth.

After a major lack of excitement in Italy, the sport could do with Mercedes suffering a repeat in Singapore, especially with new owners to impress following the buyout from Liberty Media.

And should we get two or three teams in the chase for victory, Sebastian Vettel could be a fruitful price at 8/1.

The German hasn’t won since winning at this event 12 months ago. But after some mid-season troubles, has shown improved form lately in his Ferrari.

And then there’s Max Verstappen, the teenage ace who will be let loose around the demanding Marina circuit in a car capable of victory for the first time.

Red Bull’s Dutch wonderkid is the only man not driving a Mercedes to win a race this season, and at one of the sport’s most punishing tracks – drivers can lose up to 4kgs during Sunday’s race – who could bet against F1’s new superstar stunning us all yet again at 6/1?

Formula One could do with some on-track thrills, and with thunderstorms forecast for the entire weekend, we might just get some at super Singapore.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.