F1 Miami Grand Prix race preview & best bets – Sunday, May 7

Formula 1 hits the first of its three stops in the USA this weekend as the drivers touch down in Florida for the Miami Grand Prix. It was Sergio Perez who took the honours last weekend in Azerbaijan, closing the gap to his teammate Max Verstappen in the Drivers Championship.

Red Bull Racing have taken out all four races so far this season, with Perez and Verstappen claiming two wins apiece. Amid such a dominant start for the team, the two drivers have been left to battle amongst themselves. And while Verstappen is still the fastest guy on the grid, Perez is known as ‘King of the Street Circuit’ for a reason.

Perez made the streets of Baku his own last weekend. He might have only beaten Verstappen by two seconds, but it was still comfortable. Miami is another street circuit, which will give Perez the advantage as the track is similar to Baku. He will be confident this week as he dares to take over his teammate in the championship, and he looks good value to win it at +330 with Bovada.

Red Bull going first and second is a given at this stage, but what about the rest? Forget the Mercedes team this weekend; if Baku was any indication, then they won’t be up to the fight. Aston Martin’s upgraded wing worked a treat, as it gave them the downforce they needed, but they still lacked significant pace on the straights. Ferrari finally got to showcase some of their own pace for a change, proving that on the straights they could have the top speed of any team.

With decent upgrades, Charles Leclerc was able to showcase last weekend how fast he can be, arguably the quickest on the grid over one lap. With a similar track to Baku and a car to match his skill, look for Leclerc to go fastest in qualifying and secure pole for the race in Miami ($3.70).

This season hasn’t been one for the cleanest of racing out there. No matter who you are or what car you drive, it is almost a certainty that there will be a blunder creating a safety car.

Now, this has been at tracks where everything has been consistent. Miami International Autodrome is not consistent, as there have been several changes to the track with the most notable being the surface.

That is completely ignoring Miami itself. The weather is known for going from beautiful, sunny days to tropical thunderstorms without warning, which is what meteorologists are predicting for the race weekend. This could flip the race and grid positions on their head, even forcing teams to plan several alternate strategies for rain and potential safety cars, the latter of which you can guarantee at a price of -666.67 with the top F1 betting sites.

Key matchup: Alonso v Sainz

Fernando Alonso vs Carlos Sainz

Fernando Alonso has been carrying Aston Martin to start season 2023, telling the world that despite his age he is back and as swift as ever. Baku was a test for him and his car’s new upgrades, meaning that he couldn’t achieve another podium like he had done in the races previous. But all that means to us is that Alonso now has a good grasp of what the car can achieve, which will be better this weekend. Aston Martin’s main rival for this race will be Ferrari, and although Alonso might not have the pace to match Leclerc, he will surely have his sights fixed on the other Spaniard on the grid.

Carlos Sainz saw Alonso as his idol as he made his way through the F1 ranks, but he will have to set aside his personal views this weekend. It has been an up-and-down year for Sainz, with Australia being the biggest low he could get to. In Baku, however, he was able to secure fourth and some significant points for his team as they hunt down the rest in the Constructors Championship. Ferrari will expect Sainz to produce for his team again, but he will have Alonso for company every step of the way. If one thing is for sure: Sainz will not be afforded any slip-ups.

Miami Grand Prix F1 betting predictions

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