In a new feature for 2014, TheJudge13 will look into Formula One odds from a range of bookmakers analysing what the odds would suggest. We would invite readers to get involved and tell us if you think they are a fair reflection of what is set to be an amazing season ahead of us.
On a side note, those who still have not registered for the TJ13 GP Predictor League with Castrol can do so by following the link below. Last year saw some fierce competition with the winner coming from behind in the final race. If you think you have what it takes to beat the TJ13 team then you know what to do…it could even win you a PlayStation4!
League code: 6a70171018802287a2ef60e04396f1a0
Last time out
With so many unknowns from pre-season testing it really is anybody’s guess as to who will come out on top this year. The Mercedes powertrain looks to be the strongest, but will the works team be the one that takes the glory? Many feel it could be Lewis’ year – at 2/1 he is the favourite.
With Williams and McLaren also showing huge improvement from 2013, the German outfit are set to face still competition. Then there is Force India, who should not be discounted with the vastly experienced driver line-up of Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez.
There are many who have say Ferrari have been sandbagging in the Bahrain tests meaning there is much more to come from the Maranello squad as they unleash their former World Champion pairing loose in the F14-T.
With Renault seemingly massively off the pace, Vettel seems unlikely to be able to defend his title and equal the 5 in a row by Schumacher. Whether they will be able to develop the car in good time remains to be seen, but the double points for the final race could be highly polemic topic if the title comes down to the final race of the season.
Looking ahead
Having been a happy hunting ground for Jenson Button in the past, he will enjoy coming back to Albert Park. His McLaren-Mercedes will be in good stead for a strong result here, so can the Frome flyer capitalise? 5/2 odds for a podium finish seem like a very fair price.
Hot to trot
Both Williams drivers to score – 8/11 – Having been the most consistent team in terms of car reliability in Bahrain this seems likely. However, given this is the first showing with the cars in racing trim there is every possibility of surprises being thrown up.
Number of classified finishers under 13.5 – 4/7 – With this being first time the cars are being tested at full pace in race format there are bound to be problems and not just for the Renault powertrain teams. However, perhaps the team will have sorted their issues since Bahrain; it really could be a lottery.
Winning constructor Mercedes – 4/5 – Being the strongest team in pre-season it is only sensible to expect them to come out on top in Australia. This market takes away the uncertainty of the teammate battle. However, other Mercedes powered cars have looked strong as well, especially Felipe Massa in his new Williams. Could he upset the Silver Arrows party?
A punt on a grunt
A look at a more speculative market – Adrian Sutil is priced at 15/8 for a points finished in Melbourne. Given the experience of the German driver this seems a very long odd for a top 10 finish. Do you agree?
We all look forward to an incredible first weekend of the season. Who knows if it will pan out how pre-season testing has suggested it will…?
TJ13 only suggests responsible gambling. For advice on the subject visit www.gambleaware.co.uk/ From all the team – enjoy the race!
Daft question, is the GP Predictor also offering double points in the last race? Could make the final result even more interesting.
Haha if only Stephen. Fortunately we are not selling out to TV audiences!