Turkish Grand Prix betting tips: Verstappen plays catch-up

Preview and odds for Sunday’s race

Lewis Hamilton has taken a two-point lead over Max Verstappen in a gripping battle for the World Championship as we head to Istanbul, so we look at some Turkish Grand Prix betting tips.

The Briton won the 100th grand prix of his career in Sochi, with Verstappen recovering from 20th place on the grid to finish second, while pole-sitter Lando Norris agonisingly slipped out of the lead with two laps left.

This is the first of seven remaining races in the closest battle for the title in many years, and the action starts on Sunday at 1pm and is live on Sky Sports.

Hamilton noses ahead

Having returned to the calendar last season after a nine-year absence, Formula One once again heads to the shores of the Bosphorus for the Turkish Grand Prix.

The circuit provides a demanding test for both car and driver, in particular the multi-apex turn eight, whilst its anti-clockwise layout also adds to the challenge.

Quick, undulating corners really provide a challenge, demanding a lot of the cars as well as bravery and commitment from the driver. It is 2/5 for the safety car to make an appearance on Sunday and little wonder, as track resurfacing and rain created low-grip conditions last year.

It did not deter Hamilton, who secured his second Turkish GP win and a record-equalling seventh title in the process.

Last week, he justified favouritism to win the rain-hit Russian GP, making a late switch to intermediate tyres to take the lead when Norris slid out.

Hamilton is 6/5 second favourite to win in Istanbul on Sunday and is 7/5 to be the fastest qualifier in Turkish Grand Prix betting tips.

Verstappen tops title odds

Verstappen produced a remarkable performance in Sochi, with the Red Bull relegated to 20th spot on the grid owing to a third engine change of the season.

Honda would have been delighted with the result, however, as the Dutchman cruised through the field to finish runner-up. He is now 4/6 to take the drivers’ championship, with Hamilton at 11/10.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took the final podium place, having briefly led at the start and pitted before his rivals. He is 66/1 to win in Turkey. Daniel Ricciardo was fourth in the McLaren and is also 66/1 to win this weekend.

Norris denied maiden win

There is no doubt Norris has a big future. He came away with driver of the day honours, but will feel the pain of having a maiden victory wrenched away from him in the final laps with the rain falling.

He produced a blistering qualifying time to take pole and is 14/1 to back that up in the fastest qualifier market this weekend and 20/1 to win the race.

Valtteri Bottas, 16/1 to win the Turkish GP, has earned 17 pole positions in his career. That included five last year, but he has just one to his name this season – in Portugal.

He has had multiple poles in the last four seasons and the Mercedes driver is 4/1 to be the fastest qualifier.

Verstappen, though, is 6/5 favourite in this market and is also 10/11 favourite to win the race in the Turkish Grand Prix betting tips.

View the latest F1 odds

All odds and markets correct at the date of publication