Monaco GP Betting Preview

Next stop Monaco in what is already proving to be an enthralling F1 season. Always one of the most instantly recognisable Grand Prix’s on the tour, the twists and turns of the principality make for a unique spectacle - all set against the glamourous backdrop of Monte Carlo and the French Riviera.

Max Verstappen led the field home in 2021 and, having now moved to the head of the drivers’ standings, will likely be confident of holding onto his crown. Will the defending World Champion make it five wins from seven Grand Prix’s so far this season? Here we take a look at the key betting pointers and pick our best bets for the race.

Monaco Grand Prix Betting Pointers

Premium on Pole Position

There are few Grand Prix’s which place such an importance on qualifying as Monaco. A narrow track, with only a couple of realistic overtaking opportunities, those starting at the head of affairs tend to stay there. Of the past 17 editions of this, 13 have been won by the driver starting in pole position.

with Charles Leclerc having started on pole in four of six events so far this season

That stat immediately points to Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc having started on pole in four of six events so far this season. Added to that, Leclerc qualified for this race in pole position twelve months ago, only to be forced out of the race due to a driveshaft issue – handing position 1 on the grid to Verstappen, who made no mistake.

Saudi and Australian Form Worth Considering

Whilst there are no Grand Prix’s which are directly comparable to this distinctive test, of the early season events the Saudi Arabian and Australian GP’s may be the most significant. Saudi Arabia by virtue of also being a street circuit, and Australia as it is the only event so far this season to have employed the Pirelli C5 tyres set to be in the rotation here.

Advantage Leclerc once more, with the 24-year-old being the only man to have made the podium in both races – finishing second in Saudi Arabia and, starting in pole, winning the race and setting the fastest lap in Melbourne - for a first career Grand Slam.

Monaco Grand Prix Best Bets

Charles the King on Home Soil

No surprise that we will be plumping for Leclerc to bag his third top spot of the season and potentially regain the lead in the title race. The fact that he was forced out of the race in Spain with a power issue does pose a slight question mark, but it should be noted that he was miles clear of the field at the time. Excellent in qualifying all season, and also here in 2021, this Monaco native is taken to do it all from the front in his home GP.

• Charles Leclerc to win the Monaco Grand Prix @ 11/10 with Betfred

Lewis Locked in On Top 3 Finish

George Russell and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes are well worth considering for a podium finish. Winners of the past eight constructors’ titles, Mercedes have made a slow start this term, but are making optimistic noises that the stability issues which have plagued the car have now been ironed out. The stats and finishing positions from Spain certainly back that up (3rd and 5th) and it wouldn’t be the greatest shock should they threaten here. Russell may be the emerging talent, but is yet to prove he has mastered the intricacies of this track. Hamilton in contrast has hit the podium on seven occasions from 14 attempts around here and looks good value to do so once again.

• Lewis Hamilton Podium Finish @ 11/4 with William Hill

Pierre In The Points

And finally, Pierre Gasly of AlphaTauri appears a little overpriced to finish in the points. The less heralded of the two Red Bull outfits, AlphaTauri are ticking along nicely this season, with a top 10 finish in five of six events so far. Gasly was the man responsible for two of those – finishing eighth in Saudi Arabia and ninth in Melbourne. The Frenchman’s form at this track also makes for solid reading, with seventh, fifth and sixth placed finishes from just three previous visits.

• Pierre Gasly Points Finish @ 11/8 with Betfred

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