British Grand Prix: A Record-Setting Homecoming in Store for Hamilton?

British Grand Prix: A Record-Setting Homecoming in Store for Hamilton?

British Grand Prix 2019

For the first time this season, we enter a race that isn’t coming off a Mercedes win. Lewis Hamilton ran into problems in Austria for the second year in a row, which opened the door for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to defend his title at the Red Bull Ring.

Hamilton will now look to put that disappointment behind him as he heads back home for the British Grand Prix, where he is on the cusp of breaking a special record.

And as the British Grand Prix 2019 odds indicate, it would take a monumental effort for anyone to prevent the reigning champion from taking his place in history.

Talking Points

Hamilton ready to bounce back at home

There’s just something about Austria that brings Lewis Hamilton bad luck. The Briton infamously had to retire from last year’s race due to fuel pressure problem. And this year, he picked up front-wing damage on the kerbs, which led to him finishing a disappointing fifth — by far his lowest finish of the season.

Hamilton also had his share of misfortune in last year’s British GP. After he squandered his pole position by getting off to a poor start, he also got spun around in a collision with Kimi Raikkonen, which sent him to the back of the field.

But it speaks to Hamilton’s remarkable skill that he still finished second, just over two seconds behind Vettel despite those setbacks.

That result ended Hamilton’s amazing streak of four consecutive wins at Silverstone. But you can bet that he will be more than ready to start a new streak this year as he also looks to claim the all-time record for most British GPs.

Leclerc looking to keep up fine form

Don’t look now, but Charles Leclerc is coming up the types of performances that Ferrari were hoping to see from him.

The talented 21-year-old has been outperforming world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel of late and has now reached the podium in three consecutive races after his second-place finish in Austria.

Although, Leclerc must be disappointed at how he lost out on his first career win after he was overtaken by Verstappen so late in the race. There was some hope that the result would be overturned after an inquiry of the incident, but it was not to be.

Leclerc will just have to go out and earn that first win himself starting in Silverstone, a track where he’s won in both European F3 and Formula 2.

With his confidence sky-high — not to mention Ferrari’s power likely to come into play in Silverstone’s many medium and high-speed corners —  there’s every reason to think he can finally get over the hump this weekend.

Verstappen aiming for another victory

After knocking on the door for most of the season, Verstappen finally claimed his first victory in Austria and it was well-deserved.

The Dutch driver made up his deficit on Leclerc within the final few laps and pulled off the overtaking manoeuvre to seal the deal.

Verstappen has been remarkably consistent all year long; he’s finished below fourth just once all season. He also would’ve had another podium finish had it not been for a time penalty he incurred at Monaco.

The Red Bull remains lacking in power compared to Mercedes and Ferrari, which will be a major disadvantage Verstappen must overcome. But he finished just behind Hamilton back in 2016 and will be hoping to produce some British Grand Prix 2019 highlights en route to another fine result.

History

The British Grand Prix will celebrate its 70th edition this weekend, which would be a fitting time for Hamilton to set a new wins record. The Briton is currently tied with fellow Briton Jim Clark and Alain Prost for all-time British GP wins with five.

Hamilton also has six career poles at  Silverstone, which is significantly more than Sebastian Vettel in second place with two.

Hamilton, who has won pole in the last four British GPs, would set a new record for poles in his home race if he does get it once again. He’s currently tied with his hero, Ayrton Senna, who has six poles at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

What are the odds?

The SBOBET odds for this race are just about as you’d expect. Hamilton is the clear 1.80 favourite to claim his sixth British GP title. Team-mate Valtteri Bottas and the two Ferraris drivers, Vettel and Leclerc, are on the next tier, with Verstappen further behind them at 9.00.

Based on recent history, this race is basically Hamilton’s to lose and only another unforeseen accident could deny him that record.

Perhaps a more interesting bet to take on in this race is for the fastest lap driver. The two Red Bull drivers — Verstappen and Pierre Gasly — are curiously favourites at 4.50 despite their notable power disadvantage compared to Mercedes and Ferrari.

Bottas, Leclerc and Vettel — who are all priced at 5.50 — all have a bit more value as a result and deserve some serious consideration.

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

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