Monaco GP

The F1 season has been pretty terrible this season hasn't it? So far we have seen five Mercedes 1-2s, the top five drivers have occupied the top five positions in each of those races, and we haven't even been able to cheer Robert Kubica's return, having finished 17th, 16th, 17th, 16th and 18th.

Oh well, Monaco always mixes it up right? Unfortunately not this season is the likely answer.

The final sector times in Barcelona are always a crucial indicator of likely performance in the principality, so it's pretty disappointing to note that the two Mercedes were almost half a second quicker than their next nearest rivals round the last few twists and turns in Spain.

Taking the best time through S3 in Barcelona for each car, Mercedes clocked a 25.88s - their nearest rivals Reb Bull a full 0.444s slower. Ferrari were slightly behind, followed by Haas, Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren in quick succession.

Lewis Hamilton is chalked up at 5/4, which has to be short enough on a circuit where an untimely Safety Car or a botched pit-stop can present a situation from which you cannot recover.

With Valtteri Bottas much closer to Hamilton this season, and claiming pole position in each of the last three races, perhaps the Finn is worth backing at 3/1.

Behind Mercedes, Verstappen looks the best prepared in the Red Bull, which looks likely to be quicker than Ferrari here, but can you really trust the impatient Dutchman here? He's as likely to bin at as he is to dazzle.

Charles Leclerc knows every turn of this track, having grown up here, but has he got the machinery at his disposal in this one? I'm not so sure.

Thae Haas has been quick this season, but warming up their tyres could be an issue on the slower speed track, and I'd prefer to get with Daniil Kvyat at 7/2 to finish in the top 6. A top 8 qualifying slot looks more than capable for him. He lined up 6th in Azerbaijan and 9th in Spain.

2pts Bottas to win the Monaco GP at 3/1 (Betfair Exchange)

1pt Kvyat to finish in the Top 6 at 7/2 (General)

#F1