Dutch Grand Prix qualifying predictions and F1 betting tips

Free F1 tips, best bets and analysis for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session at Zandvoort on Saturday

Where to watch

Practice three
Sky Sports F1, 11am Saturday
Qualifying
Sky Sports F1, 2pm Saturday

Best bet

Charles Leclerc fastest qualifier
1pt each-way 18-1 Hills

Preview

There is potential for an upset in Saturday’s Dutch Grand Prix qualifying session.

Home hero Max Verstappen is odds-on to take pole position for the sixth time in seven races.

However the Red Bull driver was only fifth in second practice as interrupted running shuffled the expected order.

The morning hour was reduced to 22 minutes of running after a lengthy stoppage, while second practice was also interrupted.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in an uninformative first session, but the Briton’s Mercedes stopped on track early in the afternoon with an engine failure – to the delight of Verstappen’s army of fans.

The Zandvoort circuit in its current configuration has never been used for Formula One, and the narrow track and limited run-off areas could contribute to some surprises in qualifying.

Verstappen was unable to show his true pace in the afternoon due to traffic and session stoppages, and qualifying could be similarly affected.

It’s easy to see why the Dutchman is favourite but taking odds on in a session which could be chaotic doesn’t make much appeal.

Hamilton has a history of bouncing back from Friday misfortune, but he has taken only three poles in this season’s 12 races.

Friday form always has to be taken with a pinch of salt, but Ferrari have shown this year that it’s worth paying attention when they show early pace.

The Scuderia have produced a fickle machine this season, but it seems to have taken a liking to Zandvoort with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz topping the timesheet in practice two.

It has been an up-and-down season for Ferrari, but Leclerc took pole position at Monaco and Azerbaijan.

The Italian outfit did not look so competitive on longer runs in practice, but with overtaking looking tricky at the track, that could persuade Ferrari to go all out for single-lap pace.

At the prices, and given the potential for chaos, backing Leclerc to equal Hamilton’s pole tally for 2021 looks the most attractive betting option.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport