F1 Belgian Grand Prix predictions: Sergio Perez can grab opportunity

Free F1 tips, best bets and analysis for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports F1, 2pm Sunday

Best bets

Sergio Perez to win Belgian Grand Prix
1pt 16-5 Betfair, Paddy Power

Alex Albon points finish
1pt 2-1 bet365

Belgian Grand Prix preview

Max Verstappen has dominated Belgian Grand Prix weekend so far and cruised to the fastest time in qualifying by a wide margin.

The runaway world champ­ionship leader would be long odds-on for a ninth victory of the season, except he is starting the race 15th thanks to a penalty for exceeding his allocation of engine parts.

He’s not alone – six other drivers, including his title rival Charles Leclerc are also nominally starting from the back of the grid.

Verstappen is still the layers’ favourite, but might need a bit of luck to win the race

Michael Schumacher won at Spa from 16th on the grid in 1995, although a mixed bag of weather helped him and Verstappen would probably need a well-timed safety car to take victory.

His Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez missed out on pole position to Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, but given the Scuderia’s questionable relibility record and string of strategic errors the Mexican is preferred.

Perez sits just five points behind Leclerc in the standings and there’s a strong possibility Red Bull drivers could leave Belgium occupying the top two positions in the championship.

The low track temperature counted against Mercedes in qualifying but Lewis Hamilton and George Russell line up fourth and fifth. At least one of them has been on the podium for the last six races, and they will be eyeing extending that streak.

Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon scored two points finishes for Williams earlier in the season and he looks overpriced to pick up another.

The Thai driver, who was handed a contract extension during the summer, reached the top-ten shootout in qualifying arguably on merit and starts sixth after the penalties.

He set some eye-catching lap times in practice and was one of the fastest on the straights, which should make him tricky to overtake even for the drivers starting out of position.

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