F1 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying prediction and free Formula 1 betting tips

Free Formula 1 tips, best bets and analysis for the F1 Monaco Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.

Where to watch

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

Best bet

Lewis Hamilton fastest qualifier
1pt 13-8 Hills

Preview

Max Verstappen is the bookmakers’ favourite to take what is probably the most important pole position of his career in Monaco this afternoon.

The Red Bull driver went into the campaign with high hopes of claiming his first drivers championship following an extremely promising pre-season.

However, after four races the Dutchman trails seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton by 14 points, and he can ill afford to lose more ground.

Starting from the front at Monaco is more than half the battle.

It is virtually impossible to overtake even a much slower car around the twisty streets of the principality. And the short run to the first corner means Verstappen won’t be able to rely on the kind of lightning start that saw him seize the early lead in Spain and Imola.

The Red Bull has looked at least a match for Hamilton’s Mercedes in qualifying trim at every race this year, yet Verstappen has claimed just one pole position, in the season-opener n Bahrain.

Since then, small mistakes at crucial moments have proved costly, and Verstappen has qualified behind Hamilton at the last three races.

The inescapable conclusion is that seasoned veteran Hamilton has coped better with the pressure.

Monaco has been a strong circuit for Red Bull in recent years. And they have looked most competitive on the softest compounds of tyre this season, so there is every reason to expect much from them in Monte Carlo.

But Verstappen will never have experienced the pressure he will be subjected to during this afternoon’s qualifying hour.

At the prices, Hamilton looks a much more attractive bet to take his third pole of the season.

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