F1 Spanish Grand Prix pre-practice betting tips and F1 predictions: Watch Alonso

Free F1 tips, best bets and analysis for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona.

Where to watch

Practice Sky Sports F1, 10.30am & 2pm Friday

Best bet

Fernando Alonso top-six finish
1pt 9-2 Hills

Match preview

Lewis Hamilton has won the Spanish Grand Prix in each of the last four years and the seven-time world champion is favourite to make it a five-timer at the Circuit de Catalunya.

After two wins, a second place and a fastest-lap bonus point from the first three races of the season, Hamilton leads Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by eight points in the championship.

And while Mercedes undoubtedly started the season with a performance deficit to Red Bull, the last two races suggest the Silver Arrows are at least catching up.

Verstappen had the potential to take pole position at all three rounds so far, and has overtaken Hamilton on the track in every race, but held on for only one win.

Racing at a venue that all the teams and drivers know intimately should give a reliable indication of where the big two really stand and how the rest of the season is likely to pan out.

Verstappen edges favouritism for qualifying, while Hamilton is a narrow jolly for the race, but odds-against quotes are available in both markets.

Another close battle between the two can be expected, and Verstappen can ill afford to allow Hamilton to grow his championship advantage much wider.

Fernando Alonso is settling nicely back into Formula One after two years away, to judge by his fast-finishing eighth place in Portugal last time.

The dual world champion has appeared on the podium at his home circuit seven times in his career – more than at any other track – and while that may be a bit beyond him this year a strong performance would be no surprise.

Alonso’s Alpine team are gradually improving, and at least one car has qualified in the top ten at all three races this season.

McLaren and Ferrari head the midfield battle, but Alpine don’t need to find much more improvement to join in that fight.

And having a driver of Alonso’s calibre in the car will do the French outfit no harm in that battle.

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