Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix practice one predictions and F1 betting tips

Free Formula 1 tips, best bets and analysis for the F1 Dutch Grand Prix practice sessions at Zandvoort on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports F1, 10.30am and 2pm, Friday

Best bet

Valtteri Bottas fastest in Practice one
1pt 4-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Preview

Formula 1 has some face-saving to do after last week’s farcical washout in Belgium.

Some punters were left frustrated and disappointed after bookmakers paid out on the official result of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, which was run over just two laps behind the safety car with no overtaking possible following severe rain interruptions.

The shortened race was contested over the minimum distance required for an official result to be declared under F1 regulations, and bookmakers’ rules stipulate that they will settle according to such a result.

This week the circus travels to Zandvoort for the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985.

No homegrown driver has ever won a Grand Prix in the Netherlands, but Max Verstappen’s army of vocal supporters will be hoping that ends on Sunday.

Qualifying could be all-important with no obvious overtaking opportunities at the circuit, though the banked final corner should provide some thrills.

Verstappen trails Lewis Hamilton by three points in the standings and bookmakers are struggling to separate the pair this weekend.

The twisty track could favour Hamilton’s Mercedes – he took only his third pole position of the season on a similar layout in Budapest a month ago – but it may be best to wait for some clues from practice.

Kimi Raikkonen announced on Wednesday that this season will be his last. The veteran Finn’s seat at Alfa Romeo is expected to be taken by his compatriot Valtteri Bottas next year, with George Russell taking his place at Mercedes.

That would be a blow to Bottas, but he has a history of bouncing back from adversity and the Finn could be worth backing to go fastest in the first practice session.

Bottas has topped the times in practice one five times this season, including last week in Belgium. He also has a fine record of getting up to speed quickly at new circuits.

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