Rejuvenated Raikkonen qualifying value as issues affect rivals

Mexican Grand Prix qualifying
Sky Sports F1, 7pm Saturday

Punters who waited for today's final practice session to maximise their information going into Mexican Grand Prix qualifying didn't learn much as the session started on a wet track and few meaningful dry laps were run.

Max Verstappen topped the times, as he had in Friday's practice sessions, and he looks the right favourite to be the fastest qualifier, although confidence is tempered by the energy issues he and Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo experienced.

Ferrari and Mercedes are not far behind, although Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said they are "not in a happy place" with balance and power problems.

An interesting factor of the action this weekend has been the apparent improved showings of some of the midfield teams, including Renault and Toro Rosso, and Red Bull's gains compared to the big two teams.

This is likely to be a result of the reduced engine performance due to the altitude of Mexico City, which affects the stronger engines more and has brought the field closer together.

It's not impossible that one of the Renaults could sneak a top three finish in qualifying - Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz are 200-1 shots with bet365.

The threat of more rain in qualifying makes taking the short price on Verstappen less attractive and an each-way interest on Kimi Raikkonen, winner in the United States last week, at 25-1 could prove better value.

Recommendation
K Raikkonen fastest qualifier
1pt e-w 25-1 bet365

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