2018 Formula 1: Mexico Grand Prix Betting Tips

Lewis Hamilton’s championship parade was put on hold last week in the United States as the British superstar finished fourth and Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen took out the top spot on the podium. Hamilton is odds on to close the title race this weekend in Mexico, needing only a 7th place finish or better to claim the 2018 Drivers Championship.

We take a look at the Mexico Grand Prix and give our betting tips below. 

2018 Mexico Grand Prix Betting Tips

Hamilton currently leads the title race by 70 points with 75 points still on the table throughout the three remaining races. To secure the title this weekend, he’ll just need to ensure he finishes the weekend at least 50 points up on his main rival, Sebastian Vettel. This means that Hamilton will only need to finish 7th or better to secure the title this weekend. 

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will host the Mexican GP for the 11th time in 2018 but just the fourth time since returning from a 11-year hiatus in 2014. The fact that the Mexican Grand Prix has only been back on the F1 circuit for three years means that the current day drivers have limited experience at the track. Only Lewis Hamilton and last year's winner, Max Verstappen will be lining up for this years GP as former winners of the event. 

The track is unique in the fact that it is situated very high up in the mountains of Mexico city, meaning that there is a lot less drag and downforce due to the thinner air. The long straight with less drag sees the drivers reach the top speeds of the season, which could be a reason why the Red Bulls were a force last season. 

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen summed up the performance in the 2017 Mexico GP here:

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Mexico as the circuit tends to suit our car better than others. Last year I came away with a win which felt amazing. I put in a good move at the start and therefore managed to keep out front for the remainder of the race. The atmosphere inside the stadium section is always good when you are out on track, but last year being on the podium it was next level.”

Max Verstappen could be the main threat to Lewis Hamilton’s party this weekend. While Hamilton only needs to finish 7th, he’ll likely want to be crowned champion for 2018 while standing on the top step. However, after a dominant performance last year at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and the slight advantage the Red Bull’s seem to have in Mexico, Verstappen is our best bet to be somewhere near the top again this season.