European Grand Prix Odds, Picks, Preview

While much of Spain watches its soccer team compete in the World Cup soccer betting , the Spanish city of Valencia hosts the European Grand Prix this weekend – also known as the Telefonica Spain Grand Prix of Europe.

It’s possible that we could see a few mechanical problems and/or crashes this week. The track has many high-speed straightaways coupled with slow turns that require good brake work and traction. It’s also used just once a year, so it will be fresh and slippery. Here are some picks to consider this week.

Lewis Hamilton

Sports Book Global odds: +200

Lewis Hamilton is one half of Formula 1’s hottest team pairing. He and his McLaren teammate, Jenson Button, have finished one-two in back to back races. Hamilton now leads the championship standings with Button right behind him. Hamilton seems like a formidable pick against this week because of his teamwork with Button. McLaren got a bit lucky in Turkey when its Red Bull rivals crashed into each other but Hamilton and Button dominated in Montreal, protecting each other excellently. Hamilton is undoubtedly the racer to beat this week.

Sebastian Vettel

Betting odds: +300

Vettel and Red Bull teammate Mark Webber flew out of the gate to start the season but have struggled of late. The collision at Turkey was disastrous and rumors of a rift between the two drivers have popped up. But the German Vettel remains a threat to the McLaren boys; it’s only a matter of time before he finds his groove again.

Fernando Alonso

Betting odds: +300

Since he’s with Ferrari and not part of the “Big Two” teams, Fernando Alonso often gets forgotten in Formula 1 betting. He’s actually ahead of Vettel in the driver standings and just 15 points off the overall lead. Alonso claims his car is vastly improved entering the tournament, so he makes for an intriguing pick.

Mark Webber

Betting odds: +500

Betting advice : avoid any driver that has essentially predicted he’ll struggle this week. Webber has lost his confidence in light of recent struggles and openly suggested he “wouldn’t pick [Valencia] as a venue where we’re going to go and get an easy victory because I don’t think the layout of the circuit is one that suits us so much.” Do you really need to know anything more?

Jenson Button

Sports Book odds: +500

As strong as Button has been this year, F-1 betting is still almost always about picking a winner. Button has settled into second-fiddle duty behind Hamilton so if you’re going to pick a McLaren driver, make sure it’s Hamilton.

THE PICK

I have a good feeling about Ferrari’s aerodynamic new car and its ability to perform on Valencia’s straightaways. Let’s see if Fernando Alonso’s prophecy comes true and pick him.

Free pick : Fernando Alonso +300