With the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix cancelled due to flooding, the event makes a welcome return this week at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
Preparing for its fourth race since starting in 2020, the town of Imola is bracing itself for the F1 circus coming to town.
Lewis Hamilton managed to win the very first Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been the dominant force here since, with back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.
It’s hard to look past Verstappen getting back to winning ways after coming second at the Miami Grand Prix last time out.
There’s little value to be had backing the flying Dutchman for the victory and there are certainly stronger prices to consider ahead of this highly-anticipated return of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday.
- LANDO NORRIS TO FINISH SECOND
- CHARLES LECLERC TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
- GEORGE RUSSELL TO FINISH TOP SIX
Norris Won’t Take Foot Off The Gas
Lando Norris continues to show he has a bright future ahead of him in Formula 1 and his maiden victory in the sport at the Miami Grand Prix was a landmark moment for the 24-year-old.
While given a helping hand in Florida by the safety car, Norris still had to get the job done with 27 laps remaining.
Showing his quality and composure in the final laps, the Bristolian managed to claim that elusive first win in his 110th Grand Prix.
Norris will be eager to push on at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but a response from Verstappen might well be on the cards.
Having won the last two races here, it’s hard look past Verstappen for the win but Norris is good value to claim second spot on Sunday.
Leclerc Can Land Elusive Podium Spot
Charles Leclerc has put in some decent performances at this race in the past and now looks ready to land that elusive top-three finish here.
The Ferrari driver has finished fifth, fourth and sixth in the three previous meetings at Imola but has just been unable to land a place in the top three.
Having finished third in the last race in Miami, Leclerc comes into this contest in good form and looks capable of earning a first podium finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
CHARLES LECLERC TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM
George Can Russell Up A Top-Six
Sat in seventh place in the Drivers’ Championship heading into this weekend’s race, George Russell has been ticking along while failing to get on the podium so far.
Outperforming Mercedes team-mate Hamilton in the overall standings, Russell has earned three top-six finishes already this season in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and China.
Finishing in fourth place at the last Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in 2022, Russell is certainly worthy of consideration in the top-six finish market this weekend in Italy.
