Italian Grand Prix preview: No stopping Verstappen but Alonso offers value

After yet another sparkling display of driving from Max Verstappen in the Netherlands last weekend, the F1 circus heads to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.

We preview the leading contenders below and offer up some value selections if looking to take on the irrepressible Red Bulls.

Verstappen to make it 10 in a row

Max Verstappen continues to be a world apart from his opponents on the track, with the Dutchman winning 12 of the 14 Grand Prix so far this season and making it nine wins in a row with victory at his home Grand Prix last weekend. It’s hard to see him not breaking his own record for most wins in an F1 season, which he set last year when recording 15 victories, but there’s another record that could fall this weekend. Verstappen is currently tied with Sebastien Vettel for most Grand Prix wins in a row and victory at Monza would see him eclipse the German.

Barring a mishap, it’s hard to see any other result at a circuit where he won last year, and it’s impossible to bet against Verstappen at 1/5 in the outright market.

There’s clearly no real value in that though, so the ‘race winner without the favourite’ market is probably the place to look.

Alonso looks the value pick as Spaniard’s good season continues

Fernando Alonso continues to have a strong season in his Aston Martin, with the veteran Spaniard finishing an excellent second, less than four seconds behind Verstappen, last weekend. That was his seventh podium of the season and third time he’s filled the runner-up slot, so he is certainly of interest with Verstappen out of the equation at 10/3.

There’s also value to be had by taking Alonso to hit the podium in Italy. Given his strong form, it’s slightly surprising he’s behind Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz in the podium market. He has twice won around Monza, and tends to drive well at the northern Italian circuit, so odds of 11/4 look generous.

Other value plays

Monza is also a circuit Lewis Hamilton goes particularly well at, having won there five times in the past. He’s managed to reach the podium four times this season and is 2/1 to do so again.

For all Mercedes’ failings this season, Hamilton has still clocked the fastest lap on two occasions, so backing him to once again clock the best time could be a shrewd play at 14/1.

If you’re on the lookout for another bet at bigger prices, then Alpine duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly could be two drivers to focus on. Both have reached the podium once this season, with Gasly finishing third in the Netherlands last weekend, and both are 50/1 to finish on the podium in Italy.

Alternatively, the pair are also odds-against to record a points finish by reaching the top 10. Gasly is priced at EVS and Ocon 11/10, both prices that could offer some good value.

Check out all the latest Formula 1 betting odds at William Hill