Italian Grand Prix Preview: Verstappen and Hamilton set for a title battle

Max Verstappen and Red Bull took control of the Championship last time out after a decisive victory on the Dutchman’s home track at Zandvoort.

Lewis Hamilton finished in second place and scored a point for the fastest lap of the race ­– now just three points separate these two heading into this nail-biter in Monza, but who will come out on top?

Here’s our preview of the Italian Grand Prix.

Hamilton hot on the heels of Verstappen

The battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is more exciting than ever as they meet once again this weekend. Verstappen will start the Italian Grand Prix as the leader in the standings, but he only has small lead over Hamilton.

The Englishman has fond memories of this event, with seven pole positions, seven fastest laps and five wins – all records, the latter shared with Michael Schumacher – he will be in confident form.

A sixth victory is badly needed to prevent Verstappen from increasing the gap and Lewis Hamilton is EVS favourite to dent the Dutchman’s title hopes this Sunday.

However, Max Verstappen will be aiming to make it his eighth triumph of the year, and can be found at 6/5 to repeat last week’s hometown success.

Can Ferrari deliver in front of the Tifosi?

Charles Leclerc gave a celebratory end to the 2019 Italian Grand Prix by winning it with Ferrari. Since then, it has not quite gone according to plan. However, the current Ferrari duo could end the team’s dry spell this weekend.

Ferrari’s pace has improved significantly amidst strong showings recently, and with the long straights at Monza, there are strong possibilities that either Carlos Sainz (100/1) or Charles Leclerc (66/1) could recreate their Silverstone form.

Rivals, McLaren, are beginning to struggle so this may be the perfect time for the Italian outfit to step up on the day and they are 33/1 to win the feature outright.

One to Watch

The Italian GP involves the new “Sprint Qualifying” which should shake things up a bit; keep your eyes on one of the best drivers on the grid at the moment, Lando Norris.

The British driver currently sits fourth in the championship, which is a surprise to many given the fact he is ahead of both Ferrari drivers and Sergio Perez.

Although Norris has had a few difficult outings recently, he has managed to pick up three podiums so far this season and it seems his first win in F1 may not be too far away.

With odds of 33/1 for the Italian GP and 28/1 for the Sprint Qualifying – watch out for him this weekend at Monza.

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