Only six races remain on the shortened Formula 1 schedule as racing fans turn their attention to Portugal for another huge weekend of racing.
Lewis Hamilton extended his 87-point lead atop the driver’s standings in Germany a fortnight ago and has again been installed as the odds-on favourite to break Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix wins.
Australians will also have their eyes fixed firmly on Daniel Ricciardo following his first podium finish with Renault behind Hamilton and Max Verstappen in Germany.
With plenty to look forward to, we’ve previewed the entire Portuguese Grand Prix below.
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix Race Winner
Max Verstappen at $4.75
The Algarve International Circuit will not only play host to the first Portuguese Grand Prix since 1996 on Sunday, but also its first Formula 1 event.
Although every driver in the field has never raced on this track before, most should be familiar with the circuit following the yearly winter testing that takes place prior to the season.
With that in mind, tyre strategy is of the utmost importance this weekend, which does leave Mercedes looking a little vulnerable for the first time in a while.
Egregious pit decisions have cost the likes of Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas on more than one occasion this season, while the likes of Red Bull and McLaren have typically played their cards right.
A win and a podium this week will lock up the championship for Mercedes, and although Red Bull are miles behind, you can bet Max Verstappen won’t want to hand Hamilton the trophy just yet.
With every driver unfamiliar with this circuit, this is as good a chance as any for a Red Bull upset.
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix Top 6 Finish
Lando Norris at $2.75
McLaren came undone at the Nurburgring failing to get both cars over the finish line.
Carlos Sainz made up a ton of ground to finish fifth after opening the race 10th on the grid, but teammate Lando Norris looks the one to watch this weekend.
Norris spent a couple of days doing some testing on this track back in 2017 which might give him a slight edge over the rest of the field if memory serves him correctly.
After being knocked out on the 42nd lap in Germany, he looks a good bet to bounce-back.
2020 Portuguese Grand Prix Number of Classified Finishers
Under 16.5 at $2.00
Only 15 cars managed to see the chequered flag at the Nurburgring, a track that calls for similar speed and tyre management to Algarve.
Aside from the experienced drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Hamilton, most guys on the track have very little knowledge of this course outside of maybe a few testing sessions back in 2011 or 2012.
That inexperience is likely to lead to a few accidents and engine failures, so the Under on the Classified Finishers looks a good bet.
