Formula 1 2020 Turkish Grand Prix Odds & Picks

• Lewis Hamilton heavily favored to clinch seventh career championship as F1 returns to Istanbul for the first time since 2011
• Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez aim to build on recent strong performances as raise for third place in Constructors Standings heats up 
• Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday’s running of the Turkish Grand Grand Prix at Istanbul Park

The Formula 1 season enters its final month this weekend, as the circuit returns to Istanbul for the first time in a decade for the running of the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday, November 15th, 2020.

As has been the case all season, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Lewis Hamilton looking for his seventh Formula 1 Championship. The Englishman sits so far ahead in the standings that there aren’t F1 Drivers Championship odds listed at any sportsbooks. Hamilton has been simply dominant this season, posting wins in nine of 13 races, including each of the past three, and also claimed victory at this event in 2010.

While little excitement remains at the top of the standings, there are no shortage of tight races further down the board. And we’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday morning’s running of the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park.

Odds to Win 2020 Turkish Grand Prix

Odds taken Nov. 12

Opportunity Knocks for Old Hands

The Formula 1 circuit enters unfamiliar territory again this weekend, with the Turkish Grand Prix marking the fourth straight race to be run on a new track. While it has been nine years since F1 last raced in Istanbul, this weekend’s race will feature three former Turkish Grand Prix winners.

Both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen have previously captured the checkered flag in Istanbul, and Sergio Perez also appeared in the most recent edition of this race in 2011.

This weekend, we're back in Turkey for the first time since 2011 🚦

Here's a flashback to the first ever race there in 2005 – when the Iceman took the win for @McLarenF1 😎#TurkishGP 🇹🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/hoDh5JFlh6

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 11, 2020

With the younger drivers in the field owning no driving experience on the anti-clockwise track at Istanbul, and in some cases not having a chance to test out the course in a simulator, opportunity knocks for the old hands to enjoy a strong day.

Raikkonen reached the podium in three of his five previous appearances in Istanbul, including a victory in 2005. And after finishing in the points in two of his past five outings, he sports intriguing +350 odds of cracking the top ten on Sunday.

I’ve never raced in any category at the Istanbul circuit and, with the current situation, I’ve not even been able to try it on the simulator, so I will be really starting from zero. Of course, I know where the corners go and have watched old races from there. 1/2#F1 #TurkishGP pic.twitter.com/z67Rlzi3ra

— Daniil Kvyat (@kvyatofficial) November 11, 2020

Sebastian Vettel earned the win in the most recent edition of this race in 2011 but has otherwise produced mixed results in Turkey. And after finishing out of the points in five of his past seven outings, it is tough to get excited about the -125 odds favoring the four-time F1 champion to finish among the top ten this time around.

Turkish Grand Prix Recent Winners

Perez, Ricciardo Poised for Breakthroughs

Sergio Perez’ has made one previous appearance in Turkey, a 14th-place finish in 2011 that may provide him with just enough experience to take the next step. The 30-year-old Racing Point driver has produced steady results of late.

While a questionable team decision to pit cost Perez a likely trip to the podium in Imola two weeks ago, he has finished among the top seven in each of his past five outings. Racing Point’s chances of finishing third in the F1 Constructors Standings also hinge on Perez’s steady driving ability. This makes him worthy of consideration as a +375 bet to reach the podium on Sunday.

It was a "painful day" for Sergio Perez after a late pit stop on Sunday ruined his Imola F1 podium chances…#F1 pic.twitter.com/BBol87yKCn

— Crash F1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) November 4, 2020

However, Perez will have to overcome what is expected to be a stiff challenge from Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo. The talented Australian has vaulted to fourth in the Drivers Standings with third-place finishes in two of his past three outings.

https://twitter.com/thepopgun/status/1326968140006383620?s=20

Clearly undaunted by the prospect of racing on yet another unfamiliar track, Ricciardo is an easy money -310 bet to outpace Renault teammate Esteban Ocon. Not to mention, he is the best sleeper bet to spoil Hamilton’s date with destiny, sporting +6000 odds to claim his first checkered flag since 2018.

Russell a Solid Value Bet to Rebound

George Russell will have a lot to prove in Sunday’s race.

George Russell about his approach to racing, following his crash during the #ImolaGP #TurkishGP 🇹🇷#F1 pic.twitter.com/tSpJ9WVjnq

— MotorLat (@motorlat) November 12, 2020

Visibly heartbroken by a costly mistake in Imola that denied him a shot at his first finish in the points, the 22-year-old Williams driver will be looking to make amends in Istanbul. And while a victory is out of the question, Russell is worth a value wager at +400 to finish top ten this time around.

Picks: Sergio Perez top three (+375); Kimi Raikkonen top ten (+350)