Formula 1 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Odds & Picks

• Lewis Hamilton returns to action for the F1 season finale as a strong favorite at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, December 13th, 2020
• With Hamilton back, George Russell returns to driving for McLaren but has maintained momentum at the sportsbooks in the wake of his Mercedes debut
• We’ve got you covered with odds and storylines ahead of Sunday morning’s running of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

Lewis Hamilton reportedly tested negative for COVID-19 late on Thursday, clearing the way for the reigning Formula 1 world champion to return to action this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a heavy -225 favorite. Hamilton was forced to miss last weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix as he battled the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and creating uncertainty as to his status for the final race of the 2020 F1 season.

Hamilton’s absence also created a golden opportunity for rising star George Russell, who earned his first career F1 points while taking over the wheel for Mercedes last week. The young driver had opened among the favorites in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix odds. But with Hamilton expected to race, and Russell returning to his familiar ride with Williams, the 22-year-old has tumbled to a lengthy +1000 bet.

Here’s a look at all the odds and storylines ahead of Sunday’s race of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.

Odds to Win 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Odds taken at BetMGM on December 10, 2020

Russell Returns to Earth

All eyes were on Russell last weekend in Bahrain, and he didn’t disappoint. After qualifying second behind Silver Arrows teammate Valtteri Bottas, Russell jumped out to an early before a series of team blunders and a punctured tire doomed him to a ninth-place finish.

With Hamilton far from certain of returning this weekend, Russell opened near the top of the odds board, closely trailing only Bottas and Max Verstappen. And while his overall steady performance last weekend has contributed to his strong position at +1000, he is unlikely to challenge the favorites driving Williams’ inferior Mercedes.

🗣"I've had races where I've had victories taken away from me, but twice?"

A heartbroken @GeorgeRussell63 reflects on his #SakhirGP, after a Mercedes pit stop error and late puncture cost him a near certain victory.

Report from Sakhir GP: https://t.co/E3L3V31O3W pic.twitter.com/5BhkfScSdO

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) December 6, 2020

It is also tough to find the value in Russell in the race props. He is listed as a very short -450 bet to finish in the points on Sunday despite never having earned a point in his F1 career prior to stepping in for Hamilton. With third place in the Constructors Standings still on the line, and drivers still looking to secure rides for next season, Russell faces an even tougher challenge to return to the top ten.

Hamilton’s Fitness a Wild Card

Hamilton’s return has been fraught with uncertainty. Mercedes had reportedly given themselves until Saturday to make a decision on Hamilton’s status, and he may still not see the track until qualifying on Saturday afternoon. Familiarity with the track is not a problem.

Hamilton returns to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as reigning champion and has captured the checkered flag at Yas Marina Circuit on a record five occasions.

Hamilton, negativo en el test de COVID-19. Correrá en #AbuDhabiGP

Lewis Hamilton tested negative for COVID-19. He will drive for the @MercedesAMGF1 in #AbuDhabiGP #F1 https://t.co/8Jzj2zB6iR

— De La Rosa Malagueño (@ATodoGasF1) December 10, 2020

Everything depends on how fit Hamilton is to stand up to the rigors of a qualifying session under a desert sun, with track temperatures potentially reaching into the 90s. A shaky qualifying run in a season finale stacked with hell-bent rivals adds to that pressure and makes it a good weekend to fade Hamilton.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Recent Winners

Lots on the Line for Bottas, Perez

Even without Hamilton, it is still set to be a good day for Mercedes. The German team has produced six straight winners in Abu Dhabi, including Bottas in 2017. The veteran Finn is coming off a terrible day at Sakhir, and with Russell now gunning for his ride at Mercedes, he has a little extra motivation to have a good day.

From last on Lap 1 to a maiden victory, amazing! 😲

Congratulations, @SChecoPerez! 👏#SakhirGP 🇧🇭 #F1 @RacingPointF1 pic.twitter.com/8p9ERqz8AC

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2020

Racing Point seized a narrow 10-point lead over fourth-place McLaren on the strength of Sergio Perez’s first career win and Lance Stroll’s third-place finish. Without a job for next season, Checo has a lot on the line and is worth taking at +250 to grab a podium position.

Sebastian Vettel is also worth watching as he takes his final drive for Ferrari. The four-time world champion has had a tough season, reaching the podium just once, and failed to pick up a point over the past two weeks in Bahrain.

But Vettel has produced steady results on the track at Yas, winning three times, finishing top five in nine of 11 career appearances, and offers value both as a +800 bet to finish top six, and +130 to pick up a point. He also sports attractive +190 odds in head-to-head betting vs Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc,

Picks: Valtteri Bottas to win (+350); Sergio Perez top three (+250); Sebastian Vettel top six (+800); Both Racing Point drivers record points Yes (-115)