Formula 1 2019 Australian Grand Prix Odds & Picks

• Sebastian Vettel is the defending champ at the Australian Grand Prix
• Mercedes has won the Constructors’ championship in five straight seasons
• A Mercedes driver has won the Drivers’ Championship in five straight seasons

The 2019 Formula 1 season gets underway this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix. The race is on tap for Sunday, March 17th at 1:10 a.m. ET.

Mercedes has dominated F1 – both the Constructors’ Championship and Drivers’ Championship – for five straight seasons. Will anything change in 2019?

F1 Australian Grand Prix Odds

*Odds taken 03/13/19

Will the Empire Stay Strong?

Mercedes have been the Constructors’ champions for five years in a row and their drivers have won five years in a row (Lewis Hamilton four times, Nico Rosberg once). There were regulation changes in 2017 that some thought might slow them down, but they powered right through them.

Lewis Hamilton is on the track #HappyTesting #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/DyZYxb7Bsi

— ⭐️ Vicky ⭐️ (@Vicky_Outen) February 27, 2019

The next wave of serious changes is expected in 2021 but there will be subtle tweaks in 2019. Will that slow down the kingpins? We’ve seen a simplification of the front wing and so far, Mercedes seems – emphasis on seems – to have been challenged by this a little bit. The cars have lacked a bit of rear stability. Is this really an issue or not? We won’t know for sure until this weekend.

Can Ferrari Close the Gap?

Some people are wondering just how big the gap between Ferrari and Mercedes is. As you might recall, Sebastian Vettel actually won six of the first 13 races last year, including the first two of the season. They actually looked like they had the better car. However, a slew of uncharacteristic mistakes by Vettel down the stretch cost the team.

Not sure what time the #AusGP starts? Here are the times for lights out where you are! #essereFerrari pic.twitter.com/VkkAOmNFSy

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 12, 2019

We’ve seen some early testing in Barcelona and the Ferrari cars have looked excellent. That’s not only important for Vettel, but also Charles Leclerc, the young hotshot who has joined the team. Testing in Barcelona is always inconsistent to rely upon but it’s a good early sign.

Pass on Leclerc

I would have loved to take a flier on Leclerc in this spot as he does look like a young driver on the rise. My concern is that while his profile will rise in the jump from Sauber to Ferrari, he’s also going to be in a completely new car.

Can Charles Leclerc emerge as a genuine title contender in F1 2019?#SkyF1‘s Damon Hill looks ahead to the new season with Craig Slater…

F1 on Sky Sports in 2019: https://t.co/CnontTzmCi pic.twitter.com/jkkMevpGXG

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) March 12, 2019

His Ferrari should be much faster and that’s a risk. I can’t trust him just yet – especially at the same price as the two favorites. He might need some time to get used to the car.

Pick Either Vettel, Hamilton or Both

It’s a bit boring, but I would bet Vettel, Hamilton, or both.

Starting off with the Australian Grand Prix history, either Mercedes or Ferrari has won in five straight years. Vettel has won it twice, Nico Rosberg twice, and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton is currently the most dominant driver in the sport racing for the most dominant team.

Sebastian Vettel vs Lewis Hamilton: 2019 fastest Testing laps compared

Credit: FOM#F1 #Seb5 pic.twitter.com/lE28cxmajZ

— Eau rouge (@Insidef1) March 6, 2019

I see Vettel and Hamilton finishing one-two here, so you can either pick your favorite or pick both. If you go with both, if either wins, you make a small profit.