Australian Grand Prix pre-race short-form betting tips and odds

The Australian Grand Prix is finally here and F1 fans are ready for the talking to stop and racing to begin.

George Russell will start the race at Albert Park from pole position ahead of Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli after a strong performance in Qualifying.

If you are planning to boost your enjoyment by placing a bet this weekend, remember the five golden rules for responsible gambling to avoid losing more than expected.

It’s always advised to make sure you have as much information as possible before making your selections, so our expert betting writers have made their predictions before the lights go out in Melbourne.

Winner: George Russell

Everything looks positive for polesitter Russell after a scintillating performance from the Mercedes driver during Qualifying and he looks set for a perfect start to the season.

Tip: Russell to win (Odds 3/10, 1.3, -333)

Podium: Oscar Piastri

Australian star Piastri will start from fifth on the grid for his home race and should have the long-run pace to lead the McLaren challenge to finish in the top three.

Tip: Piastri podium finish (Odds 6/4, 2.5, +150)

Top-Six Finish: Oliver Bearman

Haas missed out on Q3 but have made a promising start to the year and if those ahead on the grid run into problems, Bearman could sneak into the top six at attractive odds.

Tip: Bearman top-six finish (Odds 17/2, 9.5, +850)

Points Finish: Nico Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg has a fantastic record in Melbourne and the experienced German could get Audi off the mark in their first race with his sixth-successive points finish in Australia.

Tip: Hulkenberg points finish (Odds 5/6, 1.83, -120)

Fastest Lap: Kimi Antonelli

Mercedes performed miracles to get Antonelli out for Qualifying after his crash during Friday’s practice session. He’ll start the Australian Grand Prix on the front row behind team mate Russell and could even push for the fastest lap of the race.

Tip: Antonelli fastest lap (Odds 13/4, 4.5, +325)

First Retirement: Lance Stroll

Stroll was unable to complete a lap on Saturday and only managed 16 laps throughout the weekend. Better days lie ahead for the Aston Martin star, but markets suggest he is a prime candidate for an early exit.

Tip: Stroll first retirement (Odds 7/4, 2.75, +175)

Match Bet: Arvid Lindblad to beat Liam Lawson

Lawson will start one place ahead of his rookie Racing Bulls team mate in eighth, but the younger driver has impressed in Melbourne and is worth backing to finish in front of Lawson by the chequered flag.

Tip: Lindblad to beat Lawson (Odds 1/1, 2.0, +100)

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