F1 French Grand Prix race predictions, free Formula 1 tips

Free Formula 1 tips, best bets and analysis for the F1 French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard.

Where to watch

Sky Sports F1, 2pm Sunday

Best bets

Max Verstappen to win French Grand Prix
2pts Evs Betfred

Max Verstappen-Sergio Perez straight forecast
1pt 10-1 bet365

Race preview

Charles Leclerc stormed to his seventh pole position of the season but the Ferrari driver could find it hard to stay ahead in the French Grand Prix.

The Paul Ricard circuit is a punishing one on tyres, and on the evidence of Friday’s practices, world champion Max Verstappen is in much better shape to deliver over a race distance.

In Austria last time, it was Verstappen who found himself being let down by his tyres and powerless to stop Leclerc passing him three times during the race.

But that is the reverse of what we saw earlier in the season, and what the clues suggest will happen this afternoon.

And whether or not Leclerc’s rubber lasts, Verstappen’s Red Bull has a huge straight-line speed advantage which, when coupled with DRS, should make overtaking a formality.

Leclerc’s pole effort was aided by being given a tow by Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, but even with the slipstream he was unable to match the top speed achieved by the Red Bulls.

Sainz will start the race from 19th following a penalty for engine changes after his fiery exit in Austria.

Sergio Perez hasn’t quite been on the leading pace this weekend, but he lines up third on the grid and could cause trouble for Leclerc if the Monegasque does start struggling for grip.

The Red Bull drivers have scored three one-two finishes already this season, and at 10-1 it’s worth a nibble that they record another at Paul Ricard.

Mercedes have been a clear best of the rest all season, but the champion constructors face competition from McLaren this week.

Lando Norris is the only driver from outside the top three teams to score a podium finish this season, having finished third at Imola from fifth on the grid, and he split fellow Brits Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in qualifying to again line up fifth.

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