Formula 1 2020 Eifel Grand Prix Odds & Picks

• Lewis Hamilton favored to equal Michael Schumacher’s record for most career wins as Formula 1 returns to Nürburgring for the first time in seven years
• Uncertainty hangs over race weekend, with rain in the forecast, and Mercedes struggling with a COVID-19 outbreak
• We’ve got you covered with all the odds and storylines ahead of Sunday’s running of the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix

Formula 1 returns to Nürburgring for the first time since 2013 with the running of the Eifel Grand Prix on October 11th, 2020. As expected, Lewis Hamilton is once again comfortably perched atop the Formula 1 odds, pegged as a heavy -225 favorite to match the legendary Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 career victories.

As of Friday morning, at least two members of Hamilton’s Mercedes team have tested positive for COVID-19, and with four additional team members now in isolation as a precautionary measure, the German constructor has been forced to call in reinforcements ahead of Sunday morning’s race at Nürburgring.

Weather is also expected to play a major factor in the running of the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix. Friday morning’s practice sessions have been canceled due to heavy rain, and more showers and chilly temperatures are expected throughout the weekend.

Here’s a look at the odds and trends going into race weekend.

Odds to Win 2020 Eifel Grand Prix

All odds taken Oct. 9.

Hamilton Hoping to Avoid More Penalties

Hamilton makes his return to Nürburgring with plenty to prove after settling for a third-place finish last time out at the Russian Grand Prix. The pole sitter at Sochi, Hamilton was bumped out of contention after incurring two five-second time penalties and had choice words for F1 stewards at the conclusion of the race.

However, penalties are nothing new for the Englishman, who was also penalized for infractions at both this year’s Austrian Grand Prix and Italian Grand Prix.

A look back at the time penalties incurred by polesitter Lewis Hamilton before lights out – which ended up changing the complexion of the Russian Grand Prix#RussianGP 🇷🇺 #F1 pic.twitter.com/3EZ43De2UB

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 27, 2020

Despite his ongoing feud with the FIA, Hamilton is a deserving favorite in this weekend’s race. The 35-year-old owns a solid track record in his three previous appearances at Nürburgring, posting top five-finishes in each of those races, including a victory back in 2011.

Hamilton also claimed the fastest lap while earning his lone win on this track, fueling solid +125 odds of doing the same on Sunday.

Rain-Soaked Track Favors Verstappen

While the focus is squarely on Hamilton and Mercedes, it is important not to overlook Red Bull’s historical success at Nürburgring. Red Bull drivers have earned the win in two of the last three races at Nürburgring, a tradition that Max Verstappen would like to continue on Sunday.

This weekend marks the first time the 23-year-old has competed in an F1 race at Nürburgring. But while he lacks the track experience that some of the veteran drivers possess, he offers considerable betting value considering both his recent performances and his nerves of steel while racing on a rain-soaked track.

UPDATE: Alas, it's not good news…

FP2 has officially been called off ❌#EifelGP 🇩🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/0zjriuxxXQ

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2020

So far this season, it has been feast or famine for Verstappen, who has reached the podium in each of the seven races he has managed to finish, including his lone win at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

While that adds appeal to his +400 odds of earning the win on Sunday, and as a +325 wager to record the fastest lap, it also makes him an intriguing +1600 bet to be the first driver to retire from Sunday’s race.

Recent German Grand Prix Winners at Nürburgring

Ricciardo, Perez, Vettel Emerge as Value Bets

Other drivers to watch on Sunday include Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, Racing Point’s Sergio Perez, and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo has raced at Nürburgring on two previous occasions early in his career, in 2011 and 2013, and is well-positioned to take advantage of Sunday’s wet weather forecast, making him worthy of consideration as a +400 bet to reach the podium for the first time this season.

#Previously @F1 last raced at the @nuerburgring at the 2013 #GermanGP.

Sebastian Vettel took victory for @redbullracing, although the team were fined €30,000 for unsafely releasing @AussieGrit during a pit stop, resulting in a wheel coming off and striking an FOM cameraman. #f1 pic.twitter.com/ZeJSJlNiuQ

— Formula 1 Stats (@formula1_stats) October 7, 2020

Perez has also enjoyed two previous successful runs at Nürburgring. The Racing Point driver is coming off a fourth-place finish in Sochi. Like Verstappen, the 30-year-old is well accustomed to racing in the rain and has been openly enthusiastic about the possibility of challenging Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas on a wet track on Sunday morning.

The Eifel Grand Prix also provides an opportunity for redemption for Vettel. The 33-year-old German has endured a forgettable season in his final year at Ferrari, cracking the top ten just twice in 10 outings.

However, Vettel has finished top two in two of his previous appearances at Nürburgring, including his victory at the 2013 German Grand Prix, and is a solid +125 bet to finish in the points this time around.

Picks: Max Verstappen to win (+400); Sebastian Vettel to finish top ten (+125)