Hamilton Favourite For World Title After McLaren Dominate

The first Formula One race of the season hasn’t even begun and already the betting markets have exploded into life. Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix suggests that the whispered rumours of an end to Red Bull dominance may have become a reality. In a massive shake-up, Lewis Hamilton has become the new favourite for the Drivers’ Championship at best odds of 2/1 (Boylesports).

Hamilton claimed pole position in Melbourne with his McLaren team-mate hot on his heels in second spot. Jenson Button has been slashed to 4/1 (Betfred) for the title having been tipped up at 7/1 on this site only yesterday.  Suddenly, last year’s dominant world champion Sebastien Vettel has drifted to 5/2 (Bet365) to make it three in a row - he was just 11/10 before qualifying.

The German starts his defence down in fifth on the grid. The other Red Bull, belonging to Mark Webber, was sixth fastest and the Australian is now 25/1 (SkyBet) to top the charts at the end of the year.

The siutation looks dire for Ferrari who qualified in 12th and 16th positions. Fernando Alonso is now out to 20/1 (BetVictor), and even that may look generous soon.

Swiss driver Romain Grosjean excelled by putting his Lotus into third spot; he is 7/2 (BetVictor) to convert that into a podium finish on Sunday. Veteran Michael Schumacher will also have that as a target after qualifying fourth - he is 2/1 (Boylesports) to earn a top three result Down Under.