- Betting
Hamilton clear favourite to romp to title
Lewis Hamilton may not have come close to matching his 2008 title-winning season in recent years, but bookmakers believe the regulations shake-up and the powerful Mercedes engine could see him sweep all before him in Formula One this season.
Christian Horner's opinion Hamilton and Mercedes could win by two clear laps in Melbourne is backed up by the bookies, with Hamilton 2/1 to win both the opening race and claim the 2014 drivers' title. At 4/1, his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg is the only driver expected to give Hamilton a challenge in Melbourne.
Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel looks set for a tough season, but you can still get odds of 12/1 for him to win the opening race. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso has odds of 8/1 to take the chequered flag in Melbourne, though his new team-mate Kimi Raikkonen may struggle to adjust to his new surroundings - he has odds of 14/1 to match last season's opening day win.
Fellow Mercedes-powered teams Williams and Force India could both spring a surprise after impressing over the winter. New Williams recruit Felipe Massa is 10/1 to claim his first race win since 2008, but Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez's odds of 33/1 suggests their pre-season form might have been misleading.
Meanwhile, Lotus' horrendous pre-season is magnified by odds of 5/1 that they will be the first constructor to retire from the race at Albert Park.
Click here to bet on the Australian Grand Prix with bet365
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
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