Our F1 expert fancies Ferrari podiums at Monza but Ricciardo woe

The European season comes to a close at the iconic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, just north of Milan.

A high-speed test of engines, the Italian Grand Prix is a race that will be feared by some teams who lack the power to fight at the front.

Backed by passionate home support, Sebastian Vettel will be looking to hit back after Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Belgium, but the Briton can draw level on points at the top of the championship standings if he wins and Vettel is second.

The tight battle continues, so here are a few suggestions to check out at both the front and the back of the grid.

Both Ferraris on the podium @ 15/8

Ferrari is synonymous with Monza and the tifosi that turn out in huge numbers at the Italian team’s home round.

That means this is a race the Scuderia wants to win above many others, and a lot of focus goes into performing well at the high-speed circuit.

Vettel’s performance in Belgium suggested Ferrari will be a threat to Mercedes at every circuit, while Kimi Raikkonen just missed out on the podium a week ago.

However, a one-two might be a push due to the strength of the Mercedes power unit.

Felipe Massa to finish in the top six @ 4/1

Williams have not had a great season so far, and recent form suggests it is only going to get more difficult for the team.

Massa missed Hungary due to illness and looked out of sorts in Belgium before a good drive on Sunday, and if any track will suit the car again this year, Monza is it.

Often very quick in a straight line, Williams will be targeting points at least, and former Ferrari driver Massa – who has a good record at Monza – could be well-placed to take advantage of a grid penalty for Daniel Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo to retire @ 3/1

And it’s that grid penalty that leads to this final bet.

Ricciardo has had good reliability in races and is a clinical overtaker, but he will have a lot to do from the back of the field.

The Renault power unit will limit how much progress he can make, but the Australian will have a car capable of climbing back into the top ten.

However, with shorter braking zones and wider cars, the chances of Ricciardo being involved in an incident is higher than usual.

The further up the field he gets, the harder those moves will become…

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All Odds and Markets correct as of the time of publication