Daniel Ricciardo odds & betting tips, Australian F1 Grand Prix

Main race kicks off Sunday, March 26 from 4 pm AEDST Melbourne

THE opening of the 2017 F1 season is finally upon us as all eyes descend on Melbourne.

For the Aussies though, our attention is on superstar Western Australian Daniel Ricciardo as the 27-year-old attempts to break the Mercedes stranglehold on the first event on the grand prix calendar.

Supports been amazing all week. One more sleep and get to do what I came here for ?

— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) March 23, 2017

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamiltion have won the last three Australian Grand Prix between them, but a partisan Aussie crowd will be on Ricciardo’s side come Sunday.

Ricciardo is a $12 chance at Sportsbet.com.au to win the Australian Grand Prix despite being third in early practise, but everyone’s favourite Australian Formula 1 driver said his sole focus is Sunday’s main event.

#F1 season opened with Lewis Hamilton fastest in 1st practice ahead of team mate Valterri Bottas.
Daniel Ricciardo Max Verstappen 3rd & 4th

— Cindy Poluta (@CindyPoluta) March 24, 2017

“Sunday 4pm, lights are going to go out and we’re going to race and hopefully we’re going to go well,’’ Ricciardo said.

“Testing is never really a clear picture. I expect Ferrari and Mercedes to be quick and I hope we can be with them as well.’’

2015 Australian Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton was the fastest in the opening practise and subsequently firmed into $2.10 at Sportsbet.com.au to win the opening F1 race of the season.

Daniel Ricciardo Australian Grand Prix Markets

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

To win the Australian Grand Prix – +1100

Podium finish – $2.88

Fastest in practise two – $11

To win Pole, have the fastest lap and win the race – $70

First driver to retire – $17.25

Race preview

It seems like a broken record when it comes to Formula 1 racing, but the Mercedes are the team and drivers to beat heading into the Australian Grand Prix.

The Mercs again dominated on the opening day in Australia, and Lewis Hamilton firmed in the market after a white-hot practise session.

Lewis Hamilton set the pace in the 1st practice of the #AusGP ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas & Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo #SSF1

— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) March 24, 2017

We hate to say it, but it will be a huge mountain to climb for every other driver at the Australian Grand Prix, and we even think Valtteri Bottas will find it difficult to overcome teammate Lewis Hamilton.

We are anticipating another by-the-numbers Grand Prix to kick off the season, and unfortunately it looks like an Englishman will be the conqueror of Australia once again.

Australian F1 Grand Prix Winner: Lewis Hamilton – +110 at Sportsbet.com.au