The Italian Grand Prix is on the horizon, and as teams prepare for the iconic race at Monza, F1 Fantasy players are evaluating their strategies. Mercedes and McLaren are coming off strong performances, yet Ferrari remains a formidable contender on their home turf. This week's F1 Fantasy Buy and Sell rankings delve into the best and worst picks for the race, highlighting key drivers and potential value gains.
One standout option is George Russell, who recently secured a third-place finish at Zandvoort, making him the fourth-highest scorer in F1 Fantasy. Mercedes has announced that Kimi Antonelli will incur multiple engine penalties, starting at the back of the grid for the race. This decision is aimed at avoiding further reliability issues after both Antonelli and Russell faced engine failures earlier in the season. With Russell having taken a new engine in Hungary, he is set for an upgrade this weekend, positioning him as a strong candidate for a podium finish.
Sportsbooks are optimistic about Antonelli's chances of climbing to fifth place, creating a competitive scenario between Russell and Lando Norris for the victory. Russell has demonstrated consistent performance, scoring 30 or more points in three of his last five races, and he currently ranks second on the grid with six podium finishes. Given Antonelli's recent struggles, Russell could emerge as Mercedes' key driver to secure a top position at Monza.
Ferrari's home advantage at Monza cannot be overlooked, as they have historically performed well at this circuit. The team has accumulated 65 or more fantasy points in each of the last three seasons, making them a valuable choice for constructors this weekend. Lewis Hamilton, who has consistently scored 20 or more fantasy points in nine consecutive races, is another strong pick. With 12 finishes of fifth place or higher this season and a record of seven pole positions at Monza, Hamilton is a reliable and cost-effective option for fantasy players.
On the other hand, Aston Martin presents a more cautious gamble for F1 Fantasy managers. Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are among the drivers with the lowest price gain targets this weekend, making them appealing for those looking to save budget. Alonso needs to score at least -9 points to achieve a maximum price gain, while Stroll requires just six points. Despite Alonso's recent strong performance at Zandvoort, he has struggled historically at Monza, having retired eight times at this circuit. Stroll, conversely, leads the field with eight did-not-finish (DNF) results this season, raising questions about his reliability.
As the race weekend approaches, players must weigh the risks associated with Aston Martin drivers against the potential for price gains. Alonso's recent streak of completed races has made him a popular choice among the top fantasy teams, but the uncertainty surrounding his performance at Monza remains a concern.
With less than 48 hours until Free Practice 1, Red Bull's lineup is still uncertain due to Isack Hadjar's wrist injury. Hadjar missed the Dutch Grand Prix and was replaced by Liam Lawson, who performed admirably in his debut. If Hadjar is unable to race, Lawson could provide another opportunity for fantasy players to secure double-digit points, having scored 12 points in his first outing. Regardless of who takes the second seat at Red Bull, they are expected to finish among the top 10 fantasy scorers.
In addition, Sergio Perez is projected to reach the $3 million price floor after this weekend. If he fails to score points at Monza, he could still gain value in the following race in Madrid. Fantasy managers will have a range of affordable options from teams like Cadillac, Aston Martin, and Audi, all capable of delivering respectable scores and increasing their value. As strategies unfold, expect to see a variety of lineups across the Global League Top 500.
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