<p>Lights out for this race on Monday, May 4, will be at 07:00 AEST, with the action returning after the hiatus that was needed due to the conflict in the Middle East.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Quick Picks</h2><p><strong>Our pick:</strong> Antonelli to win/each-way</p><p><strong>Value bet:</strong> Russell to win/each-way</p><p><strong>Long shot:</strong> Verstappen in the each-way</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Betting Preview</h2><p>With an enforced break having taken place, Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will have been biting at the bit to get back out on the grid as soon as possible.</p><p>In the three races to have been raced so far, Russell won the Australian GP in the opener, before Antonelli secured back-to-back victories in China and Japan. In those three races, Mercedes have also had two 1-2 finishes, highlighting the early dominance that they've enjoyed in the 2026 F1 season.</p><p>Will Miami prove to be as fruitful for them? The 2026 Miami Grand Prix takes place on the Miami International Autodrome, a 5.41-km street-track layout around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, featuring 19 corners and three long straights.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Betting Markets to Watch</h2><p><strong>Russell has been made the early favourite</strong> with a small margin in the odds ahead of the 2026 Miami GP. Antonelli follows, as Mercedes have shown strong pace in 2026, which is why their drivers sit at the top of the betting market.</p><p>Russell is a known quantity. He is fast, consistent, and usually strong on race day rather than just in one-lap pace. As a "safer" driver compared to the inexperienced Antonelli, he is being viewed as the main favourite.</p><p>However, we think this leaves <strong>value in Antonelli to win</strong>. He has excellent form, and already has two wins this year. With Miami being a track where confidence, traction out of slow corners, and execution in the sprint weekend matter a lot, he appears to be the most confident of all drivers despite his young age and short career.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Our Prediction</h2><p>Check the latest <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/motor-racing/formula-1">Formula 1 betting odds</a> at Sportsbet.</p><p>Our pick is for <strong>Antonelli likely to win the race</strong>, with the each-way bet perhaps offering better value. He started third last year and finished sixth, and given that he has stepped up this year, this makes him a good option.</p><p><strong>Our long shot is for Max Verstappen to be on the podium in the each-way</strong>. He is a massive outsider due to poor form from Red Bull, but given his ability, he always remains a threat, especially in a race that can reward a driver who can create track position, protect tyres, and pounce on strategy swings. Understanding <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/f1-strategy-explained">how F1 strategy works</a> is crucial when assessing Verstappen's chances of capitalising on pit stop windows.</p><p>For punters looking ahead, the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/formula-1/news/f1-2026-calendar">F1 2026 race schedule</a> features plenty more opportunities to back the Mercedes duo as the season progresses.</p>