Punters Hopes Resting On Hamilton's Million Pound Shoulders

The countdown to the start of the Formula 1 season continues and bookies William Hill rate Lewis Hamilton as their favourite to bring cheer to British F1 fans.

William Hill rate Hamilton as their 4/5 favourite to score the most points of the British drivers and offer 6/5 Button, 8/1 Coultard and 25/1 for Davidson.

Lewis Hamilton is 16/1 to win the Australian Grand Prix; 14/1 to win the Drivers Championship and 8/11 to win at least one race.

Jenson Button is offered at 20/1 to win the Australian Grand Prix; 20/1 to win the Drivers Championship and 5/6 to win a race.

"Lewis Hamilton could be our nemesis as we have been accepting bets for him to win the Championship for years, including one customer from Kent who has £10,000 riding on Lewis Hamilton winning the Drivers Championship before the end of 2013. If he realises his potential he could cost us millions in the coming years." said William Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams.