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[Fred_C_Dobbs]

Bookmaker pays out on Vettel winning F1 title... with 14 races still to go

By Nick Metcalfe

Last updated at 9:18 AM on 27th May 2011

Are you starting to get the feeling this Formula One season is already turning into a procession?

Well, one bookmaker is so confident of success for one Sebastian Vettel that they're paying out on him winning the driver's title, after only five races of the season.

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, who are known for their attention-grabbing publicity stunts, have decided to reward punters already, despite the fact that there are still 14 races remaining this season, which ends in Brazil at the end of November.

Champion Vettel has won four out of five races so far in 2011, his latest success coming in the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona last weekend. He has already built up a 41 point lead in the standings, ahead of Britain's Lewis Hamilton.

Paddy Power said: 'Congratulations to punters who backed Vettel - the Red Bull gives them winnings!

'It was no secret Vettel was going to be the one to beat this year but he has been on another level altogether and looks simply uncatchable. So why wait months to collect on the inevitable?'

The early move will bring back memories of the year bookmaker Fred Done paid out early on Manchester United winning the Premier League title.

Done announced he would be paying punters in March 2008, only for Arsenal to come from behind and pip United to the title two months later.

The news of this latest sporting payout will only bring into sharper focus the prospect of this Formula One season turning into a predictable show, which could see millions of television viewers switching the sport off their screens.

[FerrariFan63]

Much, much, too early. Vettel could have an accident and break a bone. The FIA could introduce a capricious rule change. All sorts of things could happen.

[What's Burning?]

Irish bookmaker Paddy Power, who are known for their attention-grabbing publicity stunts, have decided to reward punters already, despite the fact that there are still 14 races remaining this season, which ends in Brazil at the end of November.

So tell us, how much did you win?!

[darwin dali]

Isn't there some proverb about counting chickens? This guy could end up with some egg on his face

[billindenver]

Two DNF's is 50 points...we've seen large leads blown at least twice in the last half dozen years. There were people in here declaring a champion last year with a handful of races to go...only to watch him DNF in Italy and Singapore followed by lackluster performance in a couple others and just like that Vettel wins. It happens often in sports and could well happen again this year in F1. I have faith that Vettel is capable of porking the proverbial pooch almost as well as Hamilton.

[What's Burning?]

Two DNF's is 50 points...we've seen large leads blown at least twice in the last half dozen years. There were people in here declaring a champion last year with a handful of races to go...only to watch him DNF in Italy and Singapore followed by lackluster performance in a couple others and just like that Vettel wins. It happens often in sports and could well happen again this year in F1. I have faith that Vettel is capable of porking the proverbial pooch almost as well as Hamilton.

Your single mindedness against Lewis Hamilton "fans" never ceases to astound... because what I remember of last year included that eloquent summary of Lewis Hamilton, but I also remember a race where all that Ferrari and their number one driver had to do was come in no worse than 5th? place or so and he'd have the WDC sealed.

Always keeping your eye on the ball.

[billindenver]

Two DNF's is 50 points...we've seen large leads blown at least twice in the last half dozen years. There were people in here declaring a champion last year with a handful of races to go...only to watch him DNF in Italy and Singapore followed by lackluster performance in a couple others and just like that Vettel wins. It happens often in sports and could well happen again this year in F1. I have faith that Vettel is capable of porking the proverbial pooch almost as well as Hamilton.

Your single mindedness against Lewis Hamilton "fans" never ceases to astound... because what I remember of last year included that eloquent summary of Lewis Hamilton, but I also remember a race where all that Ferrari and their number one driver had to do was come in no worse than 5th? place or so and he'd have the WDC sealed.

Always keeping your eye on the ball.

You really are suffering some sort of complex aren't you? You are very sensitive when anything Hamilton is discussed. Buck up there little guy...I wasn't insulting your fraternity. If I hurt your fragile, delicate feelings....I apologize.

I said some were declaring Hamilton champ simply because he had a lead and that lead evaporated....same as Vettel's still can. I didn't mention Ferrari blowing a large lead, because they never had a large lead. If you read this thread, you may discover that it's discussing a bookmaker paying out based on....wait for it....a LARGE LEAD in points. In the recent past, Hamilton has lost a large lead so he was the example. Not because I'm picking on you. Not because I want you to cry or anything. It's just that the topic is about large point leads...and....well.... if you don't understand now, I can't dumb it down enough for you to wrap your head around it.

[What's Burning?]

There's the billindenver I know and love.

[billindenver]

There's the billindenver I know and love.

[F1er]

Roll on 2012 b'coz diz sh!t it's done!

All you guys saying "dont count chickens" I have a simple question; Who was the last driver to start this strong and lose the title?

Think long and hard

[darwin dali]

WB and Bill: be nice to each other, hugs and all or

[vlad]

It's a simple conversation that, eventually, leads to love...

[FerrariFan63]

Roll on 2012 b'coz diz sh!t it's done!

All you guys saying "dont count chickens" I have a simple question; Who was the last driver to start this strong and lose the title?

Think long and hard

Niki Lauda in 1976.

You should really learn more bout F1 before you make challenges like this.

[F1er]

Roll on 2012 b'coz diz sh!t it's done!

All you guys saying "dont count chickens" I have a simple question; Who was the last driver to start this strong and lose the title?

Think long and hard

Niki Lauda in 1976.

You should really learn more bout F1 before you make challenges like this.

No I shouldn't So it hasn't happened in 35 years exactly my point. Thank you FerrariFan63.

[FerrariFan63]

No I shouldn't So it hasn't happened in 35 years exactly my point. Thank you FerrariFan63.

It has happened, and every year in formula one things will happen. So your point is pointless. No point paying out this year already, much too soon.