Bookies top 3: Hamilton, Alonso and Schumacher

The bookmakers of the United Kingdom have named World Champions Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and the returning Michael Schumacher as favorites to pick up the Formula 1 crown this season, as current title holder Jenson Button languishes in fifth spot behind Sebastian Vettel. Despite Kimi Räikkönen's F1 defection in favor of the World Rally Championship, the sport boasts four World Champions in the field this season.

With Hamilton topping the UK betting tables, Alonso comes in next with comeback kid Schumacher third. Vettel is next up with Button only fifth, despite being reigning Champion.

The second Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull cars round out the top eight in the form of Massa, Rosberg and Webber.