The Formula 1 season – 2022 is rushing to its final, and at the very end of November, while most bettor’s eyes will be on the FIFA World Cup and World Cup betting odds, F1 bettors will be drawing their conclusions. And if you are thinking of making F1 your betting choice – in the month ahead or in the run-up to the next season – read on to learn some things related to Formula 1 betting that can make your betting experience more diverse.
Formula 1 Betting: the Basics
Betting on Formula 1 races is a popular pastime for many fans, with various odds and markets available to bet on. It can be a fun and thrilling way to add excitement to watching the race.
Formula 1 is a highly competitive motorsport that features open-wheel race cars travelling at high speeds on specially designed tracks. Teams and drivers compete for the title of F1 World Champion, with points being awarded based on their finishing positions in each race. The sport has a rich history dating back to 1950, and currently holds more than 21 races per season all over the world.
To feel comfortable when betting on Formula 1, you have to stay up-to-date on team and driver news, and have a good understanding of the technical aspects of the sport, the track layout and racing conditions. It is important to do your research and understand the intricacies of the sport before placing any bets. By carefully analysing these factors, you can increase your chances of making correct predictions.
What to Look Out for when Betting on F1
Formula 1 is a complex sport, with many variables that can affect the outcome of a race. However, there are a few key factors to consider when placing bets on F1 races.
- Keep an eye on the team and driver standings in the overall championship. Consistently strong teams and drivers are likely to perform well in any given race, while those lower in the standings may struggle.
- It is also important to consider the track itself, as some tracks may favour certain teams or drivers.
- The weather can also play a crucial role. Some cars or drivers are terrible in the rain, while others can thrive.
- Follow any technical updates on the team, this can affect the car’s performance in the race, and should be factored into your betting decision.
- And of course, your racing driver can never be immune to some kind of mechanical failure or accident, keep that in mind!
What are the Formula 1 Betting Markets
Qualifying
For qualifying, bookmakers do not usually provide a wide range of markets. Usually there are bets on the winner of qualifying and the comparison of the drivers (who will qualify higher). And for the most part it is a comparison of two drivers from the same team.
Race Winner
The most popular market where bettors choose who they think will win the race.
There are favourites, such as Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen. The odds of them winning are usually not great. For sure you can bet on the underdog like Lando Norris but that is very risky. Max Verstappen has won 2/3 of all races this season, so judge for yourself whether it’s worth the risk or not.
Podium Finish
Betting on a driver to finish on the podium. Here you predict which drivers will finish in the top three spots of a race. This bet works in the same way as betting on the race winner, but is safer.
Fastest Lap
Betting on which driver will set the fastest lap during the race. Most often the fastest lap is set by one of the leaders, but in general it can be almost anyone if the team pits the driver at the end of the race to change the tyres.
Constructor
Betting on which constructor (team) will have the highest aggregate finishing position. Each team has two pilots. Their points scored in the race are combined. For example, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished 3rd and 4th respectively, that’s 15+12=27 points. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished 2nd and 5th, which means 18+10=28. So Ferrari outscores Mercedes by 1 point and the bet on Ferrari wins.
Head to Head
Betting on which of two drivers will finish higher in the race. The pairings can be completely random, either between teammates or not.
Outrights
One way to bet on Formula 1 is through outright betting, where you place a wager on which driver or team will win the overall championship at the end of the season. Generally, the earlier you bet, the better the odds.
For example, you can bet on Max Verstappen to win the 2023 Championship. The regulations do not change between those seasons. But who knows, what if Mercedes fixes their problems, builds a competitive car, and Lewis Hamilton wins his 8th title?
Some sportsbooks may also offer propositions or specialty bets on things like which driver will retire first in a race or whether there will be a safety car deployed during the race. Check all the possibilities beforehand. For instance, if there is a track where a safety car appears every year and not just once, there is a good chance that it will appear this time too.
Formula 1 Betting Process
So, if you are ready to place a bet on F1, follow these steps:
- Research the teams and drivers participating in the race. Look at their past performance and any current news or updates that may affect their chances of winning.
- Choose your bookmaker. You can always find fresh bookmakers’ rating on Match.Center and some other expert platforms.
- Chhoe your bet – do you want to bet on a specific driver to win the race, on the podium finish (first three places) or others?
- Decide on the amount you want to bet and place your bet with a reputable bookmaker
- Do not forget to track the race and collect your winnings (if there is any). Always remember to gamble responsibly and never bet beyond your means.
