A quick 7-day turnaround for the teams and drivers, as the Formula 1 family moves on to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. After a dominant 1-2 from the Red Bull team in Belgium, are we in for another Verstappen masterclass? Or will Ferrari and Mercedes be in the fight for the top step of the podium? All will be revealed on Sunday.
2022 Formula 1 Betting Tips
Belgian Grand Prix Review
With several drivers taking engine penalties prior to qualifying taking place, it appeared as though the race in Belgium was going to be a corker. With Championship protagonists Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc taking penalties, it appeared as though we would have action throughout the race, with these two looking to push up towards the podium.
Qualifying showed that Verstappen was in a class of his own, the only question was whether he could make up enough time to still win the race. Well, we got the answer quickly, as Verstappen cruised through the midfield like they were standing still, and after only 7 laps, Verstappen was inside the top 3. 5 laps later, he led the race.
After the first round of stops were over, Sainz still led, however on lap 18 Verstappen passed Sainz and was never headed. Perez managed to get past Sainz for 2nd, with the Ferrari man coming home 3rd.
Lewis Hamilton crashed out on lap 1, making contact with Fernando Alonso and damaging his car beyond repair.
Dutch Grand Prix Preview
There’s only one man who you can confidently bet on winning this race, and the bookies are of the same opinion, with Verstappen sitting around $1.60-$1.65 to win the Dutch Grand Prix. His prices have been coming in of late, with this one being well earnt. He dominated in Spa, and whilst this track at Zandvoort should set up a little better for the Ferrari car, I just can’t see anyone stopping Max at his home race. Last season, he took pole and led most of the race, winning by 20 seconds from Lewis Hamilton, who admittedly pitted late to get the fastest lap. Mercedes was probably the fastest package around Zandvoort, but Max would not be denied.
I believe Mercedes will look better than last week in Belgium. Engine power and top end speed isn’t as critical here, with fast corners and downforce being the order of the day. With their ability to preserve their tyres better than any other team on the grid, Mercedes should be right there sniffing around the top 3 on race day.
Further back, Gasly was tremendous here last year, qualifying in 4th place ahead of Perez and the Ferrari’s, and finished in 4th as well. Alpine also had a solid showing, and barring any reliability concerns, the top 5 teams will more than likely be Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, Alpine and McLaren. I see Gasly as the outlier, and a man who could well push for a surprise top 6 finish.
Ultimately though, this is Max and Red Bull’s race to lose, and I’d be very surprised if he doesn’t walk this race in front of his home fans. The price isn’t great, so not many bets will take up our 10-unit portfolio for this race, as the Verstappen to win bet will assume a sizeable portion of the bank roll.
Other Bets:
Max Verstappen (Pole position) - $1.67 @ Ladbrokes (1.5u)
George Russell (Top 3 finish) – $3.30 @ Betfair (1u)
Alpine (Double top 10 finish) - $1.66 @ Bet365 (1.5u)
Pierre Gasly (Top 10 finish) – $2.30 @ Betfair (1u)
Max Verstappen (Race Winner)
$1.65 (5 Units)
