Five races remain in the 2022 Formula 1 season, with the teams and drivers headed to Suzuka Japan, for the Japanese Grand Prix. Like last week in Singapore, the race in Japan will be the first since 2019 due to the Pandemic, and I’m sure the drivers are itching to get back to the figure of 8 circuit, one of the favourites on the calendar amongst the drivers. Whilst we were right to fade Max Verstappen last week at the Singapore Grand Prix, unfortunately we picked everyone else besides Sergio Perez, who took his second victory of the season.
With the championship all but sewn up, we will dig in and try and find some value.
2022 Formula 1 Betting Tips
Singapore Grand Prix Review
We were heavy on Charles Leclerc at the Singapore Grand Prix, and it looked great early in the weekend, with the Monegasque taking Pole Position and Max Verstappen languishing down in 8th place. As has been the case when we back Leclerc though, something went wrong.
This time, all it took was a poor start from Leclerc, and Sergio Perez pounced, taking the lead into turn 1, and with Leclerc unable to make a pass Perez won his second race of the season. There was some late drama, with Perez being investigated after the chequered flag, however the result was eventually confirmed. Leclerc led a Ferrari 2-3, with Lando Norris 4th and Daniel Ricciardo 5th.
Despite the race taking place in wet/dry conditions, it wasn’t the most exciting race, and thankfully we move forward to the Japanese Grand Prix immediately following Singapore.
Japanese Grand Prix Preview
Recent history of the Japanese Grand Prix has seen the race being dominated by Mercedes, however as you might expect I don’t see this continuing here this weekend. Whilst the Mercedes will probably still be the 3rd quickest car, I believe they will be further behind the Ferrari and Red Bull’s at this circuit. I’m concerned that this could be another Max Verstappen masterclass. The Red Bull is quick in a straight line and fast in the high-speed corners, however the main reason behind my handicap of this race is the ride height the cars will have to run at this track.
The Suzuka International Racing Course is an older track than many on the Formula 1 calendar, and one with a rough and undulating layout. When the ride heights of this year’s challengers are increased, Red Bull has shown repeatedly this season that they lose the least amount of downforce. This was in full effect at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, which is a hugely undulating and bumpy circuit. Verstappen dominated the race weekend, winning from 14th on the grid, winning by almost 18 seconds from his teammate Sergio Perez. Whilst I don’t believe the Red Bull advantage will be quite this pronounced, I expect Verstappen to have the pace to win this race quite comfortably.
Alpine were another car that appeared quick at Spa, and despite their double DNF at the last race, I’ll be sprinkling a little on the Alpine drivers to have a good race. Other than that, I don’t have a lot for this race as I believe Verstappen will win, and in the process be crowned Driver’s Champion for the second straight season.
More Bets:
Max Verstappen (Pole Position) - $2.40 @ Bluebet (1u)
Red Bull (Double Podium Finish) - $2.75 @ Ladbrokes (2u)
Alpine (Double Points Finish) - $2.25 (2u)
Max Verstappen (Race Winner)
$1.70 (5 Units)
