Round 16 of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship brings the Formula 1 fraternity back to Asia, with the 14th running of the Singapore Grand Prix. With just 8 races remaining this season, can anyone stop the now record run of Max Verstappen (10 straight wins), or the Red Bull team (15 straight wins) from continuing their domination?
It was a mixed bag for our bets at the Italian Grand Prix, as our Best Bet got up, but our other 3 bets failed, going 1-3 (+0.4u). We were right about the Ferrari being quick, unfortunately we chose the wrong driver.
2023 Formula One Betting Tips - Singapore Grand Prix
Italian Grand Prix Review
The Ferrari appeared quick immediately out of the box, with Sainz 2nd in FP1, just 0.046s behind Verstappen, before the Spaniard went quickest in both FP2 and FP3. Qualifying was one of the most exciting all year, with Sainz eventually taking Pole Position by just 0.013s from Verstappen, with Leclerc only 0.054s further back.
This suggested we may have a competitive race for a change, with someone possibly giving the Red Bull and Max Verstappen a run for their money. Sainz got away well, and led into the first corner, from Verstappen and Leclerc. The following 14 and a half laps were tremendous racing, but almost inevitably, Verstappen got past Sainz, and the air of inevitability covered the Monza track that we were going to witness yet another Verstappen victory, which of course, we did.
The rest of the race was a cracking fight between the Ferraris and Perez for the final places on the podium. Perez eventually got by both, and at the start of lap 46 got into 2nd position. Sainz and Leclerc then battled for the final place for the last 4 laps, with Sainz just managing to pip Leclerc.
Singapore Grand Prix Preview
One of the few tracks where Max Verstappen has yet to taste victory, the Singapore Grand Prix is a unique circuit, however it has been won by only 4 teams during it’s time on the calendar, with each team winning always being amongst the top teams. Ferrari have tended to be fast at the circuit, for whatever reason, and like the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago, I’m going to send some love the way of the Scuderia. Last season, despite not winning the race, Ferrari were quickest in FP2, FP3, and qualifying, before finishing 2nd and 3rd.
Sergio Perez, last year’s winner at this track, is someone I’m also looking at. Perez’s form has been better the past few races, after rumours began to surface mid-season of his demise at the Red Bull team. Perez has recent history of being fast at street circuits, and with the immense speed of the Red Bull, I expect Perez to have a real shot at winning here for his 250th Grand Prix. The Mexican also appeared to have the measure of Verstappen here last season, especially in the wet, and with thunderstorms predicted for both Saturday and Sunday, I like Perez a lot at the prices on offer.
So, Ferrari and Perez are where I will concentrate most for this weekend, but I’ll also have a small bet on Yuki Tsunoda to have a good race. Tsunoda, and Alpha Tauri, have shown good pace over the past couple of races, and if he can get some reliability, I expect him to be in and around the points come Sunday.
Sergio Perez (Top 2 finish)
$1.83 (2 units)
Other Bets
Sergio Perez (Race Winner) - $13.50 @ Betfair (0.5u)
Yuki Tsunoda (Top 10 finish) – $4.30 @ Palmerbet (0.5u)
Carlos Sainz (Top 3 finish) – $5.00 @ Neds (1u)
Charles Leclerc (Top 3 finish) – $4.00 @ Bet365 (1u)
Both Ferrari cars (Top 6) - $2.25 @ Bet365 (1u)
