Quinn Allen
We’re just weeks away from yet another Formula 1 season, with all the action beginning on March 5th with the 24th edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix. In the early Formula 1 Championship futures, Max Verstappen, who is the reigning champion, is tipped to repeat at -140 odds, while bitter rival Lewis Hamilton is second at BetUS with +275 odds. Also in the running are Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Carlos Sainz, and Sergio Perez.
Before diving into the Formula 1 Futures betting action, make sure to check out our Formula 1 betting guide, which is filled with useful resources and information. Additionally, our “How to” guide for Formula 1 betting offers plenty of tips.
Who will win the 2023 Formula 1 Championship?
| Driver |  |
| Max Verstappen | -140 |
| Lewis Hamilton | +275 |
| Charles Leclerc | +450 |
| George Russell | +700 |
| Carlos Sainz | +2200 |
| Sergio Perez | +3300 |
| Fernando Alonso | +10000 |
| Lando Norris | +15000 |
| Esteban Ocon | +25000 |
| Pierre Gasly | +50000 |
Outside of Verstappen, Hamilton, and Leclerc, there is a notable drop-off in the odds. After all, it’s been Verstappen or Hamilton who has been the winner in the last six years and counting.
Verstappen vs Hamilton Once Again
There is no question that the 2023 Formula 1 Championship will likely come down to these two men. And based on last year’s form, it’s no surprise Verstappen is a rather heavy favorite ahead of the season’s first race in Bahrain. The Dutchman ran away with the title in 2022, winning by a whopping 146 points as Red Bull absolutely cruised to the finish line. In fact, Verstappen will be looking to make it three straight trophies, also taking home the ultimate prize in 2021. The 25-year-old even set a single-season points record last year, making Formula One history. He had an impressive 15 wins and finished on the podium 17 times in just 22 races. Dominant. Plus, Verstappen improved immensely from 2021 when he came in first place on 10 different occasions. The Red Bull star was away above the pack in 22′ and there is no sign that won’t happen again.
Hamilton is an F1 legend. After all, he’s got seven titles to his name and even won six times in seven seasons between 2014 and 2020. However, the Brit struggled last year, failing to capture a single victory en route to a career-worst sixth-place finish in the standings. Mercedes is typically a phenomenal vehicle, too. It was either an off year or Hamilton is just simply not the same driver anymore. We’ll see what the answer is in the coming months.
Do George Russell or Charles Leclerc Offer Value?
Russell made his presence felt in 2022 as the young Englishman had eight podiums and grabbed his first career win. He ultimately ended up in fourth in the F1 standings. Based on his performances last year, perhaps Russell is ready to take the Mercedes torch in 2023 from Hamilton? Only time will tell. But, there is no question the 25-year-old is going to keep improving. That being said, he won’t be able to compete with Verstappen just yet.
Leclerc did finish as a runner-up behind Verstappen in the table and when the Dutchman didn’t win, Leclerc was right there. In fact, he came in top spot in three of the five races Verstappen failed to capture the grand prize. The Monaco native had 11 podiums in total and drives a very good Ferrari car. To be honest, Leclerc is probably the biggest threat to Verstappen winning a third championship.
Final Pick
I just don’t see Max Verstappen falling off in form after what he did in 22′. He’s the best pick in the Formula 1 Championship futures, but it would also be worth splashing a bit of money on Leclerc at +450. That offers serious value if he could dethrone his Red Bull rival. As for Hamilton, I think he’s lost a step. Don’t expect him to threaten Verstappen.
Before diving into the Formula 1 Driver’s Championship futures betting action, make sure to check out our top sportsbook reviews in order to get all the info you need.
