Betfair Official Blog

F1 betting and odds preview

All eyes turn to Monza for the next grand prix of the Formula 1 season with punters set to consider a host of betting opportunities on offer.

After the thrills and spills of Turkey, which saw Ferrari enjoy a one-two, there is likely to be more of the same in the Italian grand prix and punters considering the odds for a bet on the race will be well aware that the Monza track is notable for the drivers being at full throttle for a higher-than-average percentage of the lap, due to its long straights.

Ferrari are again likely to again enjoy plenty of support in the betting markets for the showpiece having secured successes in four out of the last five races there, and customers looking for a bet will be well aware that Kimi Raikkonen holds the fastest lap record.

The following week the grand prix circus moves on to Belgium and Spa-Francorchamps - a track considered by betting punters to be one of the most challenging in the world, largely due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Those considering the betting odds on offer when trying to find the winner, may again look to Raikkonen, who successfully defended his title last time the race was held here in 2005. However, the major redevelopment work that took place last year could have a big bearing on what punters consider a value bet come September 16.

The teams fly out to the Far East for the following two events, which take place in Fuji, Japan (September 30) and then Shanghai, China (October 7).

Those considering betting in-play whilst watching at home will be up at the crack of dawn with the Japanese Grand Prix taking place in the early hours. Fernando Alonso will have his supporters, as he looks to defend his crown, although punters looking at the odds will be aware his win came at the Suzuka Circuit last year, while the race this year takes place at the redesigned Fuji Speedway.

The betting for the Chinese Grand Prix should be interesting given it only debuted on the Formula One calendar in 2004 but the following year it hosted the final race of the championship, where world champion Fernando Alonso emerged victorious and in claiming victory landed the title for Renault.
The Spaniard will again have his backers and his odds in the betting are likely to be on the shorter side as he goes all out for crucial points in the title race.

Those that have had a bet on either the drivers and constructors championships are likely to watch them go right down to the wire, with many betting markets likely to be busy come the final showpiece in Interlagos for the Brazilian showpiece.

Alonso along with McLaren teammate and rival, Lewis Hamilton are not likely to be pulling any punches at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace circuit, while home favourite Felipe Massa and his Ferrari colleague Raikkonen will also hope to turn in inspired performances in their bid to land the title and those bets that have been struck on them.

However, those looking at betting on the winning team will be aware that McLaren have the upper hand in previous events at the South American venue, having won 11 times in total compared to Ferrari's eight.