In this guide, we’ll explore how to bet on F1. There are so many different markets and ways in which you can bet, with a variety of different strategies to apply.
Our Formula One betting guide explains a lot of these different markets, as well as how to read form and make a prediction on an upcoming race. F1 has been entertaining millions of people for decades, and knowing how to bet on Formula 1 can expand your sports betting experience.
Read on to learn more about Formula 1 betting odds, the way the markets work, and the impact of things like form and the weather.
Formula One is an incredibly popular motor sport, representing the very highest grade, “1” of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This was established after World War II, and the first World Drivers’ Championship was contested in the UK back in 1950.
The races, each called “Grand Prix” take place in locations all around the world, and new circuits have even been added in recent years, with the Miami International Autodrome becoming the 76th in which a race is held.
Within F1 (and relevant to any Formula 1 bet) there are a number of different ways to win. Each race has its own winner, and the overall season has both a Drivers’ Championship and a Constructors’ Championship. All of these provide certain betting markets.
The races themselves are all different but must be at least 190 miles in length. Drivers face challenging circumstances and individual challenges at each race, of course, and tactics play a huge part, for instance, pit stops, where a driver and his team can change tires to freshen them up, or switch to a different hardness to suit the conditions.
So, with all of that in mind, let’s check out some of the markets for betting. An F1 betting guide should help you understand the markets and develop a strategy for an upcoming race.
Below, we’ve explained how to bet on Formula 1 in a variety of different markets, but these are just some of the many markets available on LeoVegas. You can bet on all sorts of aspects of F1, the Drivers’ Championship, and the Constructors’ Championship.
This is one of the simplest bets you can place, but it may not have the highest returns, especially if you are backing the favourites. The returns tend to be bigger for the outsiders. Of course, a winner bet just allows you to bet on someone finishing first in the race. Simple enough.
As well as outright markets on winning the market, you can also bet on the driver you think is going to achieve the fastest lap overall. You might get some clues on this market from what has happened in qualifying. However, it all depends how things go on the day of the race.
Instead of backing a driver to win the race altogether, you can back them to finish in the top three. This is a way to improve your chances of some returns, especially if you are backing an underdog. Think someone might just get beaten to first, this might be the market to gamble on.
The fastest time in qualifying gives a driver an advantage in that they can start out closer to the front on the grid before the race begins. This is called “pole position”. Where you are on the poles obviously has an impact on the race. It’s harder to win from the back (though not impossible) and this will affect the odds.
Analysing the Formula 1 betting odds and preparing your bet can take a little time and consideration. Like every other sport, it is wise to get a good idea of the form, and gain some insights from previous performance (and predictions on conditions) before you place a bet.
It would be helpful to analyse and study the following before placing your Formula 1 bets:
Of course, whoever is on pole position has a good chance of getting off to a good start and potentially winning the race. In the history of Formula 1, more than 40% of races have been won from pole, but this doesn’t guarantee a win if somebody has had a good qualifying round. It may be a sign that a racer is in good form and the vehicle is performing well, though. It is one of many things to consider before placing your Formula 1 bet.
Any good Formula 1 betting guide will tell you to consider the weather. Some drivers and constructors are known for performance in certain conditions, and the heat as well as any moisture on the track are likely to play a big part in the outcome.
This refers not only to recent form, but also the historical performance on certain tracks. This means you can analyse a lot of different aspects of the race, constructors, and how they perform. For instance, if a driver has consistently done badly in the Middle East and surrounding countries, you may choose not to back them. Alternatively, a driver might tend to flourish in one specific race, region, or set of conditions.
Certain races have become synonymous with the sport and are events looked forward to by millions of people every single year. These events always have a great atmosphere and have become mainstays of the circuit.
Though new races are added often, certain circuits are definitely associated with F1 in most peoples’ minds. There are even some mainstays that have been in place for longer than Formula One has been fully functioning in the form we see today.
The Monaco Grand Prix is known for glitz and glamour as a huge number of celebrities flock to the area, known for its tourism and stunning buildings. Monaco has held races since long before F1 was even formally inaugurated. The course has a history of nearly 100 years.
It’s almost unique because it has been held on the same circuit every time the race has taken place in Formula 1, while some other races will change their circuits. Monaco has seen some dramatic moments through the years.
Another course that has a rich history. Spa has many long straights as well as quick and narrow corners. If the weather in Belgium turns then grip can be a key component in how the race shakes out and the most skilled drivers can account for the different conditions on different corners. The iconic Eau Rouge bends are also on this particular course, challenging drivers with a number of tough turns.
Monza is an iconic old course, too. In fact, there has been a race at this course every year since 1950. The fastest-ever lap was an incredible 260.6kmph practice for the 2004 Grand Prix, with Juan Pablo Montoya setting this time, showing how incredibly fast the course is. It is thrilling as a result, and while most of the lap is at full pace, there are some historic and interesting tight chicanes for drivers to show their skill.
One of the newer races on the circuit having debuted in 2009. Since then it has gone on to become a favourite among spectators. The track has a 1.2km straight with slow corners at the start and the end, meaning it is the ideal spot for overtaking and inevitable drama.
The track was designed by Hermann Tilke, and in 2021 it was slightly shortened which has further added to the drama of the race. The heat makes it a real challenge for a lot of drivers.
At LeoVegas, you can enjoy a variety of different markets on the races, to go with the simple race winner and top three markets. Knowing how to bet on F1 is easy at LeoVegas:
It really is that intuitive. We hope this F1 betting guide has been helpful. Here at LeoVegas, you get the choice of various markets and excellent odds that allow you to follow your predictions (and the form you’ve studied)!