Beyond Verstappen: Unveiling Value Bets for Chinese Grand Prix
Formula 1 is back in China after a four-year hiatus. While this is exciting for Chinese F1 fans, we can’t say the same for bettors. The F1 odds have painted another predictable outcome with Max Verstappen and Red Bull heavily favored to win. But given the time off, a lot has changed since they last raced the Chinese Grand Prix. This leaves plenty of room for surprises.
🗣️ | 🇨🇳 Max on ahead of the Chinese GP weekend
“It was great to bring home the win in Suzuka and it has been good to spend some more time in Japan with family and friends. We are looking forward to China as it is going to present a challenge ahead of us, especially with it being… pic.twitter.com/wx2g7bRVRh
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) April 17, 2024
Red Bull Wins While Ferrari Trails
Despite the wide F1 betting lines, Red Bull may have its hands full with Ferrari. Yes, Verstappen returned with a vengeance in Japan and dominated. But Ferrari, once again, finished behind the favorites. Ferrari is listed at +160 to have both drivers finish on the podium compared to -200 from Red Bull.
While we can bet online on Verstappen to win easily (-600), Sergio Perez is another story. He’s listed at -250 to finish on the podium as he’s done in three of the four races. But he’s also been known to struggle in qualifying. Having the Sprint Shootout may also make things more complicated.
Perez finished on the podium in the first three Grand Prixes to feature Sprints in 2023. But in the next three, he finished out of the top three. “Checo” did have a strong start to last season and he’s living up to this trend thus far.
But Ferrari also had a disastrous first half of the season last year. With the team now getting things together, it may be better to lay money on Carlos Sainz Jr. or Charles Leclerc to produce. A top-six finish from both is the least we expect.
Haas, Aston Martin To Surprise
Verstappen races away while Ferrari fights to make the podium. In the midfield, keep an eye on two drivers: Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin and Nico Hulkenberg in the Haas. They are the alphas of their teams and have tempting online sports betting odds.
Alonso has made the most out of his Aston Martin. He’s surprised many with how fast the new car is on straight lines compared to last year. The Shanghai circuit should be favorable given the long straights. The Spaniard may also be revitalized after he recommitted to Aston Martin. Look for him to be a fixture in the top six.
Speaking of fast cars, the Haas has been much better this season. It is flying under the radar. But Hulkenberg fell just one position short of making it three consecutive top-10 finishes. The Haas is the best car out of the constructors outside the “Big Five” and we like Hulkenberg’s chances of snagging a point in China.
F1 Chinese Grand Prix Betting Lines
Odds To Win F1 Chinese Grand Prix
The odds in this chart are posted on the time of publication of the article. They are subject to change without previous notice.
An Underdog Comes Through
Whaling on Verstappen is one strategy. But if you’re betting on him, the best market is in the winning margin. We hit on that in Japan and it’s worth touting again: over 10 seconds is going for -165. But we’ll take what the sportsbook is giving us for the midfield teams. Hulkenberg and Haas have outperformed expectations thus far and we’ll roll with them to continue.
F1 Chinese Grand Prix Race Information
- Race: Chinese Grand Prix 2024
- Day/Time: Sunday, Apr. 21, 3:00 a.m. ET
- Location: Shanghai International Circuit, Jiading, China
- Chinese Grand Prix Live Stream: Formula1.com
Questions of the Day
Which driver with long odds is a good bet in China?
With odds at +200 to finish in the top 10, Nico Hulkenberg is worth an F1 bet.
What will the weather be like in the Chinese GP?
The forecast reports cloudy weather during Friday and Saturday while Sunday has a slight chance of rain.
