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Ferrari Remains Solid Bet as F1 Returns to Qatar

· Oct 07 - 4 minutes read

While Max Verstappen and Red Bull recaptured the top spot in Japan, Ferrari remains the best runner-up as far as bets on Formula 1. The Italian constructor still had both drivers finish in the top six in Japan, which made it three straight races, and something the other contenders have not done. Qatar is another course where Ferrari is worth betting on.

Ferrari Looks To Redeem Lusail

The last time Ferrari raced in Lusail, it was less than an ideal result. The team fumbled on its strategy as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished seventh and eighth. Alpine and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin finished ahead. But with plenty of momentum and better pace this 2023, Ferrari should do much better here.

Ferrari Remains Solid Bet as F1 Returns to Qatar

Congratulations, @Charles_Leclerc!

The @ScuderiaFerrari hero ticked over 1000 points scored in his career over the weekend 👏👏👏#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/p0TXfwUqWk

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 25, 2023

Leclerc has finished fourth or better in four of his last five races. He was forced to retire in the Dutch Grand Prix and that race was mired with heavy rainfall. Other than that, he’s been a solid bet online to finish in the top six. And his teammate, Sainz, has done virtually the same on top of ending Red Bull’s unbeaten streak with a win in Singapore.

It’s expected to be sunny in Lusail during the race. So with the conditions clear, Ferrari should keep up the pace and do well across the board. It’s worth betting for the team to finish atop the F1 qualifying results, as they’ve done in three of the last five races. And a top-six finish for both at +110 sounds like another great offer from our sportsbook.

Verstappen Favored to Win First at Lusail

But while we’re bullish on Ferrari’s chances at staying in contention, there is little question that Verstappen is the rightful favorite to win. Even at -450, it is hard to bet against the Belgian-Dutchman, who’s won practically every race. And he may have extra motivation to win in Lusail as Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes dominated in 2021.

On top of that, Red Bull is still hunting for more historic achievements. Sergio Perez has gone off the rails. While it looked like he was on the right track – four straight top-four finishes from Hungary to Monza – he crashed out in Japan and finished eighth in Singapore.

Thus, it might be tough to trust “Checo.” Red Bull is lined at -400 to have both drivers finish in the top six in what could be the worst F1 pick given Perez’s volatile results. A double points finish at -600 is not worth whaling even with Lusail’s relatively straightforward course.

McLaren Overpriced Despite Results

We’ve given a lot of love to Ferrari. But it’d be an injustice to sweep whatever McLaren’s done under the rug. The Papaya team actually had its first double podium finish in Japan. Lando Norris finished second, which was his fourth time this season. Only a Red Bull driver has done better.

However, the F1 odds have quickly shrunk on McLaren. A points finish for both drivers is at -450. It’s -225 if both finish in the top six, which is the shortest line for any team outside Red Bull. At that line, betting on Ferrari or Mercedes (-140) may be a better alternative.

Trust Ferrari Yet Again

Given the betting lines, the best bet among the teams is on Ferrari. Sure, the team has had an up-and-down season. Its strategizing is still clunky at times and McLaren offers stiff competition as far as securing top six points. But Lusail’s configuration, on top of Ferrari’s recent run, makes its odds worth it.

F1 PICK: Both Cars Top 6 Finish – Ferrari (+110)