Verstappen: The Odds-On Favorite
Max Verstappen, after clinching his 18th victory of the season in Las Vegas, is the clear favorite to continue his dominance at the Abu Dhabi finale. The odds reflect his exceptional performance throughout the season, positioning him well ahead of his competitors.
The Odds for the Win:
- Max Verstappen: 1.25
- Lando Norris, Sergio Perez: 15.0
- Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton: 17.0
- Carlos Sainz, George Russell: 23.0
Despite McLaren's recent struggles, Lando Norris is viewed as a potential challenger to Verstappen, having secured second place in four of the six races preceding Las Vegas.
Qualifying Battles: Who Will Claim Pole?
The fight for pole position is slightly more contested, with Charles Leclerc, fresh off a P1 start in Vegas, considered an outside bet to Verstappen's favored status.
The Odds for Fastest in Qualifying:
- Max Verstappen: 1.55
- Charles Leclerc: 4.50
- Carlos Sainz: 11.0
- Lando Norris: 12.0
Podium Prospects: More Than Just Verstappen
While Verstappen is almost guaranteed a podium spot, having missed it only once this season, several drivers are tipped to join him in the top three.
The Odds for a Podium Finish:
- Max Verstappen: 1.12
- Lando Norris: 1.75
- Sergio Perez: 1.85
- Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton: 2.75
Hamilton, despite a tumultuous race in Las Vegas, is seen as a podium threat due to his impressive pace.
Fastest Lap Frontrunners
With eight fastest laps to his name this season, Verstappen is also the favorite to set the quickest circuit time in Abu Dhabi.
The Odds for Fastest Lap:
- Max Verstappen: 1.72
- Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Sergio Perez: 9.00
Team Tensions: The Fight for Points
Red Bull is the frontrunner to take the most points as a team, but the battle for second place between Mercedes and Ferrari, as well as the contest for fourth between McLaren and Aston Martin, is expected to be fierce.
The Odds for Most Team Points:
- Red Bull: 1.20
- McLaren: 8.50
- Ferrari, Mercedes: 10.0
Safety Car Speculations
With the Safety Car making an appearance in three of the last five Abu Dhabi races, the odds are evenly split on whether it will be seen again this weekend.
The Odds for a Safety Car Appearance:
- Yes: 1.85
- No: 1.85
Final Thoughts
As the engines rev up for the final race of the 2023 season, the betting odds offer a glimpse into what could be an unforgettable finale under the lights of the Yas Marina Circuit. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a passionate F1 fan, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to deliver high-speed thrills and potentially lucrative betting opportunities. Will Verstappen solidify his status as the season's star, or will another driver steal the spotlight? Tune in to find out.
