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Formula One Betting - How to Bet on F1 Grand Prix winners

FORMULA ONE BETTING - HOW TO BET ON F1 GRAND PRIX WINNERS

Formula One can be an unpredictable sport. It is this uncertainty that makes F1 not just an immensely interesting sport, but also a very attractive betting medium. The uncertainty can often create widely differing opinions between different bookmakers. Bookmakers tend to regard Formula One Betting as a relatively low priority compared to the more “traditional” and popular betting sports such as horseracing, greyhound racing and football. As a result, odds compilers for Ladbrokes, bet365, Victor Chandler, William Hill, etc. tend to pay less attention to Grand Prix betting odds, resulting in the various firms adopting different stances regarding the same event. An odds compiler will endeavour to combine the factors influencing the outcome of a race to produce an accurate quote on the winning chance of a particular driver. As with any other type of betting, successful betting on F1 is dependent on good, up-to-date information. A shrewd punter can, by attributing more significance to critical factors, identify a difference between the Grand Prix betting odds and their own opinion. A “value” betting opportunity occurs when the price on offer is greater. Finding the value in Formula One Betting is very much a matter of personal preference. Some punters have a liking for historical trends, such as McLaren performing well at Monaco. Others adopt the “form” approach, analysing the recent performances of drivers and teams. F1 generates a massive amount of data, which lends itself to statistical analysis (testing, lap times, sector times etc.) Some punters, with sufficient time, will watch the qualifying for a Grand Prix, listen to or read post-qualifying interviews and make up their mind from what they see and hear.

Betting On F1

How to Bet on F1 Grand Prix Winners
In Formula 1 racing it is common for a team or driver to dominate throughout a season. This is not to say that the “form” driver / constructor will win all 18 races in the season, but previous performance is usually the best method of predicting future performances. Be aware of the dominant forces in the sport. For example, in the current 2008 season, after 8 races, there have only been 4 winning drivers and 3 winning constructors. Lewis Hamilton won for McLaren in Australia and Monaco, while Ferrari have won five times, 3 for Felipe Massa and two for reigning champion Kimi Raikkonen. Robert Kubica’s victory for BMW Sauber in Montreal had something of a “fluke” look to it, following the retirements of Raikkonen and Hamilton, following a pit-lane crash. Formula One is a team sport, with any driver dependent of the ability of the technical and mechanical members of his team. Despite a third place finish for Toyota’s Jarno Trulli in the recent French Grand Prix, many of the teams are simply “making up the numbers” and can be safely discounted for punting purposes. In seeking prospective Grand Prix winners, it is recommended that the drivers on which to focus in betting on F1 are Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa (Ferrari), McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen, with a watchful eye on the BMW Sauber pair of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld. Despite Hamilton’s failure to score points in the last two Grands Prix he remains upbeat about the rest of the season.

When to Bet
Formula One Betting before qualifying has taken place will ensure better Grand Prix betting odds, but is fraught with danger. The likes of Stan James, Paddy Power and 888sport are certain to offer bigger prices before grid starting positions are known. However, if your selection performs poorly in qualifying or suffers mechanical problems, it is possible that the bet be virtually lost before the race even starts. It is recommended that betting on F1 take place on the day of the race, or at least when the selection’s starting position (and those of his rivals are known). The price will be shorter, but at least you are guaranteed a “run.”

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds