- Max Verstappen (-500) is a massive favorite to win his third-consecutive Japanese Grand Prix
- Carlos Sainz (+1600) picked up his third-career victory at the Australian GP to put Ferrari back into contention in the constructors’ standings
- The 53-lap, 3.6-mile Suzuka International Racing Course circuit hosts Round 4 of the Formula 1 season on August 7, 2024
Max Verstappen won his second-consecutive Japanese Grand Prix last September and carried a nine-race winning streak into the Australian Grand Prix. However, brake issues forced the three-time reigning world champion to retire from the third event on the Formula 1 calendar.
Will the Dutchman get back on track in Japan? Before we check the odds, here’s where you can find the top Formula 1 betting sites in 2024 and get Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds for the upcoming race.
2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Verstappen favored heavily
Max Verstappen (-500) finished atop the podium in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, but suffered his first DNF since 2022 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. The right rear brake failure cost the 26-year-old a chance at a record-equaling 10th Grands Prix win in a row.
There’s rumors of unrest behind the scenes at Red Bull between team boss Christian Horner, senior advisor Helmut Marko and Verstappen. Chief mechanic Lee Stevenson also just departed the team and many believe the star driver may be Mercedes-bound.
Biggest margin of victory at Suzuka
1. 27.066s – Max Verstappen (2022)
2. 20.632s – Sebastian Vettel (2012)
3. 19.387s – Max Verstappen (2023)
4. 19.337s – Michael Schumacher (1995)
5. 18.964s – Lewis Hamilton (2015)Max owns the record despite the 2022 race only going 28 laps. pic.twitter.com/Hm8f1Iq5FA
— Daniel Valente 🏎️ (@F1GuyDan) March 29, 2024
Suzuka International Racing Course
Verstappen dominated on the Suzuka circuit in 2023, finishing almost 20 seconds clear of his rivals. Designed as a Honda test track in the 60s, the high-speed course is known for its “figure eight” layout and the exhilarating 130R corner.
While he has two career wins in Japan, the Dutchman still has work to do to catch Michael Schumacher (6) and Lewis Hamilton (5).
Red Bull domination?
Sergio Perez (+1100) placed second in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, behind his Red Bull teammate, but couldn’t capitalize on Verstappen’s early exit in Australia. The Mexican finished fifth after a visor tear-off reportedly got stuck under his car’s floor and slowed him down.
Perez finished second in the drivers standings in 2023, 290 points behind Verstappen and 51 points ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
#CARLOSSAINZ : “P1 baby” 🥂 pic.twitter.com/7SB9hDpNpw
— kyra (@leclercjournal) March 25, 2024
Will Ferrari contend in 2024?
Carlos Sainz (+1600) and Charles Leclerc (+1600), the two Ferrari teammates, share the same odds. Leclerc (47) is only four points behind Verstappen (57) in the drivers standings while Sainz (40) sits in fourth place behind Perez (46). Following a 1-2 finish in Melbourne, the Scuderia are only four points back in the constructors’ championship.
Sainz picked up his third-career victory at the Australian GP after missing the previous race following emergency surgery for appendicitis. With Lewis Hamilton set to take over his seat ay Ferrari next season, the 29-year-old Spaniard could end up replacing Perez at Red Bull next year.
Best Longshot
In all likelihood, Max Verstappen (-500) will resume his winning ways in Japan and take home his third-straight victory on the circuit. But, let’s go with longshot Lando Norris (+2500), who claimed the final spot on the podium at the Australian GP.
McLaren’s F1 car has performed well on high-speed corners this season, which should translate to the Japanese GP. The 24-year-old Brit also secured a second place finish on the Suzuka circuit last year.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
