F1: Las Vegas Grand Prix Preview and Betting Tips

The third Grand Prix to be hosted in the United States offers a street circuit, cold temperatures and a spectacle unlike any other.

Only three drivers remain with a chance to win the title: Lando Norris (1.125) is the favourite with his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri (7.0), in second spot and four-time champion Max Verstappen (13.00), the outsider.

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Norris is almost a full race win ahead of Piastri, whose recent slump has seen him lose the top spot in the standings and come under pressure from third-place Verstappen.

The title is in Norris’s hands, with the 26-year-old only able to win his maiden F1 title by finishing second to Piastri in the remaining grand prix.

Let’s unpack what we can expect at this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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The Track

The third running of a Formula 1 race in Nevada in the modern era offers a fast and manic street circuit. The 6.2km, 17-turn street circuit offers drivers a rapid lap with Alex Albon reaching close to 360km/h down the main straight in 2024. There are two DRS zones and with very few slow to medium corners, it’s hard to get tyres up to optimal temperature. The 50 race laps will see drivers go past locations like Caesars Palace, the Bellagio and the Venetian casinos.

Piastri commented on the track, saying: “It’s a high-speed track, and it’s always fun to race down The Strip. The cooler conditions are an interesting variable, and the layout usually allows for plenty of overtaking.”

Unlikely favourites?

While McLaren has had the fastest car all season, the constructor’s champions struggled here last season, finishing sixth and seventh. George Russell led a Mercedes one-two with Lewis Hamilton to win in Nevada, and the German team is the favourite for another strong weekend.

Mercedes has performed well at tracks with similar layouts and weather conditions to Vegas, including Canada.

Therefore, it’s not strange to see that Russell and Norris are at 4.50 favourites to win the race behind Verstappen. Piastri is priced at 12.00 to win the race after a disappointing run of results, but the Australian knows he has to win at least two of the next three races to give himself a shot at winning the title.

Onto qualifying and look out for Russell (4.333), Charles Leclerc (6.00), Antonelli (13.00) and Piastri (13.00) for strong value to grab pole position. Track position is vital around the track, and all three are strong over one lap.

It’s going to be a fascinating watch this weekend, with Ferrari and McLaren already showing their might by finishing fastest in free practice one and two.

Predictions

Grand Prix Winner: Russell

Grand Prix Podium: Russell, Piastri, Norris

Pole Position: Russell

Top 4 and 5: Verstappen, Leclerc

Finish in the points: Hamilton, Sainz, Albon

Race Winning Margin: Over 5 seconds

Fastest Lap: Antonelli

First to Retire: Colapinto

First car to retire: Alpine

Most Team Points: McLaren

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: Red Bull

Ferrari Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Leclerc / Ferrari

Safety Car: Yes

Fastest pit stop: McLaren