Max Verstappen has already gotten off to a flyer in his quest for another world title, with 51 points in the bag after winning in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The Red Bull driver is likely to dominate this Formula 1 One World Championship and he’s big odds-on to secure a victory against his rivals to make it a hat-trick.
However, there were three occasions where Verstappen didn’t win in 2023 and things can go wrong, even for the formidable Dutchman. Some will think that Sergio Perez represents better value and the Mexican has posted back to back runner-up performances, with the Red Bull driver hoping to pip his team-mate.
Charles Leclerc was able to post the fastest lap when it came to Saudi Arabia and perhaps that bodes well for the Ferrari man who will be partnering Lewis Hamilton for the Prancing Horse in a year’s time. The former is third favourite to win this third encounter of the F1 season and there’s then a big gap in the betting.
The bookmakers are also offering odds on a podium finish and the bookies think there’s a number of drivers who can finish third or higher. Although Verstappen and Perez are heavy odds-on, Leclerc looks to be less of a certainty. George Russell, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton will all be targeting third place or higher and they are similar odds.