Max Can Sweep up on Sunday in the Brazilian Grand Prix
Just three races remain on Formula 1’s 2023 calendar. This weekend, at the São Paulo Grand Prix, there are 36 points on offer in a Sprint contest, and the traditional Sunday race will see an additional 101 points distributed amongst teams and drivers.
To Max Verstappen, this matters little. He is a winning machine driving a car superior to its rivals. The Dutchman is wearing the 2023 World Drivers’ Championship crown – when not wearing his helmet – and is now chasing only records and further glory. In a thoroughly dominant display, he has won 16 races during the current campaign.
Sergio Perez needs more than impressive merchandise sales to his fanatical Mexican fanbase to keep his Red Bull drive in 2024. A strong race result this Sunday would be a big step in the right direction. ©RedBullContent
But there is still plenty left to fight for Mercedes and Ferrari, who are locked in a tight battle for second in the World Constructors’ Championship. The German team is currently 22 points clear of its Italian rivals. Similarly, Lewis Hamilton, with a 20-point deficit, is chasing down Sergio Perez for second spot in the World Drivers’ Championship.
The multiple-word champion is racing for pride; Sergio Perez is fighting to keep his seat in the Red Bull team. The rumour mill suggests the Mexican will be replaced for next season if he does not maintain second position in the standings. Formula 1 betting sites quote him on 4/7 and Hamilton 11/8 in this exciting race for second.
What You Need to Know About the Brazilian Grand Prix
At just 4.309 kilometres long, the Autódromo José Carlos Pace is the fourth-shortest circuit on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar. The only shorter tracks are Monaco, Zandvoort, and last weekend’s venue, Mexico. Sixty-seven percent of the race lap is spent at full throttle, and it is the second-quickest lap time of the year, behind only the Red Bull Ring.
Two DRS zones mean the focus typically leans towards higher downforce for the ultimate fastest lap. From the exit of Turn 12, there are 1.2 kilometres of full-throttle racing before reaching the braking zone for Turn 1. It is here where the bulk of overtaking takes place.
The weather in São Paulo can be mixed during this time of year. It is common to see sunshine and extremely high temperatures quickly followed by a thunderstorm and a deluge of rain. Those looking for some shocks will have their hopes pinned on the heavens opening at some point of proceedings.
2023 São Paulo Grand Prix Schedule – UK Times
| Practice | Friday | 11.30-12.30 |
| Qualifying | Friday | 15.00-16.00 |
| Sprint Shootout | Saturday | 11.00-11.45 |
| Sprint | Saturday | 15.30-16.30 |
| Race | Sunday | 14.00 |
UK residents can watch all the action live on Sky Sports F1 channel, and Channel 4 will broadcast post-race highlight shows. Australian residents should tune in to Fox Sports, and ESPN2 will broadcast the race live in the USA.
What Are the Mexican Grand Prix Odds and Best Bets?
Ahead of Friday’s practice, Formula 1 betting sites have Max Verstappen quoted on 2/7 for race victory. Lewis Hamilton, 9/1, Lando Norris, 14/1, George Russell, 20/1, Sergio Perez, 20/1 and Charles Leclerc, 25/1, Carlos Sainz, 33/1, follow.
Markets of interest include the use of a Safety Car. It is quoted on 1/2 to be needed and 6/4 to remain parked throughout the race. Max Verstappen is 1/7 to stand on the podium, but for both him and Sergio Perez to finish on the podium, 2/1 is available. Perez is 13/8 to finish in the top three.
Ultimately, it is difficult to see beyond the Verstappen. The stats show that the past 14 winners have started from pole position or second on the grid. Punters who like an outsider will take hope from the fact that a Safety Car has been needed in five of the last six Brazilian Grand Prix, but its intervention has not upset the formbook so far.
And so, our selection is in line with previous results. However, the odds of Max Verstappen completing the fastest qualifier, race winner and fastest lap combination are surprisingly generous.
William Hill quotes the industry top price of 13/8 about this feat being achieved this weekend. As George Russel won this race from pole last year and also took the fastest lap accolade – and Lewis Hamilton completed the same treble 12 months before that – the stats suggest Max Verstappen can enjoy a clean sweep this weekend.
