Points and Podium Bets for Sunday’s US Grand Prix
Newly crowned world champion, Max Verstappen is trading at a prohibitive 4/9 to win Sunday’s US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. With 12 race wins in the bag, the 25-year-old now has the record of 13 race victories during a single season within sight.
Max Verstappen arrives in Texas as the 2022 world champion. But Lewis Hamilton (pictured) has an amazing record at the Circuit of the Americas and could be the one to watch. ©MercedesF1/LAT
Of course, Formula 1 is a team sport and at some point, the Austrian driver could be instructed to assist Sergio Perez in securing the second position in the World Drivers’ Championship. A single point currently separates him and third-placed Charles Leclerc.
There Are Bumps in the Texan Road
The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is one of Formula 1s bumpiest tracks because of subsidence since its opening ten years ago. Remarkably, the bumps move and change year after year. Parts of the track were either ground down or resurfaced over the winter to ease the problem. But bumps will continue to be an issue for teams and drivers.
Nevertheless, the track is popular. Several corners at COTA were inspired by iconic turns found at European circuits. These include turns three to six (Silverstone’s Maggotts and Becketts), turns 12 to 15 (Hockenheim’s stadium section), and turns 16-18 (turn eight at Istanbul Park).
The Circuit of the Americas layout provides a technical challenge to drivers and teams. ©MercedesF1
The first sector is incredibly challenging and technical. It is similar to the Esses section at the last race/venue, Suzuka. A lot of time can be gained and lost through this series of sweeping corners. The sequence from turns two and seven are taken at an average speed of over 250 kilometers per hour, with continuous cornering for over 800 meters. This is one of the longest stretches of cornering on the calendar and G-forces build through each corner.
The track – one of eight on the 2022 F1 calendar that is fully anti-clockwise – requires relatively high downforce. It has a big DRS (drag reduction system) effect. Resultantly, cars use reasonably large wings.
Will the Updated Merc Claim More Silverware?
Winning this race in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 (and finishing on the podium in 2018, 2019 and 2021), Lewis Hamilton has a remarkable record at this venue. This weekend his Mercedes team will bring its final update package of the year to the races. “It won’t drastically change our fortunes, but we’re hopeful it will bring us a step forward and closer to the front runners,” a statement from the team read.
With 14 victories, Red Bull has dominated the season. Ferrari has claimed four race wins. The Mercedes team is yet to score, but its drivers have claimed a combined 13 silver and bronze medals. With the characteristics of the Texan circuit likely to suit the German cars, more silverware could be forthcoming this weekend.
Last month George Russell suggested Austin could be a circuit that would favor his team. Realistically, a Mercedes race win will require a large slice of luck – we believe this contest has the look of a Verstappen-Perez 1-2 finish written all over it.
The Best US Formula 1 Bet Opportunities
In the motorsport betting market for a podium finish in Sunday’s US Grand Prix, Hamilton is top-priced 5/4 to leave Austin with a trophy for the ninth time in ten years. That stat alone makes the odds look very generous. But be mindful, the multiple world champion is driving his slowest car since 2013.
However, the standout value is Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, sneaking onto the podium at 2/1. The price is offered by the best Formula 1 betting sites. With seven podium finishes and 27 more world championship points, the youngster has outshone his established teammate this season.
A second bet opportunity has presented itself in the ‘points finish’ market. Sebastian Vettel thoroughly enjoyed his sixth-placed finish in Japan last time out – it was his eighth top-10 finish from his 16 2022 race starts. Vitally the demands of the Circuit of the America’s track should suit his Aston Martin. So the retiring former world champion can make a mockery of his 11/10 odds on Sunday.
Recommended Bets
George Russell to finish on the podium: 2/1
Sebastian Vettel to finish in the points: 11/10
