Some Will Like It Hot in Sprint Heavy Qatar Grand Prix
In 2021, Formula 1 added a new chapter to its history by racing in Qatar for the first time. The race in Lusail played an exciting part in that season’s intense World Championship battle that went down to the last lap of the final race.
It was also the race where Lewis Hamilton debuted a helmet that bore the colours of the Progress Pride flag – a banner which includes the traditional rainbow design with additional colours that recognise the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Lewis Hamilton assumed an early lead in the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix and maintained the advantage all the way to the chequered flag. ©Mercedes/LATimages
In the event, Hamilton and his Mercedes team became winners of the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix. Lewis claimed career win number 102 – a success that came a week after a stunning victory in Brazil, where he started from tenth on the grid – one week before his 103rd race win at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.
That was Hamilton’s last visit to the top podium step. The Brit is now on a winless streak of 39 races. Is there a chance he can return to winning ways this weekend? Formula 1 betting sites doubt it, and they quote him on 25/1.
It’s Smooth and Steady Stuff
“This track is amazing to drive, all medium and high-speed corners,” said the seven-time World Champion after qualifying in Lusail two years ago. The flat, 16-turn layout proved a hit with drivers in 2021, and with no changes to its layout, 2023 looks set to be no different.
The 5.4-kilometre configuration has played host to a range of other motor racing series, including Moto GP. Data from 2021 will prove crucial to teams’ preparations for the 2023 Grand Prix. A fresh new surface is the only change that needs to be factored into calculations.
New for Qatar in 2023 is the introduction of a Sprint race weekend. It will be the tenth Sprint race to date. The first took place at Silverstone during the 2021 season. Unlike the previous Sprints, this Saturday’s contest will be staged at night.
Sixth in Saturday Sprint Will Do for Max
As with Baku, Austria and Spa already in 2023, Saturday will be entirely dedicated to the shortened format. Sprint Shootout qualifying will take place in the afternoon and will be followed by the F1 Sprint in the evening.
There are still two more sprint events to come before the end of the season: the United States Grand Prix in Austin and the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. Only the top eight finishers in a Sprint receive World Championship points.
Max Verstappen, 177 points clear of teammate Sergio Perez in the current standings, must finish sixth or higher in this weekend’s Sprint to be confirmed as World Champion for a third successive season.
Hot Stuff but Not in Sprint Shootout
This week, temperatures during the day in Doha are forecast to reach close to 40 degrees Celsius. Thankfully, Qualifying, the F1 Sprint, and the Grand Prix all take place at night, when temperatures are predicted to average a more comfortable 27 degrees.
However, Free Practice 1 and the Sprint Shootout will take place before sunset. It means temperatures and track conditions will vary quite dramatically. This change could provide some unexpected outcomes in these two spectacles.
With hot conditions unlikely to play havoc with engines and mechanical systems and no heavy braking zones to destroy brakes, car failures in Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix are predicted to be low. The 2021 contest had just two non-finishers – both drivers suffered punctures.
Happy “Lewis Hamilton delivered one of his most dominant qualifying performances of the season to take pole position for the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix” race week. 🇶🇦🔥pic.twitter.com/Ib2OilZNGu
— deni (@fiagirly) October 1, 2023
What Are the Best Formula 1 Bets This Weekend?
Max Verstappen is quoted on 4/11 to take the race pole and 2/9 to win Sunday’s contest. He is also priced 1/4 to land the Sprint contest on Saturday. If prepared to play at those short odds, Fernando Alonso to finish amongst the points-paying positions is undoubtedly a better bet. The veteran Spaniard has finished in the top nine in 15 of this season’s 16 races.
However, the best Formula 1 betting sites have gone on a limb by pricing 18 or more classified finishers on 4/6. Helped by vast run-off areas, a meaningful accident or incident never looked likely in any part of the 2021 Qatar Grand Prix.
With the current spec cars more reliable than ever, we believe there is little to prevent 18 or more cars from being classified in Doha this Sunday. In fact, our betting experts are also tempted by the 7/4 offered on 19 or 20 classified race finishers.
