Verstappen’s car failed him last weekend, which is why he ended outside the podium for the first time this season. The Red Bull Racing driver, however, is expected to bounce right back to the top with a win at the 2023 Japanese GP. His car problems are over, while his desire to win is unquestionable.
2023 Japanese Grand Prix Odds
Moneyline Odds
Max Verstappen -350
Sergio Perez +1100
Lando Norris +1400
Carlos Sainz +1800
Charles Leclerc +1800
Lewis Hamilton +1800
George Russell +2500
Oscar Piastri +2800
Fernando Alonso +5000
*Odds taken from Sports Odds Direct on Thursday, September 21.
When, Where, and How to Watch?
Place: Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka, Japan
Date: Sunday, September 24, 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. ET
How to Watch: ESPN
Fifteen races have been run thus far in the 2023 Formula 1 season. Twelve of those were won by the reigning champ, Max Verstappen. In two of the three races that he failed to win, he finished second, right behind his Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez. However, in the most recent race, both of them finished outside the podium.
Verstappen finished fifth, which is actually a pretty decent success as he had some big problems with his car during the qualification. In fact, he did poorly on Saturday, booking the No. 11 place on the grid. He also had some tire problems during the race, which is why it’s actually a great success that he managed to finish in the top 5.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. was the one who won the race last week, can he do it again? The Japanese GP odds suggest that he cannot. He’s in the shared fourth place on the list of favorites, with the F1 odds of +1800, the same as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. That said, Sergio Perez (+1100) and Lando Norris (+1400) seem more likely to challenge the No. 1 spot on the podium.
When it comes to Hamilton, the legendary British driver used to be discussed as one of the best F1 competitions in history. However, he’s been without a win in almost two years. Maybe it’s time for that to change? Probably not, although we could see him finish on the podium on Sunday, which would be his fifth time this season.
