Once again, Max Verstappen showcased his dominance in Austria last weekend, achieving a clean sweep of pole position, victory, and fastest lap. Adding to his triumph was a sprint race win, marking his second consecutive season with such a feat.
Verstappen has now won six consecutive races, including the sprint, displaying his remarkable form. However, despite his apparent comfort on the track, there were glimpses of vulnerability, particularly on an off day or in the unpredictable British weather.
Both Ferrari and Mercedes made significant strides in their performance. Ferrari’s recent upgrades allowed them to regain their competitive edge at the Red Bull Ring, while Aston Martin’s early-season challenge seemed to diminish.
As Formula 1 ventures to Silverstone, a home track for many teams, the question arises: what is the current form?
Contenders for Victory
Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing RB19, is the clear favorite for victory. The odds for any other driver to win are quite enticing, with Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, standing at 7-1 to claim the top spot this weekend. However, venturing beyond the Red Bull camp reveals even more substantial odds for renowned drivers. British hero Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, follows at 12-1, with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari at 14-1 and Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin at 16-1.
Last year, Verstappen encountered difficulties with a damaged floor, resulting in a seventh-place finish. Therefore, there is always a possibility of a different outcome. Mercedes is preparing a substantial upgrade, and the support of the home crowd will undoubtedly motivate Hamilton. Could he achieve victory? The statistics overwhelmingly favor him, as he has emerged triumphant eight times in total, including seven of the last nine visits. These odds alone make him an alluring choice.
Ferrari should not be overlooked either. Last year, their car suited the sweeping curves of Silverstone, and Carlos Sainz emerged as the victor, albeit with some luck. Sainz stands at 25-1 for a repeat performance, and considering the upgrades showcased in Austria, this could be a worthwhile long shot.
Podium Contenders
Sergio Perez demonstrated the strength of the Red Bull car by charging from 15th on the grid to secure third place in Austria. However, he missed out on the podium in the three previous races, suggesting that opportunities are available for others. Despite this, the odds for the top three finishers are not particularly enticing for the leading contenders. Even Lando Norris from McLaren and George Russell from Mercedes, both fueled by their home fans and recent upgrades, only stand at 33-10.
The possibility of rain during qualifying and a mix of sunshine and showers for the race introduces an element of unpredictability. This opens the door for outsiders such as Alpine, which finished fifth in 2022. Esteban Ocon stands at 49-1 for a podium finish, while Pierre Gasly’s odds are at 69-1.
Scoring Points
Looking beyond the top order, widening the scope to the top six positions, presents Esteban Ocon at 21-5 and Pierre Gasly at 6-1. While they have not finished higher than seventh this season, aside from Ocon’s podium in Azerbaijan, the weather could disrupt the established order.
Haas, known for their risk-taking in changing conditions, achieved a double-points finish at Silverstone last year. Both Haas drivers are at 21-1 for a top-six finish, similar to Nico Hulkenberg’s result in Austria, albeit during the sprint race.
Guanyu Zhou, representing Alfa Romeo Stake, was fortunate to escape serious injurylast year after being involved in a chaotic crash on the first lap that left his car overturned. If he can overcome those memories, he stands at 7-2 to build upon his two points finishes so far this year.
Potential Upsets
Given that British drivers dominate the grid this season, with Hamilton and Russell at Mercedes and Norris at McLaren, it’s worth considering backing one of the home favorites to claim the top spot at odds of 38/5.
While last year witnessed three cars retiring on the first lap, such occurrences are exceptions rather than the norm. However, there is a good chance that someone may encounter trouble right from the start, although predicting who that might be is anyone’s guess. The odds present an opportunity to seize.
When it comes to pit stops, Ferrari has emerged as the leader this season, displaying impressive speed during their crew’s operations. They are currently at 2-1 to achieve the fastest stop this weekend. If their car maintains its pace, a flawless performance from the pit crew will be crucial.
NOTE: The odds mentioned above are correct at the time of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about British Grand Prix
What were Max Verstappen’s results in the Austrian Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen had a dominating performance in the Austrian Grand Prix, achieving pole position, victory, and the fastest lap. He also won the sprint race, making it a clean sweep for the weekend.
Can Max Verstappen’s winning streak be broken?
While Max Verstappen has been in exceptional form, there are signs that he may be beatable, especially on an off day or in unpredictable weather conditions like the capricious British weather.
Which drivers have the best odds to win the British Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen is the clear favorite for victory in the British Grand Prix. Sergio Perez, his teammate at Red Bull Racing, also has favorable odds. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Fernando Alonso are among the other drivers with decent odds.
Is there a chance for a different driver to win besides Max Verstappen?
Certainly. Last year, Verstappen struggled at Silverstone due to a damaged floor and finished in seventh place. Lewis Hamilton, a home hero, has a strong track record at Silverstone, having won eight times in total. Ferrari’s recent upgrades and past success at Silverstone also make them a contender for victory.
Which drivers have good chances for a podium finish?
Aside from Max Verstappen, drivers like Lando Norris, George Russell, Esteban Ocon, and Pierre Gasly have favorable odds for a podium finish. The potential for unpredictable weather could create opportunities for other drivers to challenge for a top-three position as well.
Are there any underdogs worth considering for points or a podium finish?
Drivers like Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, and Guanyu Zhou are worth considering as underdogs for points or a podium finish. Their odds may be higher, but unpredictable weather conditions and their past performances make them potential dark horses in the race.
Who has the fastest pit crew this season?
Ferrari currently holds the lead in terms of the fastest pit crew this season. Their crew is favored to achieve the fastest pit stop during the British Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of their performance in maintaining their competitive edge.
More about British Grand Prix
- Austrian Grand Prix Results
- Max Verstappen’s Dominance
- British Grand Prix Odds
- Lewis Hamilton’s Silverstone Record
- Ferrari’s Upgrades and Success at Silverstone
- Underdog Drivers to Watch
- Ferrari’s Fastest Pit Crew