Formula One kicks back into high gear at the end of March with the Bahrain Grand Prix. On the cusp of the new racing season, we’re making our preseason picks for three different bets — including the Driver and Constructor Championship. Gear up here before the races begin!
Get your Formula One bets ready because the newest season kickstarts on March 28 with the Bahrain Grand Prix in the Middle East.
Over the course of this article, we're giving you betting picks to make for that opening race, as well as year-end titles such as the Driver and Constructor. There's a lot of ground to cover so let's dive right into it:
| Driver |  |
|---|---|
| Lewis Hamilton | +150 |
| Max Verstappen | +150 |
| Valtteri Bottas | +425 |
| Sergio Perez | +650 |
| Daniel Ricciardo | +2400 |
| Lando Norris | +3000 |
| Pierre Gasly | +4500 |
| Sebastian Vettel | +4500 |
For the last decade, both Hamilton and Vettel have completely dominated in Bahrain. Since 2012, each driver has won this event on four separate occasions. The lone year neither won was in 2016 when Nico Rosberg finished atop the leaderboard.
Given Vettel's pedigree here — with first-place finishes coming in 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018 — why are online sportsbooks so down on his odds at winning this season? C'mon, +4500 for a four-time winner? Really?
But to be fair, we understand why a site like BetUS isn't exactly high on Vettel's chances at Bahrain. This will be Vettel's first race under Aston Martin, who is making its grand return to the Formula One circuit after a 60-plus-year layoff from racing. And let's be honest, expectations should be tempered in the carmaker's highly-anticipated debut.
Regardless, we like the value of Vettel at +4500. It's rare to get a driver of his caliber (he's a four-time Driver Championship holder, too) at such steep prices, a new carmaker be damned. It's worth throwing a "prayers bet" on Vettel in case he can shock the motorsport world — which isn't out of the question.
If you prefer a safer gambling pick, then Hamilton is a natural choice. He's won the Bahrain Grand Prix the last two years and well, he's the best Formula One driver right now (and perhaps of all time).
Betting pick to make: Hamilton (+150) if you're playing it safe or Vettel (+4500) for the risk-takers
| Driver |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis Hamilton | -250 | -250 |
| Max Verstappen | +300 | +275 |
| Valtteri Bottas | +1200 | +1100 |
| Sergio Perez | +1600 | +1500 |
| Daniel Ricciardo | +3300 | +3800 |
| Charles Leclerc | +5000 | +4500 |
No surprise here, Hamilton is the clear favorite to claim the World Championship at season's end. For what it's worth, Hamilton is chasing history on top of the Drivers title. One more championship would be his fifth in a row and more importantly, break a tie with Michael Schumacher for most titles all-time at eight.
If you put your money with Hamilton here, we sure wouldn't blame you. Whether it's Formula One or any other sport for that matter, it's never smart to bet against an all-timer at the peak of his career, which Hamilton is to a tee.
However, we do know there's a segment of bettors that like "going against the grain" so to speak. If you fall into this category and don't want to take the easy bet, then Verstappen should be your first betting choice.
The 23-year-old Dutch driver finished third in last year's Driver standings. His new teammate at Red Bull this year will be Sergio Perez. Having a respectable co-driver like Perez could push Verstappen to quicker speeds in 2021. If that's the case, Verstappen has a chance to spoil Hamilton's pursuit of history.
Betting pick to make: Hamilton (-250) or Verstappen (+275)
| Automaker | | |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes | -350 | -400 |
| Red Bull | +300 | +250 |
| Ferrari | +2800 | +2600 |
| McLaren | +3300 | +2400 |
| Aston Martin | +6600 | +7000 |
| Alpine | +10000 | +9000 |
Akin to the Drivers title, the Constructors has also been a one-way affair as of late. Since the introduction of V6 turbo engines in 2014, Mercedes has won this award every single season. The seven-year streak of wins is the most since the award was introduced in 1958.
Honestly speaking, however, you bet the Drivers Championship should dictate your choice here. If you're going with Hamilton in that futures bet, then you might as well go with his Mercedes side here, too. Make no mistake about it, Hamilton is the main cause of Mercedes' success since 2014 and to a lesser degree, Bottas as well (he didn't join the team until 2017).
But if you have Verstappen dethroning Hamilton as the Drivers Championship, then there are a high chance Red Bull eclipses, Mercedes, for the Constructors while he's at it. It's worth noting that the Red Bull's newest signee, Perez, finished fourth in last year's Driver standings. That means last year's top 4 drivers are all currently with Mercedes and Red Bull (for reference, Bottas placed second).
So pick your poison with these two bets. Hamilton and Mercedes, as long-time winners of each award, is the less risky route, but a Verstappen-Red Bull combo is the bigger payoff.
Betting pick to make: Mercedes (-350) or Red Bull (+250)
Alright, if you're in need of a betting site to lock in the above Formula One wagers, you should explore the ones listed underneath. Each carries Formula One odds year-round and at bettor-friendly prices, too.
In addition, these sportsbooks are all offering sign-up bonuses to new bettors. The way it works is first-time users of the site create an account, load it up with their money, and earn back free play from the bookmaker.
The new player deals will vary from site to site, but hundreds to thousands of dollars in free money are all in play. You can compare and contrast current promotions with the table below. Have your pick!
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