F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Verstappen the Fave, in Shanghai

After a rare mechanical issue took Max Verstappen out of the Australian Grand Prix, the three-time defending champion rebounded to another dominant win from the pole in Japan. His third win from pole position this season put the Red Bull driver well into the lead of the championship standings. This week the grid heads back to China for the first time in five years but the F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds show fans can expect more of the same.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Favorites for victory

Max Verstappen (-600)

The defending champion’s at the top of the Formula 1 odds as he has for all of 2024. There’s no reason to believe China will be much different from other races on the Formula 1 schedule so far. The Shanghai International Circuit is front-limited, much like Australia. Challenges include multiple high-and medium-speed corners and the tricky snail complex at the start of the lap. Red Bull is well ahead of the field in aerodynamics and should be the pace-setter once again.

Sergio Perez (+900)

Perez also bounced back in Japan as well to notch his third podium finish of the year. The Mexican driver had his best qualifying performance of the year in Suzuka, too. He’s in good form but still can’t manage to catch Verstappen. The Ferrari drivers could challenge him more this weekend than in Japan so a win even without Verstappen could be tough.

Carlos Sainz (+1600)

If not for his appendicitis surgery taking him out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sainz could be leading the current F1 standings. Alas, he isn’t, but he’s still the only driver on the grid with a perfect podium record so far in 2024. Ferrari should be closer to Red Bull this weekend than in Japan. Sainz is in better race form between the two drivers.

Charles Leclerc (+1600)

Leclerc finished fourth in Suzuka behind the top three in odds. He’s shown single-lap pace in race trim with two fastest laps this season but not the overall race pace to challenge yet. He could be in for a good chance at pole position but a win would be tough. Between both Sainz and Red Bull’s form, it’d be a tough ask to stand on the top step.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Podium picks

 Verstappen (-1200)

Verstappen’s already had his bogey performance of the season with that DNF in Australia. It’d be a shock to see him off the podium in China. He has the best car in the field and few drivers can keep up in race trim.

Perez (-250)

Perez’s track record in China is solid but unspectacular. He was in a midfield car last time the grid came to Shanghai and performed accordingly. He’s stepped up in 2024 to stay next behind Verstappen more often than not. With a bigger challenge from the Ferraris this weekend, he could find himself off the podium in a closer fight.

Sainz (-125)

The Spaniard’s three-for-three in podium results this season. He’s consistently moved up in the race in Shanghai in his career in midfield machinery. This weekend could see a repeat but higher up the order for a podium.

Leclerc (-125)

Leclerc should be firmly in the fight for a podium. In a straight fight between both Sainz and Perez, he could be the odd man out considering their current form. He’ll be in the mix but would need some luck to lock out the rostrum.

Lando Norris (+160)

McLaren didn’t have the pace of the Ferraris in Japan and Norris finished fifth. It’s hard to imagine Norris breaking through in a straight fight but strategy and safety car periods could change that. He’s a long shot but not the worst choice for a slightly better payout.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Pole position

 Verstappen (-150)

The championship leader’s on a roll in Formula 1 qualifying. He’s started from pole position in every race so far in 2024. The gap to the rest of the field is smaller than at the start of the season but he’s still well ahead in one-lap pace. It’d be a surprise if he didn’t take pole position.

Leclerc (+500)

Traditionally, Leclerc would be the Ferrari driver to pick on Saturdays. But he’s struggled in the last two races and started fifth in Australia and eighth in Japan. He’s still got a good shot but would be a change from his recent form.

Sainz (+500)

Sainz, by contrast, has remained consistent in his qualifying performance, starting no lower than fourth in any race this year. He looks closer than Leclerc at this point and could challenge Verstappen.

Perez (+700)

After a strong qualifying performance in Japan, Perez could be a challenger in China. At these odds, he’s worth a flyer but could be a better choice next time out in Miami.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Points finishers

Oddsmakers favor 11 drivers for a points finish: Verstappen (-1400), Sainz (-1000), Leclerc (-1000), Perez (-900), Norris (-700), Oscar Piastri (-700), George Russell (-600), Lewis Hamilton (-600), Fernando Alonso (-500), Lance Stroll (-163), and Yuki Tsunoda (-125). But other drivers could break through.

Alex Albon (+200)

Albon DNF in Japan thanks to a first-lap crash with Daniel Ricciardo. The Williams should be fast in Shanghai. The long straights and high-speed corners should favor Albon’s car. He’s yet to break into the points this season but this looks like his best chance to do so for the next few races.

Nico Hulkenberg (+200)

After consecutive points finishes, Hulkenberg’s run ended with 11th place in Japan. It’s still surprising to see the turnaround on race day for the Haas cars in 2024. Hulkenberg routinely gets the most out of it in qualifying. If he manages his race pace well with a good strategy, he make the top 10 again.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Odds: Predictions for Shanghai

China’s much-anticipated return to the schedule should make for an exciting race. The Shanghai International Circuit’s seen great races in the past thanks to a circuit with ample overtaking opportunities.

But that won’t stop the dominant force in the sport this season. Verstappen is the obvious choice for victory this weekend and Leclerc and Sainz join him on the podium. Leclerc gets there thanks to a surprise pole position. Farther down the order, look for Albon to snipe a points-paying position.

For F1 news, F1 odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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