F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Odds: Verstappen and Red Bull Favorites

Championship leader set for Formula 1 record in Hungary this weekend

Formula 1 continues its run of European races, stopping in Hungary for the third race in four weeks. The Hungaroring has a reputation for being a slower-speed, technical track with just one major overtaking spot at the end of the front straight. The Hungaroring’s often compared to Monaco despite being a road course instead of a street circuit. Unsurprisingly, this year’s Monaco winner, Max Verstappen, leads the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix odds.

It’s hard to find new ways to describe the dominance of Red Bull and Verstappen this Formula 1 season. But there’s a new one for this weekend’s race: historic. In Formula 1 history, a team has won 11 consecutive races just twice: McLaren in 1988 and Red Bull from Abu Dhabi last year through the last race in Silverstone. If Red Bull wins this weekend, the team will cement its legacy with one of the most dominant seasons ever.

Verstappen miles ahead of the field for victory

As he has been for most of 2023, Verstappen (-300) is favored for victory on Sunday again. This type of track has traditionally played to Red Bull’s strengths. Downforce is at a premium, and their package has shown to have the best aerodynamics on the grid.

He won from 10th on the grid last year and, save for a qualifying issue, will start much higher up the order this time. He leads the F1 drivers standings by 99 points and is one point shy of a four-race win margin. There’s no reason to think he won’t exceed a 100-point lead by the end of the weekend.

The biggest difference this weekend is how big the gap is from Verstappen to the next-best odds. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Pérez and Fernando Alonso are tied at +1100. Pérez’s been struggling lately with just one podium in the last five races.

Qualifying woes have doomed his races for nearly two months. Unfortunately, Hungary is his worst track by the average finish on the 2023 calendar. He’d like to make up points in the F1 drivers championship, but this may be the worst place for him to do it.

Alonso’s also struggled lately. He managed seventh in Aston Martin’s home race in Silverstone last time out after qualifying ninth. Luckily, the Hungaroring’s slower-speed corners and downforce requirements are better conditions for Aston Martin. Alonso and the team will look to bounce back, but a win would be a surprise.

Rain is forecast for Saturday afternoon but will likely not impact the race. Anyone outside of this trio getting a win would be a massive surprise.

Podium and points finish picks for the Hungarian Grand Prix

Verstappen (-600), Pérez (-125), and Alonso (-110) are oddsmakers’ top picks for the podium. If Pérez’s qualifying struggles continue, other drivers will be able to break into the top three.

Lewis Hamilton (+120) has the next-best odds for a podium. He’s a good choice in Hungary; it’s one of the best tracks in his long Formula 1 career. The Hungaroring is tied with Silverstone for the most wins in Hamilton’s career (eight).

He’s won half of his F1 races in Hungary, but that may be a tall order this time. Like Aston Martin, Mercedes has raced better in higher-downforce circuits in 2023. Between his track record and their package, he could take a top-three finish Sunday. A Verstappen, Alonso, and Hamilton podium is +450.

Hamilton’s teammate George Russell (+400) would also be a good choice. The Brit’s first career pole position came at this track last year, and he’s managed just one podium so far this season. Though they may have better F1 odds, Ferrari’s car doesn’t have a big enough advantage over Mercedes’ to warrant choosing either of their driver for the podium.

McLaren was the shock of the weekend in Silverstone, with second- and fourth-place finishes for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, respectively. But much of that came down to the track flattering their car. They’re more likely to finish outside of the podium this time out.

The F1 Hungarian Grand Prix odds point to 12 drivers getting points finishes this weekend: Verstappen (-1200), Pérez (-700), Alonso (-700), Hamilton (-700), Norris (-500), Carlos Sainz (-450), Charles Leclerc (-450), Russell (-400), Piastri (-175), Esteban Ocon (-150), Lance Stroll (-150), and Pierre Gasly (-150).

It’s hard to find a solid top-10 choice outside of that group, but if you’re looking for value, try Yuki Tsunoda (+200). He’s in one of the slower cars in the field, but a track like Hungary doesn’t reward straightline speed. He should’ve had a points finish in Spain but a questionable penalty dropped him to 12th. In a week where all the attention will be on his new teammate Daniel Ricciardo, look for Tsunoda to have a strong showing.

Predictions for the Hungarian Grand Prix

The Hungaroring could be a venue for history this weekend. Verstappen and Red Bull’s torrid form could secure one of the hardest records to break in Formula 1 history. The F1 Hungarian Grand Prix odds favor them doing it, and it’s a bad idea to bet against them in 2023. Verstappen will likely grab pole position and the historic victory.

For a podium, look for Alonso and Hamilton to round out the rostrum again. Given how many drivers are favored for that finish, Tsunoda could be the best choice for a points surprise.

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

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