Formula 1 Preview: Spanish GP Odds

F1 Returns to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Into the sixth race of the 2022 Formula 1 (F1) World Championship, the drivers return to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix. The Spanish GP odds favor two drivers to no one’s surprise: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc. The two have alternated winning the last five races though Verstappen has the lead after winning the last two races.

2022 Spanish Grand Prix Information

• Race: Spanish Grand Prix
• Location: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain
• Day/Time: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. ET
• Television: ABC

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Have the Edge

Catalunya may have a special place in Max Verstappen’s heart. This was where he got his maiden win back in 2016, which also was his first run with Red Bull. Of course, he needed some “help” as the favorites in Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton had to crash thus allowing him and Red Bull to take advantage. Check out the Spanish GP Odds, and be sure to watch for the latest line movement.

Now, Verstappen is the odds-on favorite to win though Charles LeClerc is right on his tail. Per Formula 1 betting tips, Verstappen has had the best results in this Grand Prix even if he hasn’t won it since 2016. He has finished on the podium in five of his six races here with the only time he didn’t being due to ouster, by accident.

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are now running on fumes and Verstappen has been revving up. He’s recorded the fastest lap in two straight races plus the pole position in the Emilia Romagna. The path is clear for him and Red Bull to finish on top again.

Charles LeClerc and Ferrari Playing Catch-Up

Charles LeClerc started strong, winning the Bahrain Grand Prix while recording pole position and the fastest lap. But since the Australian Grand Prix, he has been overtaken by Verstappen. On top of that, LeClerc has seemingly become snakebitten with his crashing of Niki Lauda’s historic car in his home country of Monaco.

Yet nothing dispels “bad luck” quite like a big win right? LeClerc will have to win the Gran Premio de España for the first time in his career. He’s come close a few times, finishing in fourth last year and fifth in 2019. When it comes to finishing with the fastest times, LeClerc has Verstappen edged out per the Spanish GP odds.

This includes his times in Formula 1 Spain qualifying or the fastest lap in the actual race. LeClerc will just have to beat out Verstappen over the course of 66 laps. It’s something he has yet to do with Verstappen racing a full circuit.

Carlos Sainz Looking for a Grand Moment on Home Soil

The last time a Spaniard won the Spanish Grand Prix was nearly a decade ago: Fernando Alonso in his 2013 run with Ferrari. Carlos Sainz Jr., Charles LeClerc’s teammate has an outside shot to do it. He is a distant third on the betting odds at 11-1 but should LeClerc stumble, Sainz is in a good position to do it. He’s already finished on the podium three times this year and is still looking for his maiden win.

The 27-year-old has consistently finished within the top-10 in Catalunya though he hasn’t cracked the top five. This is his second year with Ferrari and he is having the best start to his eight-year career thus far. Additionally, he may just have the driving style that is more suited to the Catalunya track. At least one former driver admits he does.

“Leclerc and Sainz use different techniques to stabilize their car in the slow corners,” Shinji Nakano, who finished 14th in the 1998 Spanish Grand Prix in Catalunya, said as he compared LeClerc’s and Sainz’s driving techniques relative to the course. “Leclerc uses an overlap between brake and gas. Sainz is a lot more traditional.”

As it applies to the course, Sainz’ style may give him a bit of an edge over his teammate. In front of his home crowd, what a story it would be if this were Sainz’ maiden victory.