The Formula 1 paddock heads to Albert Park for round 3, and the 27th running of the Australian Grand Prix at the Melbourne street circuit. After only two rounds, it appears as though the chasing pack are once again going to have an insurmountable challenge in hunting down Max Verstappen in season 2024. Nevertheless, we can be excited about the pinnacle of motor sports once again gracing our shores, and two Aussie drivers in action to boot!
Below, we will have a quick re-cap of the opening two rounds to get you up to speed, before diving into a preview of the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, outlining our best bets for the race weekend ahead!
2024 Formula 1 Betting Tips
Re-cap
All eyes were on Max Verstappen as he looked towards a third straight title defence, as the teams lined up in round 1 at the Bahrain International Circuit. And whilst it appeared early in the weekend, and even in qualifying, that Ferrari might have the pace to challenge Verstappen and Red Bull, we were sadly mistaken. Verstappen clinched Pole Position, before leading the entire race on his way to a 22 second victory over teammate Sergio Perez. In a result very much befitting Noah’s Ark, the rest of the points finishers included two Ferrari’s, two Mercedes’, two McLaren’s, and two Aston Martin’s.
A week later, and the cars were back on track for round two, for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. There was once again optimism that perhaps it wouldn’t be another Verstappen procession, as Sergio Perez won here last year. And whilst Ferrari and Aston Martin appeared competitive, Verstappen once again blew the other teams off the track in qualifying, with over 0.3s separating the Dutchman from second placed Charles Leclerc. The race was no different, as Verstappen seemed to coast towards his 56th Grand Prix victory, and ninth-straight. Behind him, it was once again a similar story, with Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren all sporting two points scoring positions, whilst Alonso and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10.
Australian Grand Prix Preview
Max Verstappen doesn’t have the greatest record at this track, but I don’t see that as any reason to fade him here, particularly in the race. Qualifying may be a different ball game, however I still fully expect to see Verstappen at the top of the time sheets come Saturday evening.
Unfortunately, this season, even betting on podiums, top 6, or points finishes has been difficult, as only 6 teams, and 11 drivers scored points in the opening two races. Whilst that has created bigger prices on the other teams and drivers, it doesn’t fill you with confidence betting on them. The top 10 drivers (Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin) are all sub $1.50 to score points, with nothing of value there for mine.
If we look a little further down the field, Haas have been the best of the rest, with RB showing some potential to score points. If you can find a place to bet on Nico Hulkenberg making it through to Q3, or being top 10 in qualifying, I suggest getting on that bet. Hulk has shown himself to be a master on Saturday’s, and with Haas’ history at this venue being strong, I like him to be fast this weekend, particularly over one lap.
In terms of bets, Verstappen to win and take Pole Position will be the best bet. He’s in playing a different sport right now, and I can’t see anyone toppling the Dutchman. Perez has never shown to be particularly fast here, with Leclerc topping Verstappen for Pole being the only possible concern with this bet.
Elsewhere, I will look at some match up bets where I see some value. Guanyu Zhou has shown to be the match of Bottas this season so far in pure pace, with the main concern being Zhou making an error. Nevertheless, we can get Zhou at plus money to get the better of his Finnish teammate in qualifying this weekend, and I like this as a play. Elsewhere, any time Lewis Hamilton is a dog to his teammate, it’s a bet. He has a good history here at the Australian Grand Prix, and he will want to bounce back after a poor showing to start the year.
Finally, we will have a couple of small bets at big prices on the Aussies in this race to exceed expectations. Oscar Piastri has looked extremely quick to start the season, and if the McLaren is quick again this weekend, a Piastri podium isn’t out of the realms of possibility at a huge price. As for Ricciardo, he doesn’t have a great record here, however a small punt on the Aussie larrikin making the top 10 is worth it to cheer him home.
Verstappen (Race winner + Pole Position)
$1.61 (3 Units)
Other Bets
Zhou > Bottas (Qualifying match bet) – $2.22 @ Unibet (1u)
Hamilton > Russell – $2.20 @ Unibet (1u)
Piastri (Top 3) – $12 @ Topsport (0.5u)
Ricciardo (Top 10) - $2.75 @ Palmerbet (0.5u)
