F1 expert Louis Bollard has a post-qualifying tip ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
F1 betting tips: Japanese Grand Prix
3pts Sergio Perez to win the Japanese Grand Prix without Verstappen at 9/4 (Sky Bet)
Pre-qualifying tip
1pt Oscar Piastri to be fastest qualifier at the Japanese GP at 20/1 (Ladbrokes, Coral)
Post-qualifying preview
It was business as usual on Saturday in Suzuka for Red Bull. Max Verstappen being over half a second clear of the field and Sergio Perez being mediocre in qualifying has become the norm. McLaren have been best of the rest so far as highlighted in the midweek preview.
Although starting behind the McLarens and Leclerc, I would make SERGIO PEREZ favourite to follow his teammate home on Sunday. The race is likely to be a two or three stopper as tyre degradation is proving to be more of an issue than expected. All of the cars starting ahead of Perez will suffer more from tyre wear than the second Red Bull. If they have a clean race, I expect the Red Bulls to bring home a 1-2 finish.
Pre-qualifying preview
Finally, Max Verstappen's winning streak has come to an end. Singapore has always proved a tricky place for the best car in the field. Mercedes struggled there during their era of dominance and Max Verstappen has never won in Singapore.
Betting wise, we had a few close calls at big prices but I picked the wrong Ferrari to complete the 250/1 fastest qualifier/race winner double.
Max Verstappen says you're not a real Formula One fan if you think Red Bull's dominance is bad for the sport. pic.twitter.com/XEvMrhrMVP
— Sport on Sporting Life (@SLSport_) September 21, 2023
On to this week in Japan, where it's likely to be business as usual for Red Bull. The long sweeping high speed corners of Suzuka are where the Red Bulls strengths lie.
Although the Red Bull should be back to its normal dominant self, I'm not convinced of its pace on a Saturday and I'm willing to chance OSCAR PIASTRI for fastest qualifier.
For a form guide to Suzuka, we can look back at to Silverstone where a significantly upgraded McLaren was able to keep pace with Verstappen. McLaren were unlucky not to come away with a double podium finish that day. Since then, McLaren have been strong but not at the very front. This is an opportunity for them to show their true potential.
In Singapore, Lando Norris was given the only upgrade package where he was a front runner all weekend. Piastri will have this upgrade packed this weekend and is double the price of Norris to get pole.
Posted at 1200 BST on 21/09/23
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