Las Vegas Grand Prix betting tips: F1 preview, picks and analysis
Sergio Perez is set for a big weekend at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, according to Formula One expert Louis Bollard.
F1 betting tips: Las Vegas Grand Prix
3pts Sergio Perez to win the Las Vegas Grand Prix Without Max Verstappen at 12/1 (Sky Bet)
2pts Ferrari Fastest Qualifying Team at 7/2 (General)
Formula One makes its way to Nevada for the first Las Vegas Grand Prix since 1982. The 1982 race was held in the car park of the Caesar’s Palace hotel which may well be why it failed to return the following year.
In 2023, F1 comes here with more intent of staying than ever, having spent over $500 million on a brand new paddock and turning the famous Las Vegas Strip into race track for one weekend. In 1982, we saw Diana Ross on the podium, this weekend we may see the most star-studded crowd at a sporting event ever.
Formula One would have hoped that the championship was still alive as it makes the highly anticipated return to Vegas but unfortunately that is not the case. Positively, the track design should give us a better race than what we have seen in Miami.
Perez the value without Verstappen
The return to form of SERGIO PEREZ could not have come at a better time for him as he looks to stake a claim on his Red Bull future. His performance in Brazil was much needed after showing glimpses of what he can do in the previous weeks. In Brazil, the only two cars which had the pace over him all weekend were his teammate and Lando Norris, and I expect Checo to reverse the form this weekend with Norris.
The Las Vegas circuit will require a low downforce configuration with the 2.3km straight which plays right into the Red Bull’s strengths. Perez’s record this year when running this package at Baku, Spa and Monza reads 1st, 2nd, 2nd, meaning that he has not been beaten by anyone bar his teammate on low downforce tracks this season.
Perez opened at 16/1 in places in this market and has since shortened to 12/1, but that is still value. He deserves to be at the head of the market here.
Ferrari to make mark in Qualifying
The low downforce tracks this season, Baku, Spa and Monza have exposed weaknesses in straight line speed for Mercedes, Aston Martin, and McLaren, yet FERRARI have been strong. Ferrari took pole at both Spa and Monza and have taken pole at four of the last seven races, showing the car is right at the front when it comes to one lap pace.
When Formula One arranged this race, they did not factor in the temperature of Vegas midnight in November. As a result, we could possibly have the coldest race ever with temperatures as low as 5°C forecast. This may be a benefit to Ferrari as they are able to fire up their tyres quicker than their rivals which can give them the edge over one lap pace.
I expect the fight for pole to be between Red Bull and Ferrari. At the prices, Ferrari are value.
Other drivers to note
Max Verstappen
Plenty of variables this weekend for him to navigate. Should not be troubled by the field on pace but cold weather and potential for safety cars/red flags could give him something to worry about.
Lewis Hamilton
From clearly being best of the rest in Texas and Mexico to being at the lower end of the points in Brazil shows how inconsistent the Mercedes has been. It could be another difficult weekend for them considering their poor form on low downforce tracks since 2022.
Lando Norris
Excellent weekend in Brazil where he was challenging Verstappen for a period of time. Even with the upgrades, his car was poor in Monza. Will expect to be beaten by Ferrari here.
Williams
Car is a rocket ship in a straight line which will be of great benefit here. Albon is odds on for points and that should be the aim. He managed P7 in Monza and will look to break into the top six here if the opportunity arises. Great chance for Logan Sargeant to score points in consecutive home races.
Haas
Having a torrid second half of the season. Upgrades have not worked, and Hulkenberg has opted to revert back to his old car. Their usual weakness of overheating tyres may be a strength here in the cold temperatures, but that is their only hope.
Posted at 1550 BST on 15/11/23
When does the Las Vegas Grand Prix start and what TV channel is it on?
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.
Friday November 17
- Practice One: 0430 GMT
- Practice Two: 0800 BST
Saturday November 18
- Practice Three: 0430 GMT
- Qualifying: 0800 GMT
Sunday November 19
- Race: 0600 GMT
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