Formula 1, commonly referred to as just F1, is one of the most prestigious motorsports series in the world. Elite drivers race at speeds over 350km/h in cars built by some of the world’s leading engineers. They battle through high-speed corners and attempt dramatic overtakes, all while having to manage data and make split-second strategic calls with their teams. It’s safe to say that F1 is an exciting watch.
And all that excitement comes with some highly competitive sports betting markets.
New bettors entering the world of F1 don’t need to know every technical detail about the series before getting started. It’s as simple as learning what different markets exist and how some factors influence racing outcomes. With a strong foundation, you’ll be good to place your bets before the checkered flag.
This Formula 1 betting guide is your foundation for learning how F1 betting works, what markets are available, and tips for getting the most out of the championship.
What Is Formula 1?
F1 is the highest level of single-seater racing in the world. There are currently 11 teams on the grid, each with two drivers, making 22 total drivers competing throughout the racing season.
Each race, or Grand Prix weekend, is made up of three days. Free practice day is typically on the Friday and involves two hour-long practice sessions. Qualifying day is on the Saturday and includes a one-hour-long practice and around a 48-minute qualifying session, which determines the starting positions for the race.
Then race day is on Sunday, where the drivers compete for valuable points. There are also Sprint weekends (basically mini races) where the schedule changes slightly to include one practice session and a sprint qualifying (Friday), a sprint race and normal qualifying (Saturday), and then the race (Sunday).
While most Grand Prix weekends usually run from Friday to Sunday, this can vary depending on the country being raced in. There are 20 to 24 races a year at various tracks around the world, each with their own characteristics that affect the performance of an F1 car.
There are two championships up for grabs in F1, including the Driver’s Championship and the Constructor’s Championship. Points are awarded to the top ten finishers in a Grand Prix and the top 8 finishers in a Sprint Race. In the end, these points add to both the individual driver’s points total and the team they race for.
How Formula 1 Betting Works
Formula 1 betting involves predicting what will happen during a race weekend. Before the race weekend starts, you’ll find different betting markets based on the predicted race winner, who will get a podium finish, and the winning car. Then throughout the entire season, there are other bets for the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championship winners.
Each possible result is given betting odds. These odds indicate the likelihood of the outcome and help you determine your potential return. We use decimal odds which are generally easier to understand. A smaller number means an outcome is considered more likely, while a larger one indicates the bet is riskier (but also has a higher return, if successful).
Another thing about F1 is that the favourite is not always guaranteed to win. Even when drivers are in the “best car” on the grid, they rely on other factors. Mechanical problems, collisions, weather changes, grid penalties, race strategy, and even sheer luck, can all affect the result. So, it always helps to keep these factors in mind when considering your bets.
Popular Formula 1 Betting Markets
There are plenty of advanced betting markets where you can predict very specific race and championship outcomes. These may vary depending on the race weekend, particularly if it’s a normal weekend or a Sprint weekend. However, these are some of the most popular markets you’ll come across.
Grand Prix Winner
This is the easiest bet to understand, but one of the more difficult ones to get right. Here you predict which driver will win the Grand Prix. You’re provided with a list of all 22 drivers, compare their odds, consider your own factors, and then place your bet on who you think will cross the finish line first. It’s always good to consider drivers’ recent form, their team performance, and their race history at the particular track.
Podium Finish
Instead of choosing a driver to win the race, you select the driver you think will finish on the podium, or the top three finishers. This gives you an increased chance and a bit of flexibility, as your driver can finish either P1, P2, or P3.
Winning Car
If you want an even greater chance of success, you can bet on the winning car. Instead of choosing the driver who will cross the finish line first, you’re betting on the team that wins. Since each team has two drivers, there’s an increased chance of success compared to choosing a single driver.
Driver’s Championship Winner (Full Season)
This market is ongoing, and you can place your bets at any point throughout the year before the season is over. This is where you’re going to bet on which driver is going to win the Driver’s Championship. In other words, pick the driver who you think will collect the most points throughout the season.
Constructor’s Championship Winner (Full Season)
Similar to the previous market, this one lasts the whole F1 season. Instead of deciding the driver with the most points at the end of the season, you’re trying to guess which team will have the most points. Since each team has two drivers, it’s important to keep in mind the performance of both before placing your bet.
Formula 1 Betting Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to online sports betting and F1 markets, you’ll want to keep your first bet simple. Betting on podium finishers and winning cars is the least risky. While the payout may be slightly smaller, the chances for a successful bet are significantly higher.
When betting on a grand prix winner, try not to choose someone simply because they are your favourite driver. Carefully weigh their recent performances, their car, and their competitors’ form before placing a bet. It’s also a good idea to make selections after watching at least a few free practice sessions. That way you can get the gist of how the teams and drivers are performing at that weekend’s track.
It’s also riskier to bet on the Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships too early in the season. Because teams bring upgrades to their cars throughout the year, you might find other teams improving more than the ones you’ve already backed. The odds can change quickly, so betting on a week-by-week basis is the safest option.
While these are useful tips, each bettor is different. It’s always good to find the markets and strategies that work for you, and stick to them. It’s all about having fun at the end of the day.
Bet on Formula 1 With playTSOGO
Formula 1 betting can be an exciting and lucrative market, especially once you’ve mastered the basics and are familiar with the factors that can influence a race.
Start with straightforward options, follow the action across practice and qualifying sessions, and research the circuit before making your predictions. As you gain experience, you can explore more F1 betting markets and decide which ones best match your knowledge of the sport.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up or log in to your playTSOGO account to explore the available Formula 1 markets. Remember to bet responsibly, stay within your budget and enjoy the racing action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Formula 1 betting suitable for beginners?
Yes! Formula 1 betting is great for beginners, especially when looking at simpler markets like race winners, winning cars, or podium finishes. Doing some basic research on which teams or drivers are performing well can go a long way in setting you up for a successful first bet.
When can you bet on a Formula 1 race?
Bets for Formula 1 races open prior to the race weekend starting. Generally, bets remain open and close before the Grand Prix starts on Sunday.
Can you bet on Formula 1 practice sessions?
No, you can’t bet on Formula 1 practice sessions. Free practice is a non-competitive session where drivers can test new upgrades, come to grips with the track conditions, and see how the car is fairing. There are no points up for grabs.
