Bryce’s Bets: F1 Saudi Arabia 2023 -- Can Max Verstappen bounce back?
Welcome back! After an awful opening round in regard to both the race and my betting picks, I’m feeling rejuvenated. Max Verstappen had an issue with his driveshaft and therefore is starting 15th on the grid.
This should make for an exciting race as he’ll have to try to make his way through the field on a tricky Jeddah track that doesn’t have a ton of passing opportunities.
Sergio Perez is starting first for the second consecutive year at Jeddah. He is joined on the front row by Fernando Alonso, who’s looking to have back-to-back podiums and his 100th podium finish.
Charles Leclerc had a strong qualifying session, but a penalty will put him back in 12th position to start the race.
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Before we get to this week’s bets, let’s look back at last week’s disaster. An X means the bet didn’t hit.
Charles Leclerc Podium-138 X
This bet looked good as Leclerc was running in either second or third for his entire race until he had an engine issue that forced him to retire. It definitely wasn’t the start Leclerc and Ferrari needed after last season’s numerous technical difficulties for the team and driver.
Nico Hulkenberg Points Finish –120 X
Hulkenberg was screwed from the beginning, as he made contact with another car and suffered some damage. He was never able to find the pace he showed in qualifying and he finished 15.
Lando Norris Points Finish-111 X
Norris had car troubles as well, which led him and his teammate Oscar Piastri to have to pit numerous times and Piastri had to retire. Norris stayed out and was classified as finishing 17.
Max Verstappen Fastest Lap+120 X
Verstappen was simply too good for this bet to hit. He had enough of a gap early on before the fastest laps usually occur that he didn’t have to push too hard and he could relax with a huge lead.
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Now on to this week's bets! All odds are courtesy of SI Sportsbook.
Sergio Perez to Win+110
Perez is starting on pole and has the best car. He should be able to gap second place Alonso unless he gets a very poor start. Perez should only have to worry about Verstappen from behind but it’s a very difficult track to pass on. Perez is a street circuit expert, winning on the streets of Monaco and Singapore last year.
Fernando Alonso Podium Finish-175
Alonso has a great starting spot in second and this seems like a lock because he has George Russell starting behind him. Russell doesn’t have the pace Alonso has so Alonso should have a buffer to the rest of the field until Verstappen gets up there.
Nico Hulkenberg Points Finish+190
I can’t quit the Hulk! I’m taking him to score points here because I expect someone in front of him to have issues and retire. In his career, Hulkenberg has been one of the more consistent drivers in the midfield. These are great odds for Hulkenberg and Haas to pick up their first points of the season.
Max Verstappen to Win +138
I’m hedging my bets here after an awful start in Bahrain and a dominant start for Red Bull. Verstappen has clearly been the fastest driver, so if some safety cars come out he could be near the front quickly. One of the Red Bull drivers should win this race, the question is who?
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Bryce's Season Record Thus Far: 0-4
Best of luck betting and enjoy the race! Be sure to go to autoracingdigest.com for all your motorsports needs and follow @AutoRaceDigest on twitter