F1: Bryce’s Bets -- Et tu, Baku?
It seems like an eternity has passed since the last Formula One race. But F1 is back at one of the best and most unique street circuits on the calendar: Baku.
The street circuit in the capital of Azerbaijan is the rare street circuit with overtaking opportunities due to a super long straight to start and end the lap.
The season has been dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull so far. However, things seem to be tightening at the front as this weekend’s lap times of Verstappen, his teammate Sergio Perez and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc have all been close to the front.
Perez won the sprint race on Saturday but Leclerc starts on pole in a new format for 2023 where the sprint result does not set the grid for the race, Friday’s qualifying does.
Now let’s look ahead to the bets! All odds will be coming from SI Sportsbook. After a rough start to the year and a disappointing 1-3 record in Australia, let’s get things back on track:
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Charles Leclerc Podium Finish –125
Leclerc said he’s been surprised by Ferrari’s speed this weekend. But history shows this is a track Leclerc qualifies well at, as he has taken three pole positions in a row at Baku. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to capitalize on them. Leclerc probably won’t win Sunday, but as long as there isn’t mechanical failure, he should finish in the top three. He’s had great pace all weekend and shouldn’t be far from the Red Bulls.
Sergio Perez to Win +320
Perez has experience winning at Baku, having taken the checkered flag there in 2021. Only one man starting on pole has won at Baku in the five races. Perez is starting third which is a good sign historically. He won Saturday's sprint race and the odds are good that he could pass Verstappen and Leclerc and get a win.
Alexander Albon Top 10 Finish +115
I’ve been high on Albon so far this season, but it hasn’t paid off. He crashed out in Australia after showing good pace. He’s shown good pace this weekend, starting seventh for the sprint and finishing ninth. I’m counting on him to stay out of trouble and be able to move up into the top 10 from his 13th-place grid position. If this doesn’t work out for Albon it might be a while until you see his name again.
Max Verstappen Fastest Lap –125
This is the bet with the simplest logic: It’s the fastest driver in the fastest car. He should get the fastest lap. But he hasn’t had the overwhelming pace advantage which is a concern. But hopefully, Max comes through for a much-needed betting victory.
Season Record: 3-9
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.