2023 Formula 1 – Race 17: Japanese Grand Prix
Venue: Suzuka Circuit, Japan.
Race Date: 24th September 2023
Race Preview
A seismic shock occurred last weekend in the world of Formula 1, with Max Verstappen contriving not to win in Singapore, meaning Red Bull didn’t taste victory for the very first time this season. An absence of sympathy across the grid was palpable, as Carlos Sainz picked up a strong win for Ferrari at the Marina Bay Circuit and there is plenty of optimism across the board that another team or driver could well challenge in Japan at the iconic Suzuka Circuit.
Betting Preview
Race Winner
In race seventeen of the 2023 Formula One season, all of the biggest names on the grid will be battling for supremacy here in Japan:
The struggles ensured by Red Bull in Singapore were a real rarity, with Max Verstappen unable to get the best out of his car and Christian Horner looking perplexed on the side lines. However, the result will do nothing to harm Verstappen’s world title bid – which looks to be all-but secured for the Dutchman, who will make it three consecutive title wins. Champions are often judged on how they respond to defeat so expect a fired up Verstappen for this one.
Red Bull’s troubled extended to Sergio Perez too in Singapore, a driver that has endured some unwanted scrutiny within his team of late and the Mexican will be out to prove plenty of doubters wrong in this one. Perez has picked up a couple of race wins this term, and he will see this as a chance to put a little bit of pressure on Verstappen and hold on to his place in second place in the Driver’s Championship.
Another opportunity passed Lando Norris by last weekend, with the young Englishman unable to get past Carlos Sainz in Singapore – as he chased his first race win. Regardless, there are plenty of positives for McLaren and Norris to lean into as the season draws to a close and there is no doubt that Norris is closing the gap on the sides above him currently. He should take plenty of confidence into Japan and could be one to watch here.
Five-time Japan Grand Prix winner Lewis Hamilton was another that just missed out in Singapore and the experienced Brit will be desperate to break his duck for the 2023 season. There are no signs of Hamilton slowing or his collaboration with Mercedes ending so he will be out to put on a performance in this one, as he and his side build towards being able to mount a serious title challenge in 2024 and beyond.
Top Six Finish
Race 17 of the season here in Japan presents an opportunity for every driver to keep putting points on the board:
Young Brit George Russell is in a similar boat to Hamilton at Mercedes, who are still tweaking their car to get it to the level they desire. The talent of Russell is undoubted and his performances of late have been far more consistent, but podiums are the currency Mercedes deal in, and he will be out to start putting some serious points on the board.
Seeing team mate Carlos Sainz win in Singapore wouldn’t have been great for Charles Leclerc, who is a driver in need of a confidence boost. He has all the credentials to compete at this level and whilst he is struggling with his Ferrari car, there is no reason why he can’t challenge for a top 6 spot or higher here in Japan.
Fresh off a superb win at the Singapore Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz is starting to look the real deal for Ferrari. Taking opportunities when they come along is key for drivers on the periphery and Sainz did just that by getting the chequered flag in Singapore and he should be full of confidence as he moves over to Japan for this one.
F1 2023 Japanese Grand Prix Best Bets:
Race Winner: Max Verstappen – 1/3
Top Six Finish: George Russell – 11/20
