The 12th round of action in the Formula 1 season takes place this weekend, as the Circuit Paul Ricard hosts the French Grand Prix. This race is the penultimate stop on the calendar before the mid-season break in Formula 1, and it looks set to continue the excitement following the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks ago. You can find the latest odds and event details for the race this weekend below.
French Grand Prix Odds
The BetXchange betting market for the French Grand Prix outright winner is already open. Max Verstappen is the current favorite, as the Dutchman is 11/10 to bounce back from his defeat in the Austrian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc is 14/10 to record back-to-back wins.
A first victory of the 2022 season for Lewis Hamilton is currently 17/2. Carlos Sainz is 14/1 at present, while George Russell and Carlos Sainz are the only other drivers at double-digit odds.
Event Details & Records
The French Grand Prix is one of the oldest motorsport races in the world. It was first staged back in 1906. The race returned to the F1 calendar in 2018 after being absent following the 2008 edition. Since its return, the race has been held at the Circuit Paul Ricard. The track has 15 corners, and there are two DRS Detection Zones.
A total of 53 laps will completed during the Grand Prix, which means a total distance of 309.690 km will be covered. Michael Schumacher holds the record for most wins, while Ferrari holds the constructors’ record. Red Bull won the race for the first time in 2021, as Max Verstappen claimed victory from Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez.
Leading Contenders
There’s no surprise to see the top two drivers in the current standings head the betting for the race this weekend. Verstappen is the current favorite, as he looks to bounce back after finishing second in the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. The Red Bull looked far slower throughout that race when compared to the Ferraris, as Charles Leclerc overtook his championship rival on three occasions. Meanwhile, Verstappen only managed to hang on to second in the end after an engine failure suffered by Carlos Sainz.
The weather could be a big issue for Ferrari this weekend, as there are expected to be high temperatures on track. Ferraris engines have often struggled in the heat throughout the season, and that will be a niggling worry when considering bets on Sainz and Leclerc this weekend.
Mercedes firmly look back in the mix, and have made further upgrades ahead of the French Grand Prix this weekend. Lewis Hamilton is edging closer towards a victory this season, as he has finished third in each of the previous three races. Meanwhile, George Russell could also have a strong chance after finishing fourth in Austria last time out. But, qualifying will be key to assessing the pair’s chances for Sunday.
French Grand Prix Prediction
If Ferrari doesn’t encounter any issues on race day, Leclerc looks to be the standout pick. The driver looked much quicker than any other driver in Austria, and he could close the gap to Verstappen with a second straight victory this weekend.
