For the first time in the event’s history, the Japanese Grand Prix will be staged at an earlier point on the Formula 1 schedule. However, that will likely take nothing away from the drama that fans will be able to see on track, despite the fact that a 14th world champion won’t be crowned at the Suzuka Circuit.
You can find out everything you need to know about this year’s Japanese Grand Prix right here.
Japanese Grand Prix Odds
There will be a familiar feeling to the Japanese Grand Prix odds available at BetXchange this weekend. Max Verstappen is once again the 21/100 favourite to land the race victory, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez priced up at 59/5.
Charles Leclerc is the next best in the market at 25/2, which is the same price as Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz. Lando Norris is next best at 45/2, with Oscar Piastri priced up at 65/2.
Race Information
The Japanese Grand Prix is typically a race on the schedule where champions are crowned, with 13 previous champions awarded the top prize following the race. However, it will be staged in April for the first time this year due to F1’s pledge to improve their carbon footprint.
The field will compete over 307.471 km in the Japanese Grand Prix, with a total of 48 laps being completed by the field. Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in the race’s history with six victories, while Max Verstappen has landed victories in each of the previous two editions.
Verstappen Hoping To Bounce Back
For the first time this season, there will be questions for Red Bull to answer following the shock early retirement of Max Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix in the previous round. The Dutch world champion remains the leading contender to claim victory at the Suzuka Circuit, and there will be few surprises if he is to blow away any doubts in qualifying on Saturday.
Ferrari Land One-Two Finish
It certainly appears as though Ferrari are the closest team to challenging for race wins against Red Bulls. The Italian constructor enjoyed a weekend to remember in Australia, with Sainz leading home a one-two finish after managing his tyres excellently. There was clear Ferrari pace throughout the weekend, and both will likely be in the hunt for pole in qualifying.
McLaren To Challenge
Mercedes have faltered over the early months of the season, meaning that it is McLaren that are pushing Ferrari and Red Bull. Lando Norris set an unwanted record in Australia, as he has now finished on the podium more times than any other driver without finishing a race. Oscar Piastri is also competing at a very high level this season after finishing fourth in each of the last two races.
Japanese Grand Prix Prediction
Verstappen is very short in the betting to get his title defence back on track this weekend. However, we could see Ferrari upsetting the odds once again, with Leclerc landing his first victory in just under two years.
