F1 Belgian Grand Prix predictions, odds, betting tips, best bets for 2023 race at Spa-Francorchamps

The Sporting News
 
F1 Belgian Grand Prix predictions, odds, betting tips, best bets for 2023 race at Spa-Francorchamps

After sealing another victory in Hungary last weekend, Max Verstappen heads into the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix as the red-hot favourite to take another win.

With another chequered-flag finished at Spa, the Red Bull driver would make it eights win in a row — the second-best run in F1 history after Sebastian Vettel's nine consecutive race victories in 2013.

But like we saw at the Hungaroring with Lewis Hamilton's 104th pole position, the chasing pack are beginning to close the gap on the Dutchman. That's especially true for Lando Norris who has finished P2 in the past two races for McLaren thanks to his team's impressive improvements over the previous month or so.

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez also delivered a fantastic recovery drive last time out, routing out the podium places despite starting the day in P9. That should give the Mexican star plenty of confidence, which he could use to great effect this weekend.

Ahead of the action, The Sporting News dives through all of the odds to give you the best bets and tips for the upcoming race.

F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2023 odds to win

Full list of odds for drivers to win the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix

Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), Unibet (Australia) and Dafabet (India). Odds correct as of July 25.  

F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2023: Best bet

  • Pick: Red Bull double podium
  • Odds: 4/5 (SkyBet)

With Verstappen in the form of his career, it's almost impossible to see him not win this weekend, let alone not get onto the podium. If that's not enough to convince, the Dutch star has won the past two races around Spa and, across his previous four finishes here, he has been on the podium each time.

That said, the value of this bet instead comes from his Mexican teammate Perez. Granted, he's been in poor form of late, especially thanks to his wayward qualifying performances, but his drive at the Hungarian Grand Prix last weekend should see his confidence skyrocket.

On that occasion, he started P9 on the grid but performed well to recover and finish P3 behind McLaren's Norris. He's also taken six top-three finishes this season from 11 races and should do well at Spa given that the Red Bull car will perform well at the circuit in its current set-up.

F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2023: Prop bet

  • Pick: Both McLarens in the top six
  • Odds: -130 (BetMGM)

McLaren's upturn in form of late has come as welcome relief for a team who were largely struggling up until just a few races ago.

The past two grands prix in Hungary and Britain have seen the British constructor fly though after their latest upgrade package was added to their two cars.

Norris has shone in particular, taking the title of 'best of the rest' to finish P2 behind Verstappen both times since despite finding himself under heavy pressure.

His Australian rookie teammate Oscar Piastri has also impressed in that timeframe. Although denied a likely podium finish at Silverstone to finish P4 thanks to a late Hamilton overtake, he went again at the Hungaroring to finish P5, which really highlighted an ability that continues to excel.

If you fancy McLaren to complete the feat of having both of their cars in the top six again at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, the value with BetMGM at -130 remains a worthwhile punt.

F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2023: Flier bet

  • Pick: Daniel Ricciardo Top 12 Finish
  • Odds: 3/1 (SkyBet)

Although Daniel Ricciardo didn't finish in the top 12 on his return to the sport with AlphaTauri at the Hungaroring last weekend, he did manage to claim P13 despite a first-lap collision.

At the opening corner in Hungary, the Australian was tagged from behind by Zhou Guanyu, which sent him careering into the Alpine pair of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon, both whom were forced to retire. That incident sent Ricciardo to the back of the pack but, even after that, he battled back to finish just one place outside what this selection represents.

The Perth native also has good pedigree at Spa, finishing in the points seven times — and therefore P12 and above — from the nine occasions he's finished the race.