With the Summer break at its end, we are headed for yet another race weekend, this time in Zandvoort, Netherlands for the Dutch GP. As the drivers and teams alike prepare to hit the tarmac and race once again, we delve into this weekend’s odds and analyse the possible outcomes for round 14 of the 2023 F1 championship.
The star of the show as always is Max Verstappen, with the Dutchman making headlines once more for reasons both good and bad. Following a late night Twitch stream and Verstappen’s friend mishap, a video emerged showcasing Max driving 124 km/h in a 90 km/h zone all whilst wearing headphones and keeping to the left-hand lane (strictly prohibited under Dutch law). The media was quick to respond, calling for prosecution of the 25-year old and handing a hefty fine to Red Bull’s No. 1 driver.
Going back to the topic of Formula 1, this week could be monumental for Red Bull and Max alike. The Dutchman is on the verge of equaling Sebastian Vettel’s record from 2013 where he won in 9 consecutive races. A feat no other driver achieved in the last 10 years of Formula 1. Will he be able to pull it off? Or will another team spoil the party? UK bookmaker William Hill has the latest odds!
※ Current Odds Date & Time: August 22nd, 9:00 A.M. (EST)
The odds for this weekend’s race are in the most basic of terms, completely expected. Max Verstappen is, as always, the ultimate favourite to take victory in Zandvoort with the odds on him priced at only 1.25. The lowest they have been all season. Followed by his teammate, Sergio Perez, who is priced at 10.00.
The oddsmakers, it would seem, don’t have much faith in Ferrari anymore, with the Italian team dropping down the ranks and their No. 1 driver, Charles Leclerc, now priced at a staggering 26.00. The highest it’s been all season long for the Monegasque driver. Given how strong their car is, especially the PU, it is quite shocking to see the Italian team struggle so much with aerodynamics as it is obvious they are now lagging behind in upgrades compared to McLaren and Mercedes.
The Circuit
The Zandvoort Circuit, situated in Zandvoort, Netherlands, is a historic and iconic racetrack known for its challenging layout and elevation changes. Famous for its tight corners, fast sweeps, and elevation changes, the Zandvoort Circuit demands skill and precision from drivers, making it a favourite among racing enthusiasts. Its return to the Formula 1 calendar in recent years has reignited interest in this classic track, drawing fans from around the world to witness the excitement of top-tier racing against the backdrop of the North Sea.
The track itself is a 4.259 km long circuit, featuring 72 laps, 14 corners and 2 DRS zones covering a distance of approx. 306 km during the race. The current lap record is held by Lewis Hamilton at 1:11:097 set in 2021.
What to Expect?
Going into the race weekend in Zandvoort, expectations are soaring higher than ever due to two main reasons. For starters, Max Verstappen, along with Red Bull, could equal Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 record of 9 consecutive race wins. It is important to note that not even Lewis Hamilton at his peak managed to achieve such a feat in one of the most dominant cars F1 has ever seen, the Mercedes W11 challenger. Should he succeed, the door is wide open for Verstappen to break pretty much every single record in Formula 1 given how dominant Red Bull is at the moment.
Another reason that has the fans all over the world excited for this weekend’s race is the battle for the No. 2 spot in the championship. Namely, a 4-way battle between Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari and Aston Martin. While it is true Aston Martin is seriously lagging behind the competition, new upgrades should be unveiled at Zandvoort, hopefully equaling their car with the rest of the grid.
A team that has their work cut out for them as well is Ferrari. The Italians cannot seem to make ends meet with disarray in leadership and management alike. If Ferrari is to return to the top, or at least secure a No. 2 spot in the championship, they seriously need to rethink their approach to managing the F1 team.
