Rugby Union fans have had their eyes on Japan for a few weeks now and they’ll be joined by followers of the Formula 1 season this weekend. The Japanese Grand Prix takes place between 11 – 13 October with the race following practice and qualifying. Sky Sports bring us live coverage. Here are our top Japanese Grand Prix betting tips and predictions.
A Closer Look
The F1 season has been dramatic since the summer break and that has been great news for supporters, the results helping to silence critics who predicted Lewis Hamilton to ease to another world championship title. The Brit is facing increasing competition from the likes of teammate Valtteri Bottas, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Old rival Sebastian Vettel has had a season to forget so far, winning just one Grand Prix.
The 2018 Japanese Grand Prix was won by Lewis Hamilton ahead of Bottas and Verstappen. Bookmakers expect something similar this weekend and punters will find Lewis as a short price with all major betting firms. The Englishman is 7/4 with Ladbrokes and that’s the market best price. It does, however, leave him second favourite behind Charles Leclerc who is favourite at the time of writing. Unibet is the most generous firm on that bet when sending out 33/20.
Can Vettel Pull it Back?
Sebastian Vettel is next in line at 7/2 with Bet365 and that comes as a surprise given his recent form and performance in this race last year. We have no interest in backing the German to win the Japanese Grand Prix. Those after a bigger price selection would be better advised taking a chance on Valtteri Bottas who has been chalked up at 7/1 with Unibet. Each-way backers can get 1/3 the odds a place 1-2. We’re sticking with Hamilton who is a bigger price than expected.
