Only eight points separate the two McLaren drivers following Lando Norris’ victory at the British Grand Prix.
Heading to Spa this weekend, the betting markets cannot split Norris and Oscar Piastri when it comes to F1 odds for qualifying or the eventual race winner.
A few days after Silverstone, Red Bull stunned the F1 world by terminating Christian Horner’s contract. This came as a surprise to Horner and many others up and down the paddock, but it’s clear Red Bull were desperate for change.
They are fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and rumours continue to swirl that Max Verstappen will depart this winter.
Belgian Grand Prix Winner Odds
- Oscar Piastri – 7/4
- Lando Norris – 7/4
- Max Verstappen – 4/1
- Charles Leclerc – 14/1
- George Russell – 14/1
- Lewis Hamilton – 16/1
- Kimi Antonelli – 66/1
The break between races left fans speculating further about a potential move for Verstappen. Toto Wolff, Verstappen, and George Russell are bound to face questions on the subject.
Drama Expected
Drive To Survive will be able to lap up the drama away from the track. On the track, it promises to be an enthralling weekend. Spa usually provides excellent racing with its high-speed straights, multiple overtaking zones, and changeable weather.
Showers are expected on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s common to have rain on one part of the track when other areas are bone dry at Spa.
The climate of the Ardennes Forest throws up challenges aplenty for drivers and their teams, while the iconic circuit requires a balance between straight-line speed and downforce.
Of course, this is also a sprint weekend, which adds an extra layer to the chaos. Teams have less time to find the perfect setup, and a mishap in the short Saturday race can influence how Sunday plays out.
Ferrari’s Improvement
Could Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton notch Ferrari’s first win of the season? It’s three podiums in five races for the Scuderia, and while they are still a way off McLaren’s pace, they are putting themselves in position to benefit if Norris or Piastri make an error.
Leclerc still has the edge over his teammate, yet Hamilton is getting to grips with his car. The Brit also loves Spa, having never finished outside the top four. If we do get some wet weather, the seven-time world champion can remind us all of his brilliance in difficult conditions.
Fourth in each of the last two races, Hamilton is an intriguing each-way option in the race winner market. Leclerc is a dark horse for pole if the suspension upgrade has the intended impact.
Best Bet: Lando Norris Race Winner, Lewis Hamilton Podium Finish, & George Russell Top Six Finish at 12/1
Russell has only finished outside the top six twice so far this season. Hamilton has finished on the podium at eight of the last 10 Belgian Grands Prix. Norris looks to have the upper hand on Piastri after back-to-back race wins.
McLaren are streets ahead of the other teams and should make it 10 wins from 13 races barring any major mishaps. Ferrari are trending in the right direction, and while a race win might be out of their reach, Hamilton has closed the gap to his teammate.
The Mercedes has been consistent, and Russell tends to bring his best performances at the more challenging circuits. He’s had two top-six finishes at Spa since joining Mercedes and was disqualified 12 months ago.
Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Odds
- Oscar Piastri – 7/4
- Lando Norris – 7/4
- Max Verstappen – 3/1
- Charles Leclerc – 12/1
- George Russell – 14/1
- Lewis Hamilton – 16/1
- Kimi Antonelli – 50/1
Previous Winners
- 2024 – Lewis Hamilton
- 2023 – Max Verstappen
- 2022 – Max Verstappen
- 2021 – Max Verstappen
- 2020 – Lewis Hamilton
- 2019 – Charles Leclerc
- 2018 – Sebastian Vettel
- 2017 – Lewis Hamilton
- 2016 – Nico Rosberg
- 2015 – Lewis Hamilton
- 2014 – Daniel Ricciardo
- 2013 – Sebastian Vettel
- 2012 – Jenson Button
- 2011 – Sebastian Vettel
- 2010 – Lewis Hamilton
Most Successful Drivers At Belgian Grand Prix
- Michael Schumacher – 6 wins
- Ayrton Senna – 5 wins
- Lewis Hamilton – 5 wins
- Jim Clark – 4 wins
- Kimi Raikkonen – 4 wins
- Juan Manuel Fangio – 3 wins
- Damon Hill – 3 wins
- Sebastian Vettel – 3 wins
- Max Verstappen – 3 wins
Current Drivers’ Championship Standings
- Oscar Piastri – 234
- Lando Norris – 226
- Max Verstappen – 165
- George Russell – 147
- Charles Leclerc – 119
- Lewis Hamilton – 103
- Kimi Antonelli – 63
- Alex Albon – 46
- Nico Hulkenberg – 37
- Esteban Ocon – 23
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at time of writing*
