Japanese Grand Prix 2025 F1 betting tips, predictions & odds

It’s race week for the 2025 Formula 1 season, and we head to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix — a favourite among fans and drivers alike.

Free Practice 1 kicks off at 1:30pm Sydney time on Friday, April 4, with qualifying locked in for Saturday at 5pm. The main race is scheduled for 4pm AEST on Sunday, April 6.

After another dominant weekend from McLaren in China, all eyes are on the orange cars heading into a high-downforce circuit that should suit their package. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both been flying this season, taking out the first two races.

Ferrari, although taking out the sprint race, need to improve if there’s any chance of challenging McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship after their double DSQ in China.

Meanwhile, Mercedes continue to impress with their consistency. George Russell remains a steady top-five presence, while young Kimi Antonelli is quickly proving he belongs at the front of the grid.

Red Bull, on the other hand, are under pressure. Max Verstappen hasn’t looked himself in recent weeks, and Suzuka may not be the easiest place for the reigning world champions to bounce back unless they find some magic in setup.

Hometown hero Yuki Tsunoda will be looking to impress after his promotion to Red Bull Racing following the decision to drop Liam Lawson to Racing Bulls.

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2025 Japanese Grand Prix odds

McLaren dominate the odds heading into the Japan Grand Prix, with Norris and Piastri the clear favourites. Verstappen, meanwhile, drifts out to third in the market.

• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +140
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +175
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +650
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +1000
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +1200
• Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +1200
• Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – +3300
• Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +6600
• Alex Albon (Williams) – +20000
• Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +25000

More odds provided at Neds

Japan GP 2025 betting predictions

Oscar Piastri (McLaren) to win

Piastri impressed on his last outing in China and will be hunting for even more. He needs to close his gap to teammate Norris in the Drivers’ Championship, which means the Aussie will need pole position this weekend over Norris.

George Russell (Mercedes) podium finish

Mercedes and Russell are silently dominating the top of the pack this year. The Silver Arrows have claimed back-to-back podiums and sit second in the Constructors’ Championship, with critics claiming they have what it takes to challenge McLaren. The $3 is massive overs for a driver who’s doing very well this season.

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) top-six finish

Antonelli did well in China, with the team explaining after the race that he had a floor issue the entire time. He was still able to make up places and finished P6. If Antonelli can get a clean run in qualification and begin P6 or better, he will be bale to hold out and potentially advance during the race.

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