Qatar Grand Prix 2024 preview, free F1 betting tips & driver odds

Returning from a stellar Mercedes Performance in Las Vegas, we head to Qatar for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix (GP) for round 23 of the Formula 1 (F1) schedule.

Max Verstappen secured his 4th consecutive Drivers Championship last time out, which only leaves the Constructors title still at large.

With three teams looking to secure the title, its all McLaren leading the way on 608 points, with the top scoring team in the last 3 races, Ferrari, sitting closely behind on 584 points, and Red Bull sitting 3rd on 555 points.

If McLaren can win the Qatar GP, they will have secured their first Constructors Title since 1998, with the Neds Bookmaker paying -400 for the feat.

F1 Qatar GP racing preview

Qatar kicks off with Free Practice 1 at 12:30am AEST on Saturday, November 30, while the race is on at 3:00am AEST Monday, December 2.

Let’s take a look at what this means for punters heading into the second last race of the season.

Despite a stellar performance from Mercedes in Las Vegas, odds have shifted unexpectedly, with Lando Norris now the shortest-priced driver at +200 with BlondeBet, heading into Qatar.

McLaren’s recent performance dip raises questions, making their odds seem overly optimistic—a potential opportunity for punters to capitalise with the top online bookmakers.

Mercedes, while dominant in Las Vegas, isn’t expected to replicate that form in Qatar. Both drivers and engineers remain puzzled by their sudden surge in performance.

Historically, the team has excelled in cooler conditions, as seen with wins earlier this season at Spa and Silverstone.

As the penultimate race of the season approaches, all eyes are on how these shifting dynamics will play out for teams and punters alike.

2024 Qatar Grand Prix odds

While Mercedes faces a dip in odds, Ferrari sees a slight improvement despite recent challenges, and the newly crowned four-time World Champion Max Verstappen remains a steady contender.

Here are the latest odds with the top Australian bookmakers.

• Lando Norris (McLaren) – +200
• Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +400
• Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +500
• George Russell (Mercedes) – +600
• Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +600
• Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +800
• Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) – +1000
• Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – +15000
• Alexander Albon (Williams) – +25000
• Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +25000

More odds provided at Neds

2024 Qatar Free Betting Picks

Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) points finish

Nico Hülkenberg’s eighth-place finish at the Las Vegas Grand Prix marks his fourth consecutive points finish, underscoring his consistent performance this season.

Despite this strong form, betting apps have maintained his odds for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix, presenting a potential opportunity for bettors to capitalise on his ongoing momentum.

Notably, Hülkenberg is set to miss the media day in Qatar due to illness, with Haas describing the decision as a “preventative measure” to allow him an extra day of recovery ahead of the race weekend.

George Russell (Mercedes) podium finish

George Russell has consistently outperformed Lewis Hamilton in qualifying sessions this season, leading 16-5 in head-to-head comparisons.
This trend suggests that Russell is well-positioned to secure a strong starting position in Qatar.

Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has expressed optimism about the Lusail International Circuit’s suitability for their car, indicating that the track’s characteristics may favour Mercedes’ performance.

If Russell can capitalise on these factors to achieve a front-row start, he stands a strong chance of contending for a podium finish in the race.

Max Verstappen (Red Bull) winner

Fresh off clinching his fourth consecutive World Championship, Max Verstappen heads to Qatar with the confidence to assert his dominance. Known for excelling on flat circuits like Lusail, the Dutchman thrives in such conditions, making him the clear favourite for a commanding performance.

Verstappen’s relentless drive to achieve his goals often translates into unmatched precision and determination, and Qatar presents the perfect stage for him to make a bold statement as the season nears its conclusion.

Expect nothing less than a focused and dominant outing from the reigning champion.

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