FORMULA 1 NEW SEASON: EXPECTATIONS AND BETTING ANALYSES. We look at the top contenders for the 2024 Championship.

Any driver who wants to excel in F1 must boast excellent maneuvering skills at top speeds. They must have what it takes to keep calm as they navigate the circuit, undistracted by the cheering fans, their competition, or the challenges ahead. Since the stakes are usually high, these races attract a lot of viewership worldwide, creating opportunities for international marketers, bookies, and punters. One region that has witnessed increased appreciation for this sport is Slovenia. Slovenian punters have been signing up on reputable sites, like this Bet365 link, finding the driver they believe in and making a wager in their favor. Of course, placing bets is much more nuanced than this. We look at the top contenders for the 2024 Championship and how you can put your eggs in the right basket.

What Bets Can You Make?

Bookies often make things interesting by offering diverse betting markets. Is this the case with F1? Sure! Consider the variations below:

1. Top driver: Many punters make this wager as it allows them to predict the driver that will get enough points to walk away with the top prize. Since the stakes on this are high, the payouts are lucrative.
2. Number of won races: While a driver may be great, they are unlikely to win all the races. You can thus bet on the number of races you think they will win, e.g., 15+ races.
3. Winning car: Since each team has two drivers, you can increase your winning chances by spreading your wager. It beats betting on one person as the odds of being right reduce with each variable you eliminate.
4. Top 3 drivers: Another great option is betting your driver will be on the podium. That means you will be in line for a payout whether they finish first, second, or third.
5. Constructors: Manufacturers often throw their hats into the ring by providing the cars used in the circuits. It allows punters to bet on the company that will garner the most points.

Other good wagers include head-to-head bets, safety car appearances, and fastest pit stops. If you want to make the experience even more exciting, you can combine different bets to increase the odds and, thus, the payouts.

Which Winner Will Bag the Win?

The race is quite tight as bookies expect it to come down to two strong contenders. Who are they?

a.   Lewis Hamilton

Anyone who follows F1 races knows about this formidable force that has been on the Mercedes team since 2013. During his time with them, he has won the following championships:

• 2020,
• 2019,
• 2018,
• 2017,
• 2015, and

As Lewis comes to the close of the 2024 season, he will make his move to Ferrari. This team has not won a championship since 2007 and thus needs a driver like Hamilton to raise its standing. Fans expect that Hamilton will be eager to have one last amazing go at the circuit before making his move, as this will be an ode to his former team and a great way to progress in his career as he embraces the impending team change.

But does he have what it takes to bag the 2024 title? Of course!

• Natural talent: Some people are born to do great things, and Hamilton falls smack into this category. From the minute he started racing, it was clear that he had a natural knack for it. This innate love for speed and ability to cut sharp corners has set him apart from many other drivers who struggle to get the hang of things.
• Commitment: To excel in F1, Hamilton has had to put many things on hold, choosing to focus on his racing instead. Over time, this discipline has paid off in titles. While many people would have gotten comfortable after a few wins, Hamilton still aims for the top.

However, it’s not lost on bookies that Hamilton has not scored the Championship in the last three years, with his last win being as runner-up in 2021. The odds, while favorable, reflect this.

b.   Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton was the sure winner in the championships for a long time. In fact, from 2017 to 2020, he won all the titles. Then came 2021, when Max bagged the win, leaving Hamilton in the runner-up position, which shocked many people. While some thought it was a fluke, Max proved them wrong by winning the 2022 and 2023 titles, thus making a name for himself. Is he poised to win the 2024 title as well? Let’s consider his strong points:

• Aggressiveness: Max is keen to create chances for himself on the circuit. He does this by stretching his limits while staying just below what is unacceptable, thus coasting enough to give the other drivers a hard time.
• Risk-taking nature: While Hamilton prefers a balanced approach to racing where he has his eyes on the championship, Max is eager to win all the races he can by taking more risks.

For many, betting on Max is thrilling as he combines aggression and speed, making F1 exciting. Of course, his wins have also tweaked the odds in his favor.

Of the two drivers, there is enough data to support either one’s win. Therefore, the best way to place a bet is to analyze their first races and determine the one with the upper hand.