British Grand Prix 09/07/2023
Hopes of a British win at Silverstone are slim this weekend, with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s dominance of the 2023 season showing no signs of abating.
The defending champion has pulled clear of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at the top of the driver standings – and has been in a class of his own so far this season.
Expect Verstappen’s dominance to continue at the British Grand Prix this weekend – but there are betting opportunities to be had behind the flying Dutchman.
Sadly we can’t get behind any joy for the Brits on their home track, despite Lando Norris’ fourth-placed finish in the Austrian Grand Prix and Lewis Hamilton lying fourth in the overall driver standings.
Instead we are looking to Ferrari to impress and provide some value outside of an inevitable win for the unstoppable Verstappen.
Here are our suggested bets for the historic race at Silverstone on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc podium finish
Charles Leclerc delivered the goods with second place in Austria last weekend – and we are backing him to get on the podium again.
With all the focus and noise surrounding Mercedes and their hit-and-miss upgrades (more are coming at Silverstone), Ferrari have quietly made solid improvements to the SF23 and are quickly emerging as the main threat to Red Bull.
It’s still far too early, though, to say Ferrari are now contenders for race wins, so let’s take it one step at a time and see if they can nail down some consistent podium finishes first.
Carlos Sainz fastest lap
Although Carlos Sainz will fancy his own chances of success at the British Grand Prix, he could once again find himself playing second fiddle to Ferrari’s star driver in Leclerc.
But, in the hotly-contested battle for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship, every point matters – including the solitary one given for the fastest lap of the race.
Ferrari have both Mercedes and Aston Martin ahead of them in the standings, yet on current form the Scuderia are quicker than both. Sainz can play the team game and help reel them in.
Oscar Piastri points finish
McLaren’s Lando Norris landed a points finish in Austria – but our attention turns to team-mate Oscar Piastri now we have finally seen signs of life in the upgraded MCL60.
Norris received priority access to the upgrades in Austria, with Piastri forced to endure the pain of driving the old-spec car for one more race.
If Piastri can avoid trouble in the opening stages of the British Grand Prix, then he too can start picking up some precious points as McLaren attempt a mid-season surge through the ranks.
