2022 Belgian Grand Prix Prediction, Formula 1 Odds

After posting wins in two races just prior to the summer break, Max Verstappen returns to action perched as a clear -128 favourite on the Formula 1 odds to take home the checkered flag in Belgium for the second year in a row.

Overall, Verstappen has claimed victory eight times this season, padding his lead atop the F1 Drivers Standings, well ahead of his closest rival Charles Leclerc, who now lags by 80 points. Leclerc hopes to have put a troubled first half of the season behind him, as he vies for his fourth win of the season while pegged as a +327 second favourite. Lewis Hamilton rounds out the top of the odds as a +505 wager, as he seeks to extend his current run of five straight podium finishes.

Belgian Grand Prix Race Time, Weather Forecast

Lights out at the 2022 Belgian Grand is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. ET on Sunday morning at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium. The track measures 7.004 kilometres in length, and will feature two DRS detection zones. Rain and cool temperatures are expected throughout the weekend. However, the forecast for race time on Sunday has the temperatures approaching 20 degrees Celsius under mainly sunny skies.

Verstappen Poised for Strong Second Half

Now sporting a massive 80-point lead with just nine races remaining on the schedule, it is no surprise that Verstappen has jumped to a heavy -1250 favourite to successfully defend his F1 crown. However, the champion can expect to still face a few challenges in his home race this weekend.

Verstappen has enjoyed steady success in Belgium. In addition to earning a controversial win in last year’s edition of the Belgian Grand Prix, which was limited to just a single lap due to heavy rain, Verstappen has reached the podium at this event on two previous occasions. But while Ferrari’s Leclerc sits second to him on the odds board, Verstappen’s stiffest challenge could come from his old rival Hamilton.

A seven-time F1 champion, Hamilton quickly fell off the pace in the standings during a brutal start to the season. However, in the wake of technical upgrades made by Mercedes, and a steadier hand at the wheel, Hamilton has flashed signs of his past form with second-place finishes in his past two outings. The 37-year-old Englishman’s past success on this track also cannot be overlooked. In addition to claiming victory in this race on four previous occasions, Hamilton has also captured pole position three times and recorded the fastest lap in Belgium on two occasions since 2014.

Can Russell Take the Next Step

Close attention should also be paid to Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell when Formula 1 action resumes this weekend. Russell has emerged as a pillar of consistency in his debut campaign with the Silver Arrows, cracking the top five in 12 of the 13 races he has finished to date.

Victory has eluded the talented 24-year-old so far. But considering his steady performance in Belgium last year, when he seized a spot on the front row of the starting grid in a breakthrough performance while still driving for Williams, Russell is worthy of a value bet as a +1000 wager to claim the checkered flag this weekend.

Prediction: George Russell to win (+1000); Mercedes Double Podium (odds TBD)