2022 Japanese Grand Prix Prediction, Formula 1 Odds

Weather could once again be a big factor, as the Formula 1 circuit shifts to Suzuka for Sunday morning’s running of the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix. A wet start to the weekend could complicate Max Verstappen’s efforts to clinch a second straight F1 championship. However, the 24-year-old remains perched as a strong -199 favourite to take home the checkered flag for the 12th time this season.

For a second straight week, Verstappen is poised to clinch the title. But he will face plenty of challenges, most notably from Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc, who lags as a +354 second favourite, and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, who sports attractive +1000 odds of tallying consecutive wins for the first time in his career.

Japanese Grand Prix Race Time, Weather Forecast

Lights out at the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled for 1 a.m. ET on Sunday morning. Suzuka International Racing Course is once again the site of this race, which returns to the F1 schedule for the fist time since 2019. The track measures 5.807 kilometres in length, with elevation changes of 40 metres, and will feature three DRS detection zones.

After getting plenty of rain during Friday morning’s practice session, skies are expected to brighten ahead of qualifying on Saturday. However, the rain is expected to return on Sunday, with temperatures expected to hover around 20 degrees Celsius at race time. Under such circumstances, there is plenty of value in the -250 odds of a safety car being needed during the race.

Mercedes Big in Japan

Just days after Perez stormed to an impressive victory on a rain-soaked track in Singapore, F1 drivers were greeted by rain ahead of Friday morning’s practice session. The inclement weather did not slow down the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who closed out the session with the top two times. That bodes well for the Silver Arrows, who have claimed victory in each of the past six editions of this race.

Both Hamilton and Russell also have plenty of motivation after enduring a dismal race day in Singapore last weekend. After enjoying a steady start that left him well positioned to challenge for a spot on the podium for the sixth time in 10 outings, Hamilton found himself relegated to ninth place after spinning out on the wet Singapore track. As for Russell, he struggled to return to contention after being forced to start from the pit lane, eventually ending the day with a season-worst 14th-place finish.

Now lagging 34 points back of Leclerc, Russell needs to rebound with a big performance on Sunday to preserve his chances of paying out as a +2500 bet to claim second place in the Standings. And given Mercedes’ recent success on this track, and the duo’s steady practice session, the Silver Arrows are worthy of a +350 value to bet to enjoy a double podium finish.

Can Perez Make it Two in a Row?

While the focus has been squarely fixed on Verstappen’s march to a second straight F1 title, one of the more intriguing storylines entering the weekend is Perez’ pursuit of a second straight win. While most drivers struggled to maintain control in the rain in Singapore last weekend, “Checo” quietly turned in what many observers are calling the best drive of his career while claiming his fourth career win.

Undaunted by the slick conditions, Checo quickly overtook pole sitter Leclerc on the first lap of the race, and never looked back. While the talented Mexican has never finished higher than seventh in Japan, there are few drivers who own a steadier hand in difficult driving conditions. Indeed, his ability to finish strong in qualifying will be key to his success on Sunday. However, the “Mexican Minister of Defence” should not be overlooked as both a +800 wager to capture the pole, and a +1000 bet to win the race.

Prediction: Safety car during race (-250); Mercedes double podium (+350); Sergio Perez to win (+1000)