2022 Miami Grand Prix Prediction, Formula 1 Odds

The scene shifts to Miami for the first of two races scheduled to take place in the United States this season. Charles Leclerc arrives in Florida still perched atop the F1 Drivers Standings despite stumbling to a sixth-place finish two weeks ago at the Emilia Romagna Grad Prix. However, it is Max Verstappen that rides momentum into the fourth round of the season after claiming all available points during an epic performance in Imola.

Accordingly, Verstappen has emerged as a steady +108 favourite on the F1 odds to claim his third win of the season, just ahead of Leclerc, who trails at +138. Consecutive second-place finishes have helped vault Sergio Perez to a +701 bet, while Carlos Sainz Jr. maintains solid +1000 odds despite failing to finish the past two races.

Miami Grand Prix Betting Analysis

Lights out at the first ever running of the Miami Grand Prix is set for Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm ET at the recently constructed Miami International Autodrome on the grounds of Hard Rock Stadium. The newly built track is 5.412 kilometres in length, and features two lengthy straightaways and three DRS zones, which are likely to work to work to the advantage of frontrunners Ferrari and Red Bull.

Weather could prove to be an issue. The long-term forecast calls for rain throughout the day with a chance of thunderstorms, and temperatures approaching 30 degrees Celsius. There will be a return to traditional three-session qualifying in Miami after sprint qualifying was used for the first time this season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix two weeks ago.

Can Verstappen Build on Imola Success?

Frustrated by technical problems that forced him out of the first two races of the season, Verstappen rebounded with a vengeance at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The reigning champion swept all available points by seizing the pole, winning the qualifying sprint, leading every lap of the race, clocking the fastest lap, and ultimately claiming the checkered flag. In addition to avoiding technical trouble, Verstappen has shown increasing patience as the season has unfolded. He has avoided high risk maneuvers while seizing opportunities to overtake opponents, and has regained the mantle as driver to beat.

That said, Leclerc remains a formidable threat to his dominance. The rivals engaged in yet another duel in Imola before Leclerc fell out of contention due to a driving error. And while Verstappen has enjoyed the benefit of considerable support from his veteran teammate Perez, Leclerc has been forced to fend for himself in the past two races due to Sainz’ struggles. However, with long straightaways that are ideal for both Ferrari’s and Red Bull’s high-powered vehicles, another showdown between the only drivers to win races this season is likely.

Bottas Surging as Hamilton Fades

Facing tempered expectations in his first campaign with Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas has impressed in the early going of the season. Bounced from his ride with Mercedes, who opted to hand the keys to rising star George Russell, Bottas has arguably overachieved, posting three top six finishes capped by a fifth-place run in Imola. While the Finnish veteran faces long +6200 odds of claiming victory on Sunday, he is poised to overtake his old teammate Lewis Hamilton, who leads him by just four points in the F1 Drivers Standings. Indeed, considering his steady performance at Imola, Bottas offers high value to once again crack the top six, with odds as short as +160.

Conversely, Hamilton finds himself at somewhat of a crossroads. The seven-time F1 champion’s 13th-place finish in Imola marks just the second time he has finished a race outside the points since 2013. And with the Silver Arrows struggling to keep pace with Red Bull and Ferrari, Hamilton offers little value as a +1900 bet to win his first race of the season.