United States Grand Prix Prediction, Formula 1 Odds

After clinching a second straight F1 title with his victory two weeks ago in Japan, Max Verstappen returns to the US perched as a heavy -241 favourite on the F1 odds to pick up his seventh win in eight outings, and his 13th overall victory of the season.

With little more to achieve this season, Verstappen faces no pressure entering the final four rounds of the 2022 season. The same can’t be said for his closest rivals Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, who sit second and third on the US Grand Prix odds at +553 and +689, respectively. In addition, just one point separates the duo in the battle for second place in the standings, adding an intriguing dynamic to this race.

United States Grand Prix Race Time, Weather Forecast

Lights out at the 2022 United States Grand Prix is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday morning at Circuit of the Americas. The track measures 5.513 kilometres in length, with an elevation change of 41 metres, and also features a pair of lengthy straightaways and a pair of DRS detection zones.

Sunny skies are expected throughout the weekend at Circuit of the Americas, with the temperature expected to reach into the low 30s Celsius at race time on Sunday afternoon.

Leclerc, Perez Set to Duel for Second Place

While there may not be a lot of value in backing any driver other than Verstappen, who returns to Austin looking for a second straight victory at this race, plenty of intrigue remains in the continued battle between Perez and Leclerc.

An early-season favourite to capture this year’s title after taking home the checkered flag in two of the first three races of the season, Leclerc quickly fell off the pace while reaching the podium just twice in his 11 subsequent outings. The 24-year-old Monte Carlo native has since picked up the pace, collecting podium finishes in four straight outings, and has emerged as a strong -250 bet to finish ahead of Perez in the standings.

However, outpacing Perez down the stretch will be easier said than done. That is particularly true considering “Checo” can now count on receiving a big assist from Verstappen after already locking up the title. Listed as an attractive +160 bet to maintain the narrow lead he holds over Leclerc the rest of the way, Checo also has a strong track record in this season’s remaining races, including podium finishes a year ago in both Austin and Mexico. And considering the pace he demonstrated in terrible conditions in both Japan and Singapore, Checo has earned a value bet to claim the No. 2 spot.

Mercedes Owns Impressive Track Record in Austin

While the focus will be squarely fixed on the rivalry between Red Bull and Ferrari this week, F1 betting fans should not overlook the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell heading into Sunday’s race. Neither Hamilton nor Russell boosted their hopes of claiming second place in the recent F1 swing through Asia. Russell saw his steady run of top five finishes snapped in Singapore, where he was unable to climb into contention after starting from the pit lane, forcing him to settle for a 14th-place finish. Russell also expressed his dissatisfaction with team orders that relegated him to eighth place in Japan.

Things didn’t go much better for Hamilton, who has now failed to reach the podium in five straight races. However, the seven-time F1 champion has been a force in Austin, where he has reached the podium nine times in his career including six victories. Keeping pace with the Red Bulls will be a huge challenge this weekend, particularly on a track that features such long straightaways. However, Hamilton should be considered a slam dunk as a -500 bet to crack the top six and offers value as a +800 bet to record fastest lap for the third time in his past four United States Grand Prix appearances.

Prediction: Sergio Perez finish second in standings (+160); Lewis Hamilton fastest lap (+800)