Formula 1 Prediction: First US race of the year

We are already 5 races into the 2024 season, with Max Verstappen taking number one in 4 out of the last 5 races, he is the favourite going into Miami once again. With a whole weekend of racing ahead of us there is a lot to be excited about. 

Here are a few markets you should consider adding to your bet slip...

  Miami Grand Prix Race - Charles LeClerc 17/1

In 2022 Miami joined the Formula 1 calendar and this would be one of Charles LeClerc's best races in the colours of Ferrari. He managed to qualify ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz and occupied top position on the starting grid. He finished second behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen who won the race in 2022 and in 2023. Charles LeClerc would find himself in 7th position in 2023. This is also a reflection of his two previous seasons as whole. With 2022 affording him a top two finish behind Max Verstappen and 2023 seeing a fall from grace for the Ferrari driver who finished 5th overall last season.

This season has been promising with Leclerc coming into this race with 76 points, 2 podiums, no wins, and no pole positions. He is second only to the Red Bull drivers Max Vertappen and Sergio Perez this season on points in the overall rankings. If he is to maintain his position in the rankings, he is going to need one big weekend. Starting with sprint on the 4th of May and the actual race on the 5th of May.

the odds place him third overall as a possible winner in Miami, however, his form has dipped since finishing second in Australia. He still a fantastic driver on his day and who knows, Maybe his season starts in Miami with his first Pole and third podium.

Miami Grand Prix Race - Sergio Perez 54/5

You will have to rewind the clocks all the way back to the 30th of April 2023. The 5th Race in the calendar for the last time Red Bulls Mexican Gladiator won a race in the formula 1. He has taken the joint most podiums this season alongside teammate Max Verstappen. With all the attention on Max as ussual you can't write off Sergio Perez as the number one surprise package coming into the America's

Last season, Miami was kind to Sergio. He even managed to qualify in pole position ahead of Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz who were hot on his Heels. on race day he managed the third fastest lap in the race and impressive second place finished behind his teammate Max Verstappen. Races in the America's are always a home coming for this North American born driver and I suspect that 2024 may be his year to bring home the crown and go out as the king of Miami on Sunday. That is if Max Verstappen does not bring his A game.

Miami Grand Prix Race - Max Verstappen 3/20

The man who can do no wrong behind the wheel will be back in hot pursuit of another win. In an age where we see one team dominate a sport in different sporting codes like, Real Madrid in the Champions League, Manchester City in the Premier League and Mamelodi Sundowns in the DSTV Premiership. Max Verstappen has made formula 1 his. Weekend after weekend, race after race,  podium after podium. He looks unstoppable, unbeatable and perfect in every way. At times, he is driving perfection. Almost as if he has a different view of the track, like he can see it form space.

The car is an extension of him, and he never disappoints. He won the first F1 race on this track in 2022, he came back the following year and did again. All the while, setting the fastest lap in both races and leaving the competition in his dust. He is truly a modern day marvel. A Michael Schumacher of the modern day. Whether or not he picks up top spot in this race, one thing is for sure he is in hot pursuit of yet another formula 1 title. It is almost as if, he has reached a point of no concern for race by race action. He has both eyes set on the F1 drivers championship title. Like in his past two race, no driver is ahead of him.