Who to bet on at the Belgian Grand Prix? The bookmakers’ odds

The legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit is preparing to host another edition of the Belgian Grand Prix, the flagship event on the Formula 1 calendar. With just a few hours to go before the action gets underway, all eyes are not only on the unpredictable weather in the Ardennes, but also on the bookmakers’ odds, which are already shaping up to be a high-tension race. 

The duel for victory: Piastri and Norris in the lead

At the moment, punters are placing two names at the top of the odds: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, joint favourites according to the latest odds published. According to the bookmakers, Piastri and Norris are credited with odds of around +160 (decimal odds ~2.60), reflecting their impeccable form in recent weeks. 

These odds are based on McLaren’s solid performances in recent races. Oscar Piastri currently leads the drivers’ championship with 234 points, slightly ahead of his teammate Norris (+8 points), reinforcing his position as a safe bet for the win. The McLaren team appears to be the most reliable choice as Grand Prix winner, followed closely by Red Bull (+350) and Ferrari (+600).

The outsiders: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton…

Even though Max Verstappen won the last two races at Spa in 2022 and 2023, he is not the favourite this year. His odds of around +400 put him in third place, behind Piastri and Norris. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) is further behind, often around +1400 for the win, while Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (Mercedes) have similar odds, but are significantly less attractive than those of McLaren and Verstappen.

Weather and unforeseen events: the final factors to consider

Spa is renowned for its unpredictable weather, and the history of the Belgian Grand Prix often shows surprises influenced by rain. In 2021, for example, just two laps behind the safety car were enough to give Max Verstappen a highly controversial victory. Although every season is different, this serves as a reminder that odds can change depending on weather conditions.