Whether you have a favourite driver or you prefer a certain manufacturer, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to Formula One betting. With 20 drivers battling and barging off the line to get in front for the first corner, plus crashes, punctures and engine failures, it can be tricky to know where to start. Compare.bet is here to lend a hand. We’ll run through the main factors to bear in mind when you’re betting on Formula One, and set you on the right track with our handpicked list of top Formula One betting sites available in Ireland.
Where and when does it all kick off?
Formula One— commonly known as F1— is the pinnacle of motor sport. The current F1 season consists of 21 races, with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March, continuing through until the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi in November, with races on virtually every continent in between. With so many races and a wide range of variables, Formula One betting can be just as exciting as the race itself.
Who’s best to back?
Formula one isn’t just about the individuals drivers, as they’re all part of bigger teams. Different teams will dominate the competition during certain periods. McLaren was strong in the 80s and 90s, but Ferrari also have a long history of success. Since the recent introduction of hybrid engines, Mercedes has been the team to beat, though Red Bull have also had recent success. This close competition makes both the spectacle of Formula One and F1 betting more exciting.
The best team, or driver, to back, will depend on the specific bet you’re making. However, Mercedes’ success over the past few years, along with Lewis Hamilton’s individual victories, make them a fairly safe bet. Of course, the odds for betting on one of the best drivers in one of the best teams are not the most appealing, so it’s worth exploring other markets to see what’s available.
Market Depth
Gone are the days where Formula One bettors could only place money on an outright win. Our top F1 betting sites now offer a range of markets which provide both pre-race and live in-race betting opportunities for fans.
- Drivers and Constructors Championship
These bets are settled at the end of the F1 season as you are betting on which driver will win the Drivers Championship or which team will pick up the Constructors. To up the ante with these bets, you could punt on an outside from the off. - Race Winner
This is the most straightforward of Formula One bets to place on a single race. The pole-sitter, or the driver in second, is most likely to start as the betting favourite, especially in Monaco, where overtaking is difficult. These bets often have less exciting odds, so you will need to place a higher bet to get a higher return. - Podium Finish
A podium finish bet is for a player to finish in first, second or third place. If a certain team appears to be dominating a track, there may be more value in backing other drivers. Each F1 team only has two cars per race, so the door is open for another contender to come through. - Safety Car
The safety car could appear at any time, be it for a first corner pile-up or a crash in the final lap. A safety card bet will be a simple yes or no, but remember the odds will vary depending on the difficulty of the track. For example, the winding roads and tight corners of Monaco mean safety car deployment is highly likely. - Fastest Lap
Just because someone completed the fasted lap in the qualifying rounds, that is not to say they’ll be the fastest in full-race trim, which is what makes fastest lap bets so interesting. A number of factors can impact the speed of a car, so this type of bet is harder to predict, which usually results in better odds.
Formula One Live Betting
If you’re looking for some serious Formula One excitement, why not place a bet as the race is in full throttle. You’ll be able to bet on F1 winners after the first, 10th or 20th lap, and any in between- of course, the odds will be more exciting the sooner you bet. Some top betting sites will also offer first to pit and pit stop time markets, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Some punters prefer live betting, as it offers the chance to react to price changes as they happen. Weather changes, as well as crashes, among other elements can alter the outcome of a race, and in-play betting allows you to profit from these variables like never before.
Ready to bet on Formula One?
That’s about it for our tips on F1 betting. Ready to give it a go for yourself? Take a look at our list of recommended Formula One betting sites in Ireland to find your favourite. We’ve reviewed each site according to market depth, bonuses and payment methods, among other criteria, so rest assured that you’ll be picking from the very best. All you need to do is compare, select a favourite and sign up to start betting.
