F1 Picks: Japanese Grand Prix Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Sep 24)

• Red Bull suffered a first defeat of the F1 season in Singapore
• Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez looked off the pace

The first dramatic twist of the Formula 1 season was played out in Singapore, as Red Bull failed to win a race for the first time this season. Both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez looked off the pace at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, but can they bounce back at the Japanese Grand Prix?

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Schedule and How To Watch

• When: Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 1:00 a.m. ET
• Where: Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan
• How To Watch: ESPN

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Japanese Grand Prix Odds

Driver	Odds
Max Verstappen
Sergio Perez
Carlos Sainz
Lando Norris
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
George Russell
Oscar Piastri
Fernando Alonso

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Event Preview

The Formula 1 action comes thick and fast at this stage of the season, as the Japanese Grand Prix takes place just seven days after the Singapore Grand Prix. This weekend’s race is one of the most exciting on the calendar, with 13 previous champions being crowned at the Suzuka Circuit.

It has been on the F1 schedule annually since 1987, with drivers completed a total race distance of 307.471 km. Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in the history of the race, as the legendary German has won on six occasions. McLaren are the most successful team, having recorded nine wins throughout history.

Lewis Hamilton took the @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Lap under the lights at Marina Bay 👏👏👏 >> https://t.co/sOAsD9IxzG#SingaporeGP #MomentsThatDeliver pic.twitter.com/8y6kE1Fq6T

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 18, 2023

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It will be a fascinating race this weekend, as Red Bull look for a response. It was a terrible weekend for the team in Singapore, and there could be weight in the suggestion that their poor performance was down to a slight tweak in regulations. The change impacted the flexible aerodynamic component on the cars, and a repeat showing by Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez this weekend could be telling.

LAP 62/62

"Aggggghhhhhh, no, no!!!!"

Russell is into the barriers and out! #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/4h8ybvTy1F

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 17, 2023

There were no such issues for Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes, as the top four of Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, George Russell, and Lewis Hamilton was separated by just two seconds going into the final lap. A dramatic crash for Russell saw Hamilton take third, but the British driver could have easily pushed for the win had team orders been made, given that the multiple-time world champion was the fastest man on track.

However, Sainz was a deserving winner, as he kept his cool to lead from the first lap to the chequered flag. He also showed excellent racing IQ to keep Norris within DRS range to avoid a fight with the pair of Mercedes drivers.

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Japanese Grand Prix Prediction

The poor showing from Red Bull appeared important last weekend, as the change in regulations appeared to have a dramatic outcome. Therefore, we see value in once again taking on Verstappen and Perez this weekend. Mercedes could be the answer to the puzzle, and we will be siding with Hamilton taking the win, with Norris finishing on the podium.

Free Pick:

• Podium: Lando Norris