F1 Picks: Qatar Sprint Prediction, Preview, and Odds (Oct 7)
- Max Verstappen can wrap up the F1 Driversโ Championship in the Qatar Sprint
- Grid will be made up during the Sprint Shootout on Saturday
Exciting Formula 1 action takes place across the coming weekend, as the Qatar Grand Prix takes center stage on Sunday. However, Max Verstappen will have his first opportunity to wrap up the Driversโ Championship in the Sprint on Saturday.
Schedule and How To Watch
- When: Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Losail Circuit, Qatar
- How To Watch: ESPN
Qatar Sprint Odds
| Driver | Odds |
|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | |
| Lando Norris | |
| Sergio Perez | |
| Oscar Piastri | |
| Carlos Sainz | |
| Charles Leclerc | |
| George Russell | |
| Lewis Hamilton | |
| Fernando Alonso |
Event Preview
The Sprint races have been among the most exciting additions to the Formula 1 calendar in recent years, and the latest Sprint action will take place on the streets of Qatar this Saturday. For the first time in F1 history, the Driversโ Championship could be determined in the Sprint, as Max Verstappen requires just five points to wrap up the title.
Sprint Saturday will get underway with Verstappen sitting 177 points clear of his closest rival and teammate Sergio Perez. Verstappen will be confident for wrapping up the title by finishing sixth or better on Saturday, as he has won each of the previous two Sprints this season with victories in Austria and Belgium. Perez won the only other Sprint in 2023 after landing victory in Azerbaijan.
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This will only be the second time that the drivers will take on the complex Losail International Circuit, as the race was removed from the schedule last year due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That means that this week will offer a first look at the new generation of cars.
McLaren and Ferrari appear to be the closest contenders to Red Bull in the Sprint, with Mercedes likely to play a key role in the Grand Prix itself on Sunday. McLaren could be the key contender, as they have looked resurgent since Austria and have finished second in both races in Japan and Singapore.
Qatar Sprint Prediction
The Sprint looks a perfect opportunity for Verstappen to wrap up a third straight F1 title this weekend. We expect the Dutchman to achieve that feat, with Lando Norris taking second before the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Free Pick:
- Podium: Lando Norris
