2023 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Predictions & Preview

If you’re looking for some useful 2023 F1 Japanese Grand Prix predictions, you have certainly come to the right place. 

Following a wild race in Singapore last time out, the Formula 1 roadshow hits the Suzuka Circuit this weekend. Max Verstappen’s record-breaking winning streak is finally over, but will the Red Bull superstar return to the top of the podium in Japan? 

In this 2023 Japanese Grand Prix preview, I look back at last weekend’s race, cover everything you need to know about this weekend’s race, discuss the latest odds, and most importantly, share my Japanese Grand Prix predictions. 

Verstappen’s Dominance Finally Halted Last Weekend 

Following a run of 10 consecutive victories, it looked like Max Verstappen might win all the remaining races in 2023. However, the two-time defending champion’s hot streak was finally brought to an end in Singapore. 

In fact, Verstappen finished down in fifth place on a difficult weekend for Red Bull, while Sergio Perez could only manage P8. As a result, Red Bull’s 15-race winning run ended at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. 

Priced at +2800 before the race began, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz triumphed in Singapore. McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed P2 after George Russell crashed out on the last lap, with Lewis Hamilton taking the final spot on the podium. 

Charles Leclerc (P4), Pierre Gasly (P6), Oscar Piastri (P7), Liam Lawson (P9) and Kevin Magnussen (P10) also picked up points last time out, with Lawson registering his first-ever career points in Formula 1. 

2023 Japanese Grand Prix Preview 

The 2023 Japanese Grand Prix takes place at the Suzuka Circuit this Sunday, September 24. Drivers will battle it out over 53 laps of the 5.807-kilometer track, which hosted its first F1 Grand Prix back in 1987. 

Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton holds the lap record at the Suzuka Circuit, having posted a lap time of 1:30.983 during the 2019 Japanese Grand Prix. After registering a series of solid results in recent weeks, the Mercedes man will fancy his chances this weekend. 

Before I provide my Japanese Grand Prix predictions, let’s check out the odds for Sunday’s race. This will give you a good indication of which drivers to back when it comes to selecting your picks across various markets. 

2023 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX OUTRIGHT ODDS 

• Max Verstappen (-400) 
• Lando Norris (+1400) 
• Sergio Perez (+1400) 
• Carlos Sainz (+1800) 
• Charles Leclerc (+2000) 
• Lewis Hamilton (+2000) 
• George Russell (+2500) 
• Oscar Piastri (+3300) 
• Fernando Alonso (+5000) 
• Alex Albon (+25000) 
• Lance Stroll (+30000) 
• Esteban Ocon (+50000) 
• Liam Lawson (+50000) 
• Pierre Gasly (+50000) 
• Yuki Tsunoda (+50000) 
• Guanyu Zhou (+150000) 
• Kevin Magnussen (+150000) 
• Logan Sargeant (+150000) 
• Nico Hulkenberg (+150000) 
• Valtteri Bottas (+150000) 

You shouldn’t be surprised to see Verstappen (-450) at the summit of the bookies’ outright odds for the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix. Sure, the reigning champion failed to extend his winning streak last time out, but he is still the dominant driver on the grid. 

Lando Norris (+1400) and Sergio Perez (+1400) are also favored to reach the podium on Sunday. It is worth noting that Norris was priced at +1800 to take the chequered flag last weekend, while Perez was priced at +900. 

Having upset the odds at +2800 last time out, Carlos Sainz (+1800) has been given a big price drop for the Japanese Grand Prix. Sainz’s Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc (+2000), has also seen his odds slashed from +2800 last weekend. 

Are you ready for my 2023 F1 Japanese Grand Prix predictions? Let’s get this show on the road! 

F1 Japanese Grand Prix Predictions and Picks 

It’s time for me to share my Japanese Grand Prix predictions and picks with you. I have scoured the bookies’ odds to find the best Formula 1 bets for this weekend. 

The big question is – will Verstappen return to winning ways on Sunday? The Red Bull driver racked up 10 successive race victories before dropping to P5 last time out, meaning he will be determined to reassert his dominance in Japan. 

My Japanese Grand Prix predictions concern the race winner, podium and fastest lap. With the odds for my picks ranging from -400 to +900, there is a bet for everyone here. 

Max Verstappen to Win (-400) 

I’ve thought long and hard about who will win the Japanese Grand Prix, and I can’t look past Verstappen. Of course, the defending champ experienced a minor blip last weekend, but I expect him to bounce straight back on Sunday. 

Not only has Verstappen won 10 of the previous 11 races, but he has also won 12 of the 15 races this season. Consequently, the Dutchman finds himself 151 points clear at the summit of the World Drivers’ Championship standings, underlining his superiority. 

As the old saying goes – form is temporary, class is permanent. After hitting a small bump in the road last weekend, I’m backing Verstappen to take the chequered flag and resume normal service in Japan. 

Carlos Sainz to Finish on the Podium (+200) 

Carlos Sainz and Ferrari appear to have found their mojo in recent weeks. Following a disappointing start to the season, Ferrari is finally starting to challenge Red Bull in terms of pace, with both Sainz and Leclerc benefiting from the upturn. 

It is also worth noting that Sainz has claimed pole position in each of the last two races. After finishing third at the Italian Grand Prix, the Spaniard held onto P1 last weekend, highlighting his improved form. 

With back-to-back podiums in the bank, Sainz will be confident of another top-three finish this weekend. That’s why I’m backing the Ferrari man to secure a spot on the podium in Japan. 

Lewis Hamilton to Record the Fastest Lap (+900) 

It is no secret that Hamilton and Mercedes have struggled to keep pace with the quickest cars on the grid this season. Still, the seven-time World Drivers’ Championship winner has continued to exhibit his expert skills behind the wheel. 

Thanks to last weekend’s P3 finish, Hamilton now has five podiums to his name in 2023. Although the legendary Brit is still waiting for his first race win this year, it feels like he could take advantage of Red Bull’s recent lapse. 

After recording the fastest lap last weekend, Hamilton has three fastest laps under his belt this season. Plus, the 38-year-old holds the lap record at the Suzuka Circuit, making odds of +900 look seriously attractive. 

Finalize Your Japanese Grand Prix Predictions 

The 2023 Japanese Grand Prix goes down this Sunday, September 24, but there is a lot to be decided between now and then. With practice sessions taking place on Friday and qualifying on Saturday, we can gather plenty of useful information before the race itself. 

Nevertheless, I have locked in my Japanese Grand Prix predictions to take advantage of the tasty early prices. The odds will likely fluctuate over the course of the weekend, so be sure to keep an eye on the price changes. 

That concludes my 2023 F1 Japanese Grand Prix preview. Stick with Sports Hub for more Formula 1 content in the coming months, as we still have seven races to enjoy – and bet on – this season.