2023 F1 Qatar Grand Prix Predictions & Preview

With six races remaining on the 2023 Formula 1 calendar, it’s time to start thinking about your Qatar Grand Prix predictions. 

Following a minor blip in Singapore, Max Verstappen returned to winning ways with a dominant victory in Japan last time out. As a result, the Red Bull superstar is within touching distance of a third successive championship triumph. 

Can Verstappen pick up his 14th race win of the season this weekend? Or will an outsider upset the F1 odds? Read on to discover my Qatar Grand Prix predictions and picks. 

What Happened at the Previous Grand Prix? 

After racking up a record 10 consecutive victories, Max Verstappen registered a rare fifth-place finish at the Singapore Grand Prix. However, normal service was resumed last weekend. 

The defending champion finished almost 20 seconds ahead of Lando Norris at the Suzuka Circuit, reasserting his dominance. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri clinched the third and final podium spot, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completing the top five. 

Thanks to another commanding win, Verstappen finds himself a whopping 177 points clear at the summit of the World Drivers’ Championship standings. 

2023 WORLD DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONS STANDINGS (TOP 10) 

1. Max Verstappen (400) 
2. Sergio Perez (223) 
3. Lewis Hamilton (190) 
4. Fernando Alonso (174) 
5. Carlos Sainz (150) 
6. Charles Leclerc (135) 
7. Lando Norris (115) 
8. George Russell (115) 
9. Oscar Piastri (57) 
10. Lance Stroll (47) 

It is only a matter of time before Verstappen secures a memorable three-peat, but the 26-year-old is by no means guaranteed to triumph this weekend. Keep reading to unearth my Qatar Grand Prix predictions. 

2023 Qatar Grand Prix Preview 

The 2023 Qatar Grand Prix takes place at the Lusail International Circuit on Sunday, October 8. Drivers will race across 57 laps of the 5.418-kilometer track, which first staged an F1 Grand Prix in 2021. 

Hamilton won the previous Qatar Grand Prix, but Verstappen holds the race lap record. Can Hamilton hold onto his crown in Qatar? Or will Verstappen build on the blistering pace that he set last time around? 

Before we lock in our Qatar Grand Prix predictions, we need to check out the odds. 

2023 QATAR GRAND PRIX ODDS – RACE WINNER 

• Max Verstappen (-450) 
• Lando Norris (+1200) 
• Sergio Perez (+1200) 
• Oscar Piastri (+1600) 
• Charles Leclerc (+2500) 
• George Russell (+2500) 
• Lewis Hamilton (+2500) 
• Carlos Sainz (+2800) 
• Fernando Alonso (+8000) 
• Alex Albon (+50000) 
• Esteban Ocon (+50000) 
• Lance Stroll (+50000) 
• Liam Lawson (+50000) 
• Pierre Gasly (+50000) 
• Yuki Tsunoda (+50000) 
• Nico Hulkenberg (+75000) 
• Valtteri Bottas (+75000) 
• Guanyu Zhou (+100000) 
• Kevin Magnussen (+100000) 
• Logan Sargeant (+100000) 

As expected, Verstappen (-450) is the clear favorite to win the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Not only has the runaway leader won 11 of the previous 12 races, but he has also won 13 of the 16 races this year, emphasizing his superiority. 

The bookies can’t seem to separate Lando Norris (+1200) and Sergio Perez (+1200) when it comes to the favorite for the runner-up spot. After finishing third last time out, Oscar Piastri (+1600) is also expected to challenge for the podium in Qatar. 

Charles Leclerc (+2500), George Russell (+2500) and Lewis Hamilton (+2500) are all priced evenly, with Carlos Sainz (+2800) sitting just behind. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso (+8000) bridges the gap between the favorites and outsiders. 

Qatar Grand Prix Predictions and Picks 

Okay, this is where the fun begins. Having analyzed the previous race and discussed the odds for this weekend’s showdown, it’s time for me to share my Qatar Grand Prix predictions. 

The race is scheduled for Sunday, but we still have Friday’s practice sessions and Saturday’s qualifying sessions to enjoy. Feel free to wait until after practice and qualifying to lay down your Qatar Grand Prix predictions, although the odds will likely shift drastically. 

In order to get the greatest possible betting value, I’m locking in my Qatar Grand Prix predictions and picks before anything changes. So, strap yourself in and enjoy the ride! 

Max Verstappen to Win (-450) 

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I’m backing Verstappen to triumph this weekend. After all, the Red Bull superstar has been the best driver on the grid by a considerable margin this season. 

In addition to winning 13 of the 16 races so far, Verstappen has achieved 15 top-two finishes. The 26-year-old recorded an unfamiliar P5 finish in Singapore, but he bounced straight back with a dominant victory last time out. 

Of course, odds of -450 are not worth getting overly excited about. When you consider Verstappen’s dominance, though, it could be worth dumping a sizeable stake on the soon-to-be three-time champion. 

Oscar Piastri Top 6 Finish (-300) 

It’s fair to say that Oscar Piastri is enjoying an eye-catching debut season in Formula 1. Indeed, the 22-year-old Australian finds himself ninth in the World Drivers’ Championship standings thanks to a series of strong performances. 

After finishing fifth in Hungary and fourth in Great Britain, Piastri clinched his first-ever podium finish last time out, securing third place in Japan following a hugely impressive display. 

With three top-six finishes coming in the previous seven races, Piastri looks set to enjoy another successful race in Qatar. Accordingly, I’m backing the McLaren rookie to finish in the top six this weekend. 

Pierre Gasly Top 10 Finish (-125) 

Pierre Gasly started the year in solid form, achieving six top-10 finishes across the opening nine races. After enduring a shaky mid-season spell, the Alpine driver appears to be back to his best. 

Let’s not forget that Gasly found himself on the podium in the Netherlands back in August. He also managed to notch an impressive P6 finish in Singapore before finishing in the points once again last time out. 

With that in mind, I can see Gasly securing another top-10 finish in Qatar. While other drivers seem to have lost their way in recent weeks, Gasly appears to be heading in the right direction. 

It’s Time to Make Your Qatar Grand Prix Predictions 

There you have it – my Qatar Grand Prix predictions and picks are in the books. Having scoured the F1 odds, I’m confident that we can land a solid profit this weekend. 

The 2023 Formula 1 season is drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of exciting races to look forward to. The United States Grand Prix follows the Qatar Grand Prix, while the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix is right around the corner 

We also have the Mexico City Grand Prix, Sao Paulo Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the horizon, so be sure to stick with Sports Hub for more F1 predictions.