Formula 1 is back for another double-header to take us to the summer break, starting with the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, and as you’d expect Max Verstappen is the overwhelming favourite among the bookies.
The Hungaroring could be the site of a record-breaking run of wins for Red Bull if Max Verstappen can continue his dominance of the 2023 season. The RB19 has new upgrades this weekend which could add up to two-tenths per lap and stretch their advantage even further over the chasing pack.
F1 always produces exciting racing at the Budapest circuit with some of the most underrated races of the modern era coming in the 71-lap event.
Verstappen’s championship lead stands at 99 points after his triumph at Silverstone in the British Grand Prix but let’s take a look at who could shine in the searing Hungarian heat.
Beginning, of course, with the runaway championship leader and his seemingly bulletproof RB19. Only in qualifying at Saudi Arabia has the car faltered even slightly and it has shown no signs of trouble ever since.
If the car runs smoothly, Verstappen should be the red-hot favourite for pole position and victory. Sergio Perez should be second most likely to earn both of those results but his woeful qualifying form might just make things difficult.
Away from Red Bull, Mercedes were very strong here one year ago with George Russell claiming his maiden F1 pole position in the W13. The Silver Arrows were outclassed by McLaren in the British GP but both Lewis Hamilton and Russell have a solid record here and could be a threat.
Aston Martin and McLaren have both threatened their engine suppliers at times this season but things should sway towards the green team this weekend with slower-speed corners. Fernando Alonso always ramps it up when a shot at victory or a podium comes into view.
Ferrari are the true unknown quantity after a horrid weekend at Silverstone where they thought they would excel prior to qualifying.
Drivers to watch at 2023 Hungarian GP
- Lewis Hamilton: You might get long odds on the seven-time world champion but he has won eight times at this track, more than anyone else in history.
- Max Verstappen: The most recent winner of the Hungarian GP is everyone’s first bet for victory and the RB19’s new parts might make that even stronger.
- Lando Norris: McLaren will be tested with their new upgrades on a totally different track but this is where Norris first drove an F1 car and he is capable of special things when the car complies.
Betting Odds for 2023 Hungarian GP
We’ve compiled the best odds from four leading UK bookmakers – Bet365, Betfred, BetVictor, and William Hill – on who is in pole position to win in Hungary.
| Driver | Bet365 | Betfred | BetVictor | William Hill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Verstappen | 1/3 | 4/11 | 4/11 | 1/3 |
| Sergio Perez | 11/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 | 11/1 |
| Fernando Alonso | 11/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 14/1 | 14/1 | 12/1 | 14/1 |
| Charles Leclerc | 20/1 | 20/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 |
| Lando Norris | 16/1 | 16/1 | 18/1 | 18/1 |
| George Russell | 28/1 | 25/1 | 25/1 | 28/1 |
| Carlos Sainz | 25/1 | 25/1 | 16/1 | 22/1 |
| Oscar Piastri | 100/1 | 100/1 | 100/1 | 80/1 |
| Lance Stroll | 150/1 | 150/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 |
| Esteban Ocon | 150/1 | 300/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 |
| Pierre Gasly | 150/1 | 300/1 | 100/1 | 150/1 |
| Alex Albon | 500/1 | 500/1 | 500/1 | 500/1 |
| Logan Sargeant | 500/1 | 1000/1 | 500/1 | 1000/1 |
| Nico Hulkenberg | 500/1 | 500/1 | 500/1 | 750/1 |
| Daniel Ricciardo | 400/1 | 500/1 | 250/1 | 500/1 |
| Zhou Guanyu | 500/1 | 1000/1 | 500/1 | 1000/1 |
| Kevin Magnussen | 500/1 | 750/1 | 500/1 | 750/1 |
| Valtteri Bottas | 500/1 | 1000/1 | 500/1 | 1000/1 |
| Yuki Tsunoda | 500/1 | 750/1 | 500/1 | 1000/1 |
