Verstappen reigns in Spain as Red Bull dominate

The 2023 Formula 1 season may only be a few months old, but it is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in a generation. Since Englishman Lewis Hamilton released his vice-like grip on the sport, critics suggested F1 would grow boring and less popular. Nothing could have been further from the truth as the sport goes from strength to strength.

Removing Hamilton’s dominance opened the floodgates for new and ambitious drivers to challenge for the title. Several talented drivers who couldn’t budge Hamilton and were often left fighting for second place behind the Brit can now challenge for the world championship. Lewis shook up F1 racing during his illustrious career, leaving the game in a crucial transitional period.

The competitive season didn’t only capture the imagination of sports fans but also traders working at the top bookies. They created dozens of markets and ways to enjoy an F1 bet, including Driver’s Championship winner and most Grand Prix wins.

With seven Grand Prix already in the books, which driver is most likely to fill the boots of Hamilton? Keep reading as we investigate the results and what that will tell us about the season. You can use that information to claim a free bet and wager on F1.

Max speed for Verstappen

Formula 1 fans disagreed about which name would emerge from the pack to claim the title this season. A strong case could be made for three or four ambitious pilots filling the gap, but problems with Ferrari helped rule out two huge contenders. After seven races, it’s become apparent who the new frontrunner is this year.

Max Verstappen currently leads the F1 Driver’s Championship and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The exciting Dutchman has already claimed five Grand Prix wins and boasts 170 points. He is already clear of the chasing pack, and it would take an unfortunate event or miracle comeback to make this competitive again. It’s Max’s title to throw away at this stage.

Verstappen made his intentions clear from the opening race and banked the Bahrain Grand Prix in March. That paved the way for further glory, and Max has since won in Australia, Miami, Monaco, and Spain. He’s a driver in great form and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Perez the danger

With Verstappen racing onto five wins from seven, it has left the chasing pack choking in his dust. The only slight danger comes from teammate Sergio Perez, the Red Bull driver flying the flag for Mexico.

Perez has accumulated 117 points which is good enough for second place after seven races. The Mexican speedster has won the two Grand Prixs not claimed by his stablemate. The first triumph of the season was the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in March, the second fixture. That drew Perez and Verstappen level, but not for long.

Sergio won again in Azerbaijan on race day four, moving the teammates to two wins each after four races. The back-and-forth battle ended when Max won in weeks five, six, and seven. Perez was second in Miami but failed to secure a place around Monaco and Spain.

That’s three races without a win, and we may see Perez drop off the pace, allowing his teammate to cross the finish line as driver’s champion unchallenged.

No contest for Red Bull

As you may have already guessed, the Constructor’s Championship is now a one-horse race, with Red Bull dominating from the start. The success of their drivers Verstappen and Perez has earned the team 287, with Mercedes in second on 152 points. It’s ongoing, but the current scores suggest it will be short.

What has been the secret to Red Bull’s success this year? Excuses can be made for Ferrari not being at its best, but we take nothing away from the leaders. They’re there on merit and showing no signs of slowing down; the current one-two in the Driver’s Championship will remain for the remainder of the season. They’re already too far clear to be caught.

Claim your free F1 bet

The leading online betting apps offer all F1 fans a free bet when registering an account, making their first deposit, and wagering on the next Grand Prix. Claim your share now.