As the Formula 1 season heats up, all eyes turn to the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix 2023, and if you're looking to place some bets on the action, we’re here to help guide you through it.

Today, we’re going to break down the top 3 betting favourites heading into a pivotal Round 18 in which Max Verstappen leads the way at 400 points, a staggering 177 more than his second-place teammate Sergio Perez. Will Verstappen secure his third consecutive F1 World Championship? Or can somebody else step up to steal the spotlight? Let’s dive in!

1. Max Verstappen - The Unstoppable Force

Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, continues to dominate the F1 odds board. With a season that's been nothing short of exceptional, he's the undeniable favourite as F1 returns to Qatar on October 8. Verstappen's performance in Qatar in 2021 marked a turning point in his career as he raced towards his first F1 championship.

Although he encountered a minor setback with a fifth-place finish in Singapore, it was a rare occurrence in his dominant 2023 season. His recent victory at the Japanese Grand Prix solidified his position as the front-runner for the 2023 World Drivers' Champion title.

With the title within arm’s reach, now is the time to turn to sportsbooks like FanDuel Canada to place a futures bet on Verstappen to win the whole thing.

2. Lando Norris - A Rising Star

Lando Norris has been on an impressive run in recent races, securing second place four times in seven events, including back-to-back podium finishes in Singapore and Japan. Despite his recent string of successes, Norris is yet to claim his first F1 race victory.

His ninth-place finish in Qatar in 2021 is a distant memory compared to his current form. Norris has emerged as one of the rising stars in F1, and his performance should be closely watched by fans and bettors alike.

3. Sergio Perez - The Reliable Teammate

Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull Racing, holds the third spot on the odds board. Checo has been instrumental in Red Bull's dominance this season, earning podium finishes on eight occasions.

While he faced challenges with a retirement in Japan and an eighth-place finish in Singapore, Perez's track record suggests that he could bounce back strongly. He's a driver with the potential to outshine his teammate and claim victory in the coming weeks.

Race Preview - Qatar Grand Prix 2023

The Qatar Grand Prix returns to the Losail International Circuit on October 8, adding another thrilling chapter to the F1 season. The last time F1 visited Qatar was in 2021 when Lewis Hamilton took the checkered flag. However, the landscape has changed since then, and Verstappen's dominance has shifted the dynamics of the sport. This year, it's all about the battle for the championship, and Verstappen is firmly in control.

The Losail International Circuit, located just outside Doha, promises an action-packed weekend of F1 Sprint events. The Main Grandstand offers panoramic views of the start-finish straight, the pit lane, and the team garages, but the new T2 Grandstand introduced in 2023 promises outstanding vantage points to witness the excitement of the opening corners.

As you gear up for the Qatar Grand Prix, be sure to visit some of the top Canadian sportsbooks for the latest odds and betting options. With Verstappen's dominance, Norris's rising stardom, and Perez's reliability, the race promises to be a captivating battle. Stay tuned for what could be another historic moment in the 2023 F1 season!