How to Bet on F1 Online 2026

F1 betting is all about timing, skill, and strategy.

This guide shows how to bet smarter, with clear steps, key bet types, and proven tips.

How to place a bet on F1?

Here’s how to place an F1 bet in a few simple steps.

Once you’ve done it once, it’s easy to repeat.

Where can I bet on Formula 1?

You can bet on Formula 1 through licensed online sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars.

These platforms offer odds on race winners, podium finishes, fastest laps, and more.

F1 betting is legal in many US states where online sports betting is regulated.

Always check your state laws and choose a trusted, licensed site.

Understanding F1 betting odds

When betting on F1, the odds show two things: the chance of a driver winning and the potential payout.

Knowing how these odds work equals knowing how to bet on F1.

In F1 betting, odds are shown as positive (+) or negative (-) numbers.

This is how it looks at most sportsbooks:

• Negative odds (-): This indicates the favorite. If Verstappen is at -200, a $200 bet would win $100.

• Positive odds (+): These represent the underdog. So if Norris has +500 odds, betting $100 on him would give you $500 in winnings.

Here is a clearer breakdown:

Calculating winnings

To calculate how much a bet will pay out:

• For negative odds (-): I take 100 divided by the odds number, then multiply that by the bet. Example: For a $200 bet on Verstappen at -200, the formula is 100 ÷ 200 = 0.5. Multiply: $200 × 0.5 = $100 profit. So, betting $200 wins $100.

• For positive odds (+): Multiply the odds divided by 100 by the amount I bet. Example: If Norris has odds of +135 and I bet $100, 135 ÷ 100 = 1.35. Multiply: $100 × 1.35 = $135 profit.

Odds also reveal the likelihood of a driver winning:

• For negative odds (-): Odds ÷ (Odds + 100) × 100. Example: Verstappen at -200. Calculation: 200 ÷ (200 + 100) = 67% chance of winning.

• For positive odds (+): 100 ÷ (Odds + 100) × 100. Example: Norris at +135. Calculation: 100 ÷ (135 + 100) = 42% chance.

Types of F1 bets

There are plenty of types of F1 bets for bettors to enjoy and win on.

We go into more detail after, but here's a clean table summarizing the main types of F1 bets, what they cover, and who they’re best for:

Outright race winner

This is your basic bet, picking who wins the race.

While simple, it can be risky, especially with low odds on favorites like Verstappen.

I often skip betting on favorites when their odds are below -200.

A bet on someone like Norris at +300 when he's been performing well is more rewarding.

It is riskier but offers better value.

Podium finish (top 3)

If I believe a driver will do well but am unsure if they will win, I go for a podium finish bet.

Here, you are backing a driver to finish in the top three.

Hamilton, for instance, is usually a safe choice for a podium finish even if he’s not likely to win.

The odds are smaller, but the risk is lower too.

Fastest lap

Betting on the fastest lap is all about strategy.

Some teams go for it towards the end of the race to grab an extra point.

This bet often pays out well, especially if a driver like Leclerc or Norris sets the fastest lap, even without winning the race.

Head-to-head betting

I like this one when there is a good rivalry.

You pick one of two drivers to finish higher.

I have bet on battles like Leclerc vs. Sainz or Hamilton vs. Russell.

It is not about winning the race but finishing ahead of the other guy.

Pole position

Betting on pole position involves wagering on the fastest qualifier.

It is fun when the race outcome seems predictable, but qualifying can offer surprises.

Teams like Red Bull are strong in this department.

I have seen big payouts by betting on who will clinch pole position on challenging tracks like Monaco.

Winning margin

This bet focuses on how far ahead the winner will finish.

I have often used it on races where the gap between cars is predictable.

For example, betting on 0 to 5.999 seconds for a tight race or over 11 seconds when one team dominates can pay off.

Safety car

Betting on whether the safety car will appear is all about track knowledge.

On tight street circuits like Baku or Monaco, there is usually a higher chance of accidents.

I have found it is worth betting on the safety car at these tracks, where crashes are more common.

Futures bets (championship)

For those willing to think long-term, futures bets are about predicting the championship winners.

I have placed early bets on Verstappen to win the Drivers' Championship before the competitive odds drop too low.

Betting early in the season often brings better value.

Prop bets

Prop bets are great when you want something more specific.

They can cover things like the fastest pit stop or which driver will retire first.

Betting on props adds excitement and variety without focusing on the race winner.

Each type of bet has its own strategy.

For me, mixing between safer podium bets and more fun prop bets has worked well.

Depending on the track and conditions, adjusting your bets can keep things interesting while increasing the chances of a win.

Advanced F1 Betting Options

Once I had a grip on the basics, like picking race winners or podium finishes, I started exploring more advanced F1 bets.

These can boost payouts, but ask for a better strategy.

Two options that stand out for me are parlays and live betting markets.

I have used both during race weekends to keep things interesting.

Let’s break down how to bet on F1 using these advanced strategies, based on what’s worked for me.

Parlays

A parlay combines several bets or "legs" into one wager.

Every leg has to win for the parlay to succeed.

While this makes parlays risky, they can also offer much bigger payouts.

In Formula 1, you can combine different types of bets into a single parlay ticket.

For example, bet on Verstappen to win, Norris to finish in the top 3, and Hamilton to get the fastest lap.

If I bet on these individually, each one pays a specific amount.

But if I combine them into a parlay, the odds multiply, making the potential payout much larger.

Of course, if even one of these bets fails, the whole ticket is a bust.

In my experience, I tend to include a strong favorite like Verstappen alongside riskier picks like fastest lap to boost the competitive odds without making the parlay too risky.

Live betting

Live betting brings another level of excitement because the competitive odds change as the race unfolds.

For instance, if you notice Leclerc is picking up speed mid-race, place a live bet on him to get the fastest lap.

Or, if a driver is struggling after the first few laps, adjust and place bets on their teammate outperforming them.

It is essential to watch race dynamics, like pit stops or tire wear, when live betting.

One of my favorite times to jump in is during a safety car period, when the field bunches up and strategies shift.

Platforms like FanDuel and Bet365 let you bet on specific scenarios.

My favorites: whether a safety car will appear or who will lead after a certain lap.

This gives me the flexibility to adapt during the race itself.

Top F1 events to bet on

Formula 1 has one global championship, made up of races across multiple countries and continents.

While every Grand Prix offers betting value, some races stand out for their unique conditions and history.

These events draw the most action and present strong opportunities for both pre-race and live betting.

• Monaco Grand Prix: This is the most iconic race on the calendar. With tight corners and almost no overtaking, pole position often decides the winner. It’s a great race to bet on qualifying, safety car appearances, and top-3 finishes.

• British Grand Prix (Silverstone): Known for its high-speed corners and unpredictable weather, this is a fan favorite. It’s perfect for live betting, especially when rain or strategy calls shake things up mid-race. Home drivers like Lewis Hamilton usually draw heavy interest.

• Italian Grand Prix (Monza): Monza is the fastest track in F1. That makes it ideal for betting on fastest lap, winning margins, and outright race winners. Red Bull and Ferrari tend to perform well here due to their top-end speed.

• United States Grand Prix (Austin, TX): As F1 grows in the U.S., so does betting on the Austin race. This track often features late-race drama and strong overtaking spots—great for live bets and parlays. It’s one of the best races to watch and wager on.

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Season Finale): The final race of the one world championship often decides the season’s outcome. It’s a top spot for futures bets, team strategy props, and fastest lap wagers. Expect heavy action if titles are still up for grabs.

F1 betting strategies

Betting on F1 isn’t about picking the fastest car; It is about paying attention to details that can change a race.

Over the years, I have found that success comes from understanding the sport beyond the basics.

Here is what’s worked for me when figuring out how to bet on F1 effectively.

Track-specific performance and home races

One thing I’ve learned is that certain tracks favor specific teams and drivers, but it is deeper than just car performance.

Teams and drivers tend to perform better on home turf.

For instance, Ferrari always brings the best to Monza, trying harder for the home crowd.

British drivers like Lewis Hamilton often have that extra edge at Silverstone.

I have seen teams push beyond their limits for their home races, and it is a factor I never ignore.

Some tracks also align better with car's strengths.

High-speed circuits like Monza favor teams with excellent straight-line speed, such as Red Bull.

More technical tracks like Monaco benefit teams with high downforce setups.

This season, it has been clear that Red Bull still dominates fast circuits.

McLaren and Mercedes have been making improvements on twistier circuits.

Qualifying is important

Qualifying is a major indicator of race success.

Drivers starting at the front usually have a better chance of winning, especially on tracks where overtaking is difficult.

In races like Monaco, where overtaking is nearly impossible, whoever grabs pole position often wins.

I always factor in qualifying results when placing my bets.

If a driver unexpectedly outperforms in qualifying, that could signal a potential upset.

Watch for team strategies

Pit stops and tire strategies can change the entire outcome of a race. Red Bull gets their strategies right most of the time.

Ferrari, on the other hand, has been hit or miss with their decisions.

Watching how a team manages tire degradation or safety car situations can give insight into how the race might unfold.

For me, this is where a lot of value bets come from, especially if a team is playing the long game.

Recent form matters

F1 teams evolve throughout the season.

Some teams start strong but lose steam as others improve with upgrades.

Red Bull might be the dominant team, but don’t ignore how teams like McLaren and Ferrari have found speed mid-season.

Always check recent form before betting, as a team that started slow could now be in prime condition for a podium.

Manage your bankroll

People lose it all in one race because they went too heavy on a single bet.

Always spread your bets.

Place smaller wagers on things like head-to-head matchups or podium finishes.

This reduces the risk and keeps you in the game even if one bet doesn’t work out.

Being patient and disciplined is key.

How to bet responsibly

Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:

• Limits: Sports betting sites allow you to set betting limits, i.e., limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.

• Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, which prevents you from spending all of your winnings.

• Help & resources: Betting platforms provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.

Problem gambling organizations and charities in the US

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