Formula One, which is often referred to as F1, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. The cars must comply to a set of rules or “formula”, which is how the racing championship got its name. The F1 season consists of a series of Grand Prix races where drivers earn points towards the annual World Championships. F1 cars are the fastest circuit-racing cars in the world with speeds of up to 360 km/h! For racing fans it doesn’t get any bigger, better or faster than Formula One.
On this page we look at where you can bet on Formula One, explain the most common bets and how to read the odds, and finish with a step by step guide to getting started.
Where Can You Bet On F1?
Where you can bet on Formula One depends on where you live. Here is a quick look at the main options in the United States, Canada, the UK and elsewhere.
United States
Sports betting is legal in more than 35 states plus Washington, D.C. Licensed sportsbooks in most legal states offer odds on every F1 race, including the race winner, podium finishes and driver matchups. You must be 21 or older in most states and physically located in a state where the sportsbook is licensed. Offshore sportsbooks also accept bets from Americans, but they are not licensed or regulated by any US state, which means there is no state regulator to turn to if there is a dispute over a bet or a withdrawal.
Canada
Ontario has a regulated market of licensed online sportsbooks, and the other provinces offer online betting through their provincial lottery sites. The legal betting age is 19 in most provinces and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Coverage of Formula One varies by site, so check the markets offered before signing up.
United Kingdom
Licensed bookmakers in the UK offer odds on every Grand Prix, including qualifying, race winner and championship markets. Use an operator licensed by the Gambling Commission, which requires you to be 18 or older and verifies your identity before you can bet.
Elsewhere
Many other countries regulate online betting with their own licensing systems, while some restrict it. Check the rules in your country before signing up with any betting site, and stick to operators licensed where you live.
Formula One Betting Options
The Formula One betting options are the same as the ones described on the bet on motor sports page. You can bet on the outright winner of every Grand Prix race, but most sportsbooks also provide several head-to-head match-up odds where you can wager on which of two drivers will finish the race first.
The futures bets are also popular Formula One wagers, where you can bet on who will win the Drivers or Constructors Championship for the year.
F1 Betting Tips
Here are a few tips that you should use when deciding which F1 drivers to bet on.
- Practice Sessions – Watch the practice sessions for clues as to how comfortable the driver is on the track and how well the car is performing.
- Track – Every track is different, but some will have similarities to other Grand Prix tracks. You should look at which drivers have performed well on similar tracks to get a better idea of their comfort level with the track heading into the race.
- Compare Odds – The odds for F1 races will vary quite a bit between sportsbooks, so compare odds at more than one sportsbook before placing your bets to get the highest possible return.
How To Bet On F1 Online – Step By Step
Whichever site you choose, the process of getting started is similar. Here’s a general guide.
Step 1. Choose a Licensed Site
Pick a sportsbook that is licensed where you live and offers Formula One markets. Review the options above before signing up.
Step 2. Check The Age and Location Rules
The minimum age is 21 in most US states, 18 or 19 in Canada depending on the province, and 18 in the UK. Most licensed sites also confirm that you are located where they are licensed.
Step 3. Create and Verify Your Account
Sign up with your legal name, date of birth and address. Licensed sites are required to verify your identity, so you may be asked for a photo of your ID or other documents.
Step 4. Fund Your Account
Deposit using one of the site’s payment methods, which commonly include debit cards and bank transfers. Check how withdrawals work, and how long they take, before you deposit.
Step 5. Find The Market and Place Your Bet
Navigate to the Formula One or motor sports section, select the market you’re interested in, and enter your stake. Before confirming, check the odds and how much you stand to win.
Step 6. Set Limits
Decide on a budget before lights out and stick to it. Most licensed sites let you set deposit and time limits in your account settings. If betting stops being fun, free help is available: call 1-800-GAMBLER in the US, ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 in Ontario, or the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 in the UK.
Visit the official Formula One website to learn more about the sport and keep up with F1 news.