Miami Grand Prix 2024 Predictions: Lando to hit the front first?

Perhaps the glitziest race of the F1 calendar returns this weekend, as the sporting and celebrity world collide in Miami for the third iteration of this quirky event. On the track, things have improved from the inaugural race, which saw a fake marina steal the show, but along with drama on track, the only other guarantee is Martin Brundle not knowing who the latest American TikTok star is on the grid. 

I can’t wait for this one, and below you can find my Miami Grand Prix 2024 Predictions.

Charles Leclerc podium finish @ 6/4

I was going to suggest Max Verstappen as race winner as one of my tips, but at a price of 2/11, it is simply not worth backing in the slightest. The Dutch driver is likely to win this one at a canter again, as he seemingly romps to yet another world title before the season has even got going. The 2025 departure of Adrian Newey is likely to shake things up at Red Bull, with Verstappen himself in the news as Mercedes look to tear him away from his current team. 

Anyway, away from Max and onto our search for value. Miami didn’t offer Charles Leclerc the best run this time last year, however he will want to put that right this time around, and he’s been consistently fast this season. The Monagasque had to settle for fourth in China, but he wasn’t far off Sergio Perez’s Red Bull, while he has now placed in the top four of every race so far in 2024. 

The Ferrari is clearly competitive and around the fast track, we should see good performances from both Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz. I’m backing Leclerc, as he has driven well around this track before, finishing just three seconds behind Verstappen in 2022. Something similar here would go down a treat, and I think there is value to be had in a top three finish at 6/4.

Lando Norris to qualify fastest for the Sprint race @ 14/1

Let’s have a bit of fun with this one. The second Sprint race of the season takes place in the USA, just a fortnight after the last one in China. The key thing about these weekends is that teams lose two free practice seasons to get the car right, meaning they have just one shot at getting the car set up for the weekend, before we enter Sprint qualifying. 

On Friday afternoon, the 20 drivers will take to the track to determine the order, and I don’t think it’s out of the question that Lando Norris nails it again. He qualified fastest for the Sprint in China before finishing second in the race, and it seems as though his McLaren has both pace and consistency this term. Another point to be made is that he doesn’t need too many tweaks to his car heading into this weekend, and should be able to pick up where he left off last time out. Around another fast track in Miami, he could strike the front again early and at 14/1 - he offers massive value to qualify fastest for the Sprint race.

Verstappen is likely to overhaul anybody when it comes to the race, but for qualifying - why not! 

Check out our other F1 Betting Tips here.