What this guide covers
Formula 1 is a field sport for betting purposes. Twenty or so drivers start, one wins, and most markets are about where a driver finishes compared with the rest. That's different from a two-sided match. This guide covers the main F1 markets on Stake, the rules around retirements and penalties, and how a race weekend is structured. For the other big field sport, see our horse racing guide.
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Markets
- Race winner and podium.
- Head to head. Which of two drivers finishes higher.
- Fastest lap.
- Championship. Long-term outright.
The race winner market lists every driver. In seasons where one or two cars dominate, the favorite can be priced short and the rest long. A podium bet, also called a top 3 finish, pays if your driver ends in the first three. Some books also offer top 6 or top 10 finishes, and points finish markets.
Head to head markets pair two drivers, often teammates, and ask who finishes higher. They're popular because you can have a view on the midfield without needing to pick the winner. The rule to check is what happens if one or both drivers don't finish.
Fastest lap asks which driver sets the quickest single lap in the race. It's harder to predict than it looks, because drivers sometimes pit late for fresh tires just to chase it.
Championship markets are outrights on the drivers' or constructors' title. They run all season, and your money is tied up until the title is decided.
Did not finish
Settlement notes
| Situation | Where to look |
|---|---|
| DNF | Stake's sports rules |
| Both drivers DNF in a head to head | Stake's sports rules |
| Post-race penalty | Stake's sports rules |
A driver who retires through a crash, a mechanical failure or anything else is classed as DNF, did not finish. For winner and podium bets, a DNF usually means a loss. In head to head markets, the driver who completes more laps or is classified higher usually wins the bet. If both retire, books differ: some use laps completed, some void the bet. Stake's sports rules for motorsport decide.
A driver who doesn't start at all is a different case. If your driver fails to take the start, bets may be voided. Check the rules, because some books count the formation lap as a start.
Penalties and official results
Stewards can hand out penalties during or after a race. A five-second penalty during the race is built into the finishing order. Penalties after the race, and appeals weeks later, are another matter. Sportsbooks usually settle on the official result at the podium ceremony, or shortly after, and ignore later changes. Stake's sports rules say which result counts. That means a driver can lose a podium in the record books while your bet has already been settled as a win, or the other way round.
Red flags and shortened races
A red flag stops a race. If the race restarts and finishes, bets usually stand on the final result. If a race is shortened by weather and the distance completed is below a threshold, points may be reduced, but betting settlement depends on the sportsbook's rules. Check Stake's rules for the exact policy.
The race weekend
A typical weekend has practice sessions, qualifying, and the race on Sunday. Some weekends add a sprint race. Markets often open early in the week and move after practice and qualifying. Qualifying markets, such as pole position, may be offered on some weekends. Grid penalties for engine changes can move a fast car down the order, which changes race prices.
Other motorsport
Stake names F1 among its sports. Other series may appear depending on the season. Check the motorsport section on Stake rather than assuming a series is covered.
A worked example
Made-up race: you back Driver A in a head to head against teammate Driver B. On lap 40, A's gearbox fails and he retires. B finishes eighth. Under a laps-completed rule, B wins the head to head and your bet loses. Now say both retire, A on lap 40 and B on lap 12. A completed more laps, so A wins the head to head under that rule. Under a void rule, the bet would be refunded. Same race, different settlement, and the only way to know is to read the rule first.
Live F1
Some races offer in-play markets. Prices move with pit stops, safety cars and weather. Safety cars bunch the field and can undo a big lead. Markets suspend during incidents. Read our live betting guide before you try it.
Related
See horse racing for each-way style bets, or odds explained.
Keeping it in proportion
A season has many race weekends and a championship that runs for months. Outright bets tie up money for a long time. Keep stakes small, treat every bet as money you can lose, and if you're chasing losses, stop and read our responsible gambling page.
FAQ
Can I bet on qualifying?
Sometimes.
Does a red flag void bets?
Check Stake's sports rules.
Are other motorsports available?
Check the lobby.
What if my driver is disqualified after the race?
Sportsbooks usually settle on the result at the podium and ignore later changes. Check Stake's rules.