Sao Paulo GP: Norris overtakes Piastri as Formula 1 title favourite

Before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Norris was priced at 14/5 to win the title, but his odds have now shortened to 8/11 after a consistent run of podiums. Piastri, who led the market earlier in the season, has drifted from 1/3 to 27/10 following a six-race winless streak. Max Verstappen’s late-season form has also transformed his odds, cut dramatically from 100/1 to 3/1 as the Red Bull driver mounts a comeback.

Darragh Harbison, spokesperson for Esports Bets, said: “Betting on the F1 Drivers’ Championship has been turbulent over the last two months, with Lando Norris now heading the shortest price at 8/11.

As recently as September, many would have thought it a formality that Oscar Piastri would be crowned champion at the end of the season, but he’s failed to win a race since late August and has subsequently slipped behind his teammate in the standings.”

Harbison added that Verstappen’s resurgence has reignited the title fight. “Following the Dutch Grand Prix back in August, Max Verstappen was 104 points off the top of the leaderboard and a 100/1 chance for the Championship. Now, with McLaren having their struggles and Red Bull finding their groove, he is just 36 points off top spot and 3/1 to retain his crown.”

This weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix could shape the final stretch of the season, with Norris favoured to extend his lead at 6/4, Verstappen close behind at 7/4, and Piastri third at 5/1.

Esports Bets noted the market remains highly volatile as Formula 1 heads into the final four rounds, with momentum swinging sharply between McLaren and Red Bull.