Entain Data Highlights British Grand Prix as F1 Spectacle
As the highly anticipated 2023 British Grand Prix draws near, global sports betting, gaming, and interactive entertainment group Entain reveals that Silverstone was the most exciting race of the 2022 Formula 1 (F1) season, accounting for over 7% of all F1 race bets placed. This insight is based on the total number of online bets made by Entain customers throughout the 2022 F1 season.
With excitement building for this year’s race on Sunday, all eyes are on the track. While Max Verstappen’s dominance continues to divide the F1 world, other drivers have also showcased impressive performances. Alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton, attention is now on Lando Norris, who demonstrated strong performance in Austria last week, as well as fellow Brits George Russell and Alex Albon, offering the potential for thrilling moments for home fans in the stands this weekend.
Based on Entain’s data, the top five most exciting races in 2022, along with the drivers backed to win them, were as follows:
- GP Great Britain: The British Grand Prix at Silverstone received the highest percentage of online bets, representing 7.3% of the total online bets placed throughout the season. This race has always been a fan favorite due to its rich history, iconic circuit, and passionate spectators. Hamilton’s fans overwhelmingly supported him, with 27.3% of online bets favoring the seven-time world champion to claim victory in the 2022 British Grand Prix.
- GP Saudi Arabia: The inaugural race in Saudi Arabia captivated F1 fans, accounting for 6.1% of the total online bets placed. The allure of a new street circuit and the first F1 event in Saudi Arabia attracted significant attention. Hamilton’s loyal fan base continued to back him, with 20.1% of the overall online bets supporting the British driver.
- GP Bahrain: The Bahrain Grand Prix generated substantial excitement, representing 5.8% of the total online bets. As the season opener, the circuit offers ample opportunities for overtaking and presents unique challenges for drivers navigating unpredictable winds and racing under floodlights. Hamilton’s fans showed strong support, accounting for 26.3% of total online bets, surpassing rival Max Verstappen (19.4%).
- GP Monaco: The iconic street circuit of Monaco accounted for 5.7% of the total online bets, solidifying its status as a fan-favorite event. The narrow streets, challenging corners, and glamorous atmosphere create a unique and captivating spectacle that captures the imagination of fans worldwide. Despite local driver Charles Leclerc participating, Verstappen received the most online bets to win the race (21.3%).
- GP Italy: The Italian Grand Prix completed the top five, representing 5.7% of the total online bets placed and showcasing the passion for F1 in Italy. The legendary Monza circuit, with its high-speed straights and passionate tifosi, consistently delivers thrilling races and intense rivalries. Verstappen also topped the leaderboard for Monza, with 26.8% of online bets supporting his victory.
Silverstone emerged as the pinnacle of racing excitement on a global scale in 2022, captivating bettors worldwide. The data also reveals a remarkable surge of patriotism among UK F1 fans, with 33.8% placing their unwavering faith in Sir Lewis Hamilton to claim victory and stand atop the podium.
With the introduction of more sprint races and F1’s inaugural race in the entertainment capital, Las Vegas, this season, F1 fans have even more thrilling moments to look forward to. The question remains: How will these new events shape the most popular and highly bet-on races of 2023?
Dominic Grounsell, Chief Commercial Officer at Entain comments: “The 2022 F1 season was packed with exhilarating races. Silverstone’s position as the most exciting race is a testament to the unique blend of history, intensity, and passionate support that makes the British Grand Prix an unmissable event for fans worldwide.”
