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Motorsport Week
Home Single Seater Formula 1

When underdogs shock the racing world: The biggest surprises in motorsport

by Motorsport Week
4 months ago
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George Russell has warned of the consequences of an F1 title push ahead of next year's regulation changes

The new Strip Circuit has produced good racing so far

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Racing, which includes major series like Formula 1, NASCAR, and MotoGP, seems the most unpredictable sports sector, which still has its undisputed leaders.

Highly skilled drivers showing consistent success regularly win championships and are the constant favourites among bookmakers. On the contrary, underdogs also have the chance to demonstrate their talents and advantages, and it sometimes happens that they shock the audience with loud victories.

Whether these were the upsets for fans supporting leading pilots or the goldmine for punters choosing unrealistic bets, let’s discover the most renowned surprises in motorsport!

The main reasons why underdogs win

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Racing is highly unpredictable, and the overall event’s landscape can change in a few seconds. Undeniably, drivers without experience will likely show worse results than pilots who have already participated in numerous races.

Skills, speed, and tactics are fundamental in motorsport, but no one said that a pinch of luck and third-party factors could not affect the outcome. Have a look at the most important points here:

  • Clever tactics and strategic thinking – Sometimes, newcomers outperform experienced drivers due to their well-thought-out plans. Motorsport is not only about speed; pilots should also consider timely pit-stops, tires and fuel management, etc.
  • Adaptability to tracks and weather conditions – Sudden rain can spoil a driver’s strategy, and those who are able to alter their plans are more likely to succeed. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton are good on a wet track, while others can lose focus and control.
  • Technological advantage – The race outcome heavily depends on the pilot, but the team and the car can bring a higher winning potential. For instance, F1 participants regularly present innovations, boosting underdogs’ on-track performances.

Sometimes, leading drivers are overconfident about their future wins, which can play a nasty trick. Instead, underdogs concentrate on their actions, do everything possible to avoid mistakes, and show their best skills.

Esteban Ocon is a classic example of an underdog win when he won the Hungarian grand Prix in 2021

This approach eventually brings unpredictable results, so motorsport fans and betting lovers must stay updated and closely monitor all changes on the racetrack.

The most unpredictable motorsport outcomes: When no one saw it coming

You can speak a lot about underdogs winning major races, but are there any examples of such unpredictable outcomes? Well, Nelson Piquet, who won the title in 1981, has become one of the most iconic racers of his time taking two more titles. No one expected he would perform well since his car was outdated and he was never considered a leader.

Sebastian Vettel is a familiar name for everyone excited about Formula 1 – but in 2008, he wasn’t as promising as we used to think. He was a part of the Minardi now rebranded Toro Rosso team that had never won a grand prix.

Then, at the 2008 Italian Grand Prix, Vettel became the youngest driver in history to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Aged 21 years and 74 days, Vettel broke the record set by Fernando Alonso at the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix by 317 days as he won in wet conditions at Monza.

Motorsport betting: When high odds pay off

In the variety of markets, motorsport remains one of the most in-demand solutions among risk-seekers who would like to get an adrenaline rush. Undeniably, members of non-GamStop sites  mainly wager on favourites since they enjoy higher winning potentials.

Instead, predicting underdogs’ victories can appear more beneficial, but punters need to learn all the pros and cons of this approach.

Vettel ended 2013 with nine successive wins but his first win in the wet in 2008 was most unexpected.

Betting on underdogs: A smart strategy or a gamble?

Many users opt for random predictions to support a team or driver, and this approach makes sense if a bettor sticks to their budget and never chases losses. However, making informed decisions is a more advantageous solution, especially when wagering on underdogs.

When an underestimated team wins in motorsport, adrenaline hunters can enjoy significant profits, but if the odds are too high, the probability of this outcome is minor. Hence, users can lose their entire bankrolls. Analysing the industry landscape is a way to mitigate risks; don’t simply rely on your luck. Assess drivers’ previous performances and check pre-race conditions before making a prediction.

Final insight

Underdog victories are rare – it’s no secret that bookmakers set the most profitable conditions to generate revenues, but everything can happen on the racetrack. Users desiring to bet on the underestimated driver or team must analyse their performance and the event’s details and develop a strategy before accepting risks.

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