Japanese Grand Prix Underdog Fantasy Picks 2025
Round 3 of the Formula 1 season is underway as drivers take to the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. It’s been all McLaren so far. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have stood on the top step of the podium this season. However, several of the top drivers in the sport are looking to give them a run for their money this week.
This week’s plays will focus on two drivers. One is trying to take advantage of an exciting opportunity. The other, is looking to shake off a rough start to the season..
To play Underdog Fantasy, all you need to do is choose whether a driver will finish better than or worse than their projected finishing positions. It’s as simple as that. The more selections you make, the higher your multiplier will get, increasing the amount of money you stand to win.
Japanese Grand Prix Underdog Fantasy Picks 2025
Yuki Tsunoda Better Than 9.5
Last week, the Liam Lawson experiment ended at Red Bull. This allowed for the promotion of long-time Alpha Tauri/Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda to one of the most coveted rides in all of Formula 1. Now, one of the most consistent drivers on the paddock will get a chance to show what he can do in elite equipment.
The Japanese driver has an average finish of 11.7 in his three career starts on his home track. His best finish landed him in the points, holding serve on a 10th place start last season. Tsunoda has qualified inside of the top 10 in both races to start the season. Unfortunately has struggled to keep his VCARB machine in competition for the top 6, finishing in 12th and 16th.
However, he has already shown he can pilot his new ride with some speed, clocking the sixth-best time in free practice one earlier this week. He is in fast enough equipment to log at least a ninth place finish this week. He is a good enough driver to make it happen despite his struggles in qualifying.
Charles Leclerc Better Than 4.5
It has been a rocky start to the season for Ferrari. After two races, The Prancing Horses are tied for fifth with Williams in the constructors standings, 61 points from first place McLaren. So far, Charles Leclerc has felt the brunt of this frustration. He finished in 8th place in a frustrating race in Melbourne. Last week, he watched his 5th place finish in Shanghai get wiped off the board for being too light.
Luckily, Leclerc will get a shot to turn things around this week at a friendly track for the Monegasques driver. He has an average finish of 7.2 in his five career starts in Japan. Even better, he’s finished fourth or better in each of his last three races here. He will fire off from the fourth spot on the grid after a solid qualifying effort. All he needs to do is hold serve to hit this mark.
Ferrari needs to rebound from their early struggles in a big way if they hope to stay in contention for a top spot in the constructors championship. Expect Leclerc to rise to the occasion with another solid finish here.
