Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix Preview and Predictions

Mercedes got the season off to the best possible start with a 1-2 victory in Australia last weekend, but will the pre-season favourites dominate in Shanghai? Not according to team principal Toto Wolff.

“We saw a close fight at the front with Ferrari last weekend, and several other teams who haven’t shown their full potential yet, so we know we are in for a real battle,” Wolff said.

Let’s take a look at what we can expect from this weekend’s race as the teams find their feet with the latest set of regulations. Teams only have one practice session to get accustomed to the car in a non-competitive scenario before Sprint qualifying.

The Track

All the talk last week was about how the drivers used the new energy deployment systems. The increased electric power in the 2026 cars has pros and cons. According to F1.com’s Chris Medland, the drivers will need to use their power units differently. There are several large braking zones at Turns 6, 11, and 14 that will provide significant recharge opportunities.

The 5.451km track offers one of the longest straights of the season. Drivers will be flat-out down the 1.2km section that breaks Turns 13 and 14.

The first sector is tight and twisty, with super-high g-force sections at Turns 7 and 8.

It will be interesting to see whether drivers can avoid the frequent corner‑entry lock‑ups seen at the Sakhir circuit during pre‑season testing, where some heavy braking zones were similar to those in China, according to Pirelli.

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli are undoubtedly the favourites for this weekend’s action. However, Ferrari will want to make amends for a strategy call in Australia.

The German team looked very strong, and their pace advantage will be too much for Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.

Further down the field, look out for Haas, Audi, and Racing Bulls. All three left Australia with point,s and there’s more on offer as it’s a Sprint weekend.

Expect Aston Martin’s woes to continue with Williams also struggling to find their mark yet after a disappointing pre-season.

There’s good value with Alpine’s Pierre Gasly; the Frenchman seems to have his mojo back. Alpine is now a Mercedes customer team and the new partnership is paying dividends already.

Predictions

Grand Prix Winner: Antonelli

Sprint Winner: Russell

Grand Prix Podium: Antonelli, Leclerc, Russell

Sprint Podium: Russell, Antonelli, Leclerc

Pole Position: Leclerc

Sprint Pole: Antonelli

Top 4 and 5: Hamilton, Gasly

Finish in the points: Lindblad, Hadjar, Verstappen, Bearman

Race Winning Margin: Over 5 seconds

Fastest Lap: Leclerc

First to Retire: Stroll, Alonso

First car to retire: Aston Martin

Most Team Points: Ferrari

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: McLaren

Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Leclerc / Ferrari