F1 Chinese Grand Prix Expert Tips & Predictions

Venue: Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China.
Race Date: 15^th March 2026

The 2026 F1 season is in full swing, following a fascinating opening weekend in Australia last time out and this feels like another significant stop on the circuit here in China.

Having been off the calendar for a couple of years, the Shanghai circuit is back in all its glory and the throngs of Chinese F1 fans will be descending on China’s biggest city this weekend.

George Russell and Mercedes impressed hugely in Australia and the Brit will be looking to ride the crest of the wave here in favourable driving conditions in Shanghai.

For the likes of Ferrari and Red Bull, building on decent showings last weekend will be the key objective in this one but there are plenty of questions still unanswered about the season ahead.

This should be a super weekend of racing once more and we have our best F1 predictions for the Chinese Grand Prix right here and you can place your bets with Australia’s best betting sites!

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Race Winner

The 2026 F1 season is still very much in its infancy, and this is a big weekend for all concerned in Shanghai:

George Russell @ $1.95

There was plenty of expectation surrounding George Russell and Mercedes going into last weekend in Australia and how the Brit delivered. His comprehensive performance and victory has led to him being installed as the firm favourite to win the title already in 2026 and he is sure to be feeling the pressure. That said, his car showed up superbly in Melbourne and if it does the same again here, he will be very tough to stop.

Kimi Antonelli @ $6.00

The good weekend enjoyed by Mercedes last weekend was brought into sharp focus by Kimi Antontelli’s brilliant run in behind George Russell and the Italian will be desperate to build on his positive start to the campaign. Things petered out for Antonelli in 2025, and he will be desperate to avoid a similar situation this season, but he has an excellent car at his disposal, and he could go well in Shanghai.

Charles Leclerc @ $7.50

There were many positives across the weekend for Ferrari in Melbourne and there is genuine hope developing behind a title tilt for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The man from Monaco has long been seen as a potential challenger to the throne in the world of Formula 1 and he has always come up short when it matters but a good weekend here in Shanghai could give him a huge boost ahead of the 2026 campaign.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix Top Six Finish

Shanghai should provide a real test for every driver on the grid so early on in the season and there is plenty at stake already this season: –

Lewis Hamilton @ $1.25

As mentioned, optimism is building at Ferrari in 2026, and Lewis Hamilton has cut a very different figure in the famous red thus far this term. The Brit looks to be getting the most of this explosive car and his record in Shanghai is a decent one.

Lando Norris @ $1.70

McLaren were arguably the biggest losers in Melbourne last week and the quick turnaround here in Shanghai won’t do them too many favours. However, Lando Norris is the defending champion, and he will be desperate to put some meaningful points on the board in China.

Isack Hadjar @ $2.15

There is a feeling that Red Bull are yet to show their hand this term and Isack Hadjar could be the ace they have up their sleeve. Max Verstappen will be in the title shake up but in Hadjar, they look to have a driver capable of pushing him all the way and picking up points for the team.

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F1 Chinese Prix Best Bets

Race Winner:

George Russell @ $1.95

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Top Six Finish:

Lando Norris @ $1.70

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Sports Writer

Sam Hayes

Combining his sports coaching career with freelance journalism, Sam is a sports betting writer for various online publications.

He is looking to develop both his respective coaching and writing careers, whilst incorporating his other huge passion - travelling the world.

Sam currently lives and works in Milan, Italy and playing/following/writing about cricket, football (soccer), tennis, formula 1 and golf continue to take up much of his spare time.