5 BOLD Predictions for the F1 Chinese Grand Prix

Matt Hylen
4 minutes ago
4 min read

Round 2 is underway in Shanghai, China, with some already interesting storylines. Mercedes still are very much the team to beat, with Ferrari close behind in race pace. Red Bull has strugglked mightedly all weekend long, putting into questuon whether or not the will score points in the race.

George Russell won the Sprint race after qualifying on Sprint pole, with the Ferrari duo close behind. Kimi Antonelli then put his car on pole for the Grand Prix, making hin the youngest driver of all time to acheive that feat.

There is so much to drive for in what could be a very chaotic and stragetigic race, so let's get into predicting!

But before we do that, here is a look at where the drivers will be starting for the main race (Updated 5pm EST):

Kimi Antonelli
George Russell
Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris
Pierre Gasly
Max Verstappen
Isack Hadjar
Oliver Bearman
Nico Hülkenberg
Franco Colapinto
Esteban Ocon
Liam Lawson
Arvid Lindblad
Gabriel Bortoleto
Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon
Fernando Alonso
Valtteri Bottas
Lance Stroll
Sergio Perez

BOTH Alpine Drivers will Score Points

I really like what I have seen out of Alpine this weekend. The pace is definitely there, arguably better than Red Bull, with Gasly putting in some really solid results. They were right on the pace in the Sprint, making me believe points could be on the cards for both drivers.

If they can keep things on track and have a little luck go their way in front of them, I think Gasly at least will score points. However, I am choosing to bet on Colapinto, who put together a very solid qualifying session, to do so as well. Again, Colapinto needs to keep things clean, but I like his chances considering the pace of the car around the Chinese circuit.

Red Bull Will Score Single-Digit Points or Less

Photo Credit to Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Speaking of Red Bull, they have looked horrific this weekend. Verstappen and Hadjar have both complained about the car's pace, and it has showed. Both qualifying sessions were a mess, with their race pace in the Sprint not being much better. I simply do not see either driver finishing anywhere above 7th, with that likely being a stretch.

The fact Hadjar and Verstappen have not only gotten the best out of the car but have been at a similar pace tells you where the car is at currently, which is concerning. They are simply just not quick enough; not even a driver as talented as Max will be able to save them in this race.

BOTH Cadillac Drivers will Finish Half the Race

Photo credit to Alastair Staley/LAT Images

I wanted to say the entire race but, with all due respect to Cadillac and what they are building, I did not want to get too unrealistic. I would be amazed if this prediction came true, but I have a feeling this could be the race where both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez finish at least half the race. Sure, Perez has had a multitude of issues that have severely limited his running, which is an issue. Yet, if they can keep it on track, I think finishing half the race without either car retiring is a realistic target for Cadillac.

Ferrari will NOT lead out of Turn 1

Considering the rickety ship Ferrari turns into off the line at the start of the race, this could be my boldest prediction yet. All the hype surrounding Ferrari and their race starts during testing has delivered tenfold. Every race session has resulted in a Ferrari going from 4th to 1st at the start, which I think ends Sunday.

If you are looking for bolder, I do not expect Ferrari to lead lap 1 at all, or even the race. Yes, the pace is there, but with Russell the one in 2nd and defending the position, it'll be a lot harder for Ferrari to get past. I also am banking on Antonelli not falling behind at the start and getting off the line well. So, look for Ferrari to have a tough day at the office during this race.

Kimi Antonelli will Win the Chinese Grand Prix

If Kimi can get a good enough start off the line, I think it is his race to lose. Yes, George Russell should still be considered the favorite to win this race, but one mix-up with a Ferrari behind and Antonelli could pull away quickly.

Antonelli already made history once this weekend, why not again? I think his first race win comes on Sunday, cementing Mercedes' decision to bring him to F1 as the right one. It won't be easy for Antonelli; he will likely have to fight for it at multiple different points. However, he has every tool needed to win a race, he just has to put it all together. Kimi Antonelli has arrived, it is just a matter of time before the world knows just how legitimate of a talent he truly is.