Chinese Grand Prix 2025 Predictions: McLaren to reign supreme?

Wow. What a start to the new Formula One season we had in Australia last weekend. I tipped Lando Norris to win the opening Grand Prix of the season on his way to the title, and he duly delivered - but boy was it close. Max Verstappen hunted him down and finished less than a second behind the Brit, proving that potentially he has been written off too soon in this title race. 

The four-time champion isn’t one to roll over without a fight, and he will be looking to get up and running in Shanghai. Below you can find my Chinese Grand Prix 2025 predictions as we look for back-to-back winners. Warning - this Chinese Grand Prix preview may contain heaps of McLaren.

McLaren to win the Sprint @ 2/5

What do the top step of the F1 podium and the White House both have in common in 2025? They have more than a hint of orange about them. I’m absolutely massive on McLaren’s hopes this season and I think Zak Brown’s team are going to give themselves a sizeable advantage over the first half of this campaign. 

All of the noises coming out of the pit lane have been positive for those in orange and although there is a level of mind games taking place, I think on the whole McLaren are a level above any other team right now. Although Max Verstappen is probably going to come back and haunt me this weekend, I still think there is too much work for him to do to overhaul Norris. 

China also marks the first of six Sprint races this season, and over the short-haul race, I cannot see anybody getting the better of the Mclarens. Let’s back either Norris or Oscar Piastri to win the Sprint race to get us started. 

Formula One Odds

Lando Norris to win the Chinese Grand Prix @ 1/1

I think this is the last time that Norris will be at EVS or higher to win a Grand Prix in 2025. We had success backing him to win in Australia at 2/1 and unsurpingly we aren’t getting the same value after he took the chequered flag at Albert Park. We aren’t quite at Max 2023 levels, but I’m pretty certain that barring disaster, Norris will be the faster driver on the track this weekend and therefore, the most likely winner. 

Mercedes’ number one George Russell backed up that point with this quote, but I am aware of his ulterior motive heading to China:  "Their car should win every race but I don't think they will win every race this year. Let's see,” Russell said. 

"The gap they have this year on everybody is bigger than Red Bull has ever had. But when Max was in that [2023] car he was pretty reliable every single lap he did, every single run in Q3, throughout qualifying, never really a question."

Piastri responded to those claims saying that they were "pretty far-fetched", but there’s no doubt McLaren are in pole position to win in Shanghai. Meanwhile Verstappen agreed with Russell, saying: "McLaren are quite far ahead, I don't think I'm an idiot in the wet but I didn't have a chance to fight in the first half of the race."

Lando should win again and I’m happy to be on board at this price. 

Oscar Piastri Podium Finish @ 4/9 

If the McLarens are as quick as the rest of the drivers on the grid believe, then Piastri should be there to mop up the points behind his teammate. I think he could go close this weekend, especially in the Sprint, but I also think there is a decent level of value to be had backing him to secure a top three finish. 

Chinese Grand Prix Odds

He was second in qualifying in Australia by a decent margin and should have finished second in the race had he not followed Norris into the gravel, an error that he couldn’t fully correct as Verstappen slipped by. He eventually finished ninth but I’m expecting a better display here and podium finish from Piastri.