Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Predictions: Mercedes dominance to continue?

The F1 circus rolls into Shanghai for their second race of the season, with Mercedes and Toto Wolff feeling very pleased with themselves after a one-two in Melbourne. 

The other teams will hope to reel them in over the coming races, starting in China and below you can find my Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Predictions.

Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Odds

George Russell - fastest qualifier and race win @ 12/5

It was quite apparent from the Australian Grand Prix that Mercedes had built somewhat of a rocket ship over the winter, and Toto Wolff looked very happy with himself indeed as he watched his side secure a one-two finish. 

George Russell earnt us a winner in last week’s predictions as we backed a Brit to take the chequered flag, but I think we can push things further this week by backing him Russell to bag another race win and also qualify on pole. 

He looked unbeatable on the opening weekend and at another fast track with long straights, I can’t see any other team overhauling Mercedes. Russell should be good for another win. 

F1 Odds

Both Mercedes drivers top three finish @ 11/10

The same theory applies here, given Kimi Antonelli looked so composed as he finished second. Ferrari are the main challengers and will hope to employ a stronger strategy in Shanghai, but Mercedes should be okay keeping them at bay. 

In the end Antonelli finished 13 seconds clear of Charles Leclerc in third, while Lando Norris, the fastest man outside the top two teams, was nearly a minute off the pace. This should be relatively straightforward again given the quick turnaround between races, and I’d be surprised to see Mercedes fail to take up two podium positions. 

Oli Bearman points finish @ 11/10

I’ll also look further down the order for my final picks this week, at a driver who has proven himself to be incredibly consistent since taking a seat at Haas. Last season he picked up five top-10 finishes over the final seven races, and he picked up where he left off by finishing seventh in Melbourne. 

Arvid Lindblad also had a spectacular debut for RB, finishing eighth, but I think backing Bearman for another points finish is the way to go. I’m expecting big things from him this season, as he continues to improve.