2026 Chinese Grand Prix Predictions
My predictions for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
Australian Grand Prix Recap
Plenty of smarter people than me have written at length about how the new regulations worked and what happened during the Australian Grand Prix. For my part, I’d give the weekend a 6/10. The new regulations have made qualifying problematic as the cars have to downshift during the straights as opposed to running flat out. However, the start of the Grand Prix was fantastic as was the first stint of racing before the safety car. After that…it was typical Ferrari strategy with the added excitement of the extra overtake yoyo-ing caused by the new power units. Fun to watch, but I’m not sure how the rest of the season will shake out and what different tracks will bring.
As for how my predictions went…not super great:
I got 2/3 podium drivers correct but Max was so far from pole. I am banking the “formation lap crash” point with Piastri going off on the recon lap and I correctly predicted that both Aston Martins would not finish the race. I was shocked to see Stroll technically finish even if he was 15 laps down.
Now, onto China.
Sprint Pole
The first sprint! Given the long straits in the track in Shanghai, I still think that George Russell will be on pole for the sprint.
Sprint P1
With the shorter distance and more corners, I think that Charles Leclerc will take over P1 during the start and be able to hold it until the end of the sprint race.
Grand Prix Pole
With a hopefully smoother practice / qualifying, Kimi Antonelli will take pole.
P1
I also think that over a full race distance, Kimi Antonelli will convert pole to his first Grand Prix win.
P2
In P2, I have Charles Leclerc. I think Charles will gain places at the start and that the track will favor Ferrari a little more than Australia did. I don’t think it’s enough to beat both Mercedes cars but I do think Charles gets P2.
P3
This might be wishful thinking, but Hamilton’s gap to the podium drivers last weekend was basically the time lost in the extra pit stop so I think that with a friendlier track and more experience in the Ferrari, Hamilton will get back on the podium.
Bonus Question: Will Hulkenberg beat Bortoleto in the Grand Prix?
I was sad to see Hulkenberg out of the grand prix before the start last weekend - he’s one of my favorite drivers and the Audi looks much better than expected. I do think Hulkenberg will be faster than Bortoleto in China.