F1 experts share Chinese Grand Prix predictions including whether George Russell can win again

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After a dramatic season opener in Australia, Formula 1 is heading to China for the first sprint race in 2026. Our F1 experts have shared their predictions for Shanghai, including whether they think George Russell can take back-to-back victories.

George Russell dominated the Australian Grand Prix after starting from pole position, overcoming an early challenge from Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari in the opening laps.

His Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli, who lined up alongside him on the front row, dropped to seventh at the start but showed impressive pace in the closing stages to fight back and secure second place.

The Brackley-based team are widely tipped as favourites heading into 2026 following the biggest regulation overhaul in Formula 1 history.

Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri will be hoping for redemption in China this weekend after crashing his McLaren on the way to the grid at his home race in Melbourne last Sunday.

With the Chinese Grand Prix just days away, our writers have made their predictions for the race, including whether George Russell will be victorious again.

Read More: F1 experts predict the 2026 Formula 1 season including whether George Russell can win the title

Who is taking the Sprint race pole for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

Ben Evans – Kimi Antonelli: He showed flashes of being able to match Russell’s pace in Australia, and had a good record in Sprint qualifying last year when he took his first pole position in Miami.

David Comerford – George Russell: He very rarely has an off day. As long as the Mercedes car is quickest over one lap, he’s going to be extremely difficult for Kimi Antonelli to beat.

Ashley Hambly – George Russell: It’s hard to look past the Brit after his dominance at Albert Park. Eight tenths of a second is a mega gap to the nearest team, and the W17’s superior engine will be able to stretch its legs again on the Shanghai International Circuit’s layout.

Kyle Archer – George Russell: Mercedes’ energy management advantage during a qualifying lap will once again pay off in Shanghai, especially given the 1.2km (0.7m) back straight. So, it will be no surprise to see George Russell edge Andrea Kimi Antonelli for Sprint pole in China.

Aaditya Krishnamurthy – George Russell: I’ll play it safe and pick George Russell. With Mercedes’ pace, it’s hard to see anyone outside of his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, securing pole position.

Tyler Rowlinson – George Russell: I feel like this is almost becoming a procession at this point. But Russell is the man to beat right now, and with that Mercedes behind him, I see him taking advantage for pole in the Sprint.

Rebecca Braybrook – Charles Leclerc: I’m going to go against the team on this one and back Ferrari, with the new ‘Macarena’ wing potentially giving the SF-26 the boost it needs to return to the front. Ferrari were strong at this circuit last season, and I think they could be even more competitive this time around.

Luke Newman – George Russell: It is hard to look beyond George Russell after his weekend at the Australian Grand Prix. Mercedes will benefit from their energy management in qualifying with the long back straight, so I believe Russell will have the edge over his rivals.

Who will win the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix Sprint race?

Ben Evans – Charles Leclerc: This will all come down to how far back both Ferrari drivers start, but I’m going to say Charles Leclerc. If he’s on the front two rows of the grid, he should be able to take the lead into the first corner, and Ferrari don’t have to worry about his strategy.

David Comerford – Charles Leclerc: As Kyle said, if he can take the lead at the start, Russell won’t be able to use pit-stop strategy to get ahead. We could see more yo-yoing of positions.

Ashley Hambly – Charles Leclerc: The shorter format will definitely play more into the hands of Ferrari. If the Monegasque can capitalise on another rocket-like start in Shanghai, then I can’t see why he can’t hold on to the win there.

Kyle Archer – Charles Leclerc: Ferrari proved in Australia with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton just how strong the SF-26 is off the line, thanks to their smaller turbo. So, with the Sprint in Shanghai only 19 laps, Leclerc can utilise his fast-starting Ferrari to win on Saturday.

Aaditya Krishnamurthy – Lewis Hamilton: He will surprise a lot of fans and go back-to-back in Chinese GP sprint wins. With the confidence boost of Ferrari’s performance, along with the potential boost the ‘Macarena’ wing could give him, a motivated Hamilton could do wonders.

Tyler Rowlinson – George Russell: For the first Sprint race of the season, I’m not expecting much change. I hope for an entertaining race in Shanghai on Saturday, but I just see the Brit’s W17 disappearing into the distance for another win.

Rebecca Braybrook – Lewis Hamilton: I’m going to side with Aaditya and back Lewis Hamilton to win the Sprint race in China for a second year in a row. The seven-time world champion looks far more comfortable in the Ferrari than he did last season, and with the SF-26 showing impressive pace, he could quickly move ahead of his teammate.

Luke Newman – Charles Leclerc: The shorter format of the Sprint Race will aid Ferrari compared to the longer Grand Prix. I see Ferrari benefiting from their starts once again this weekend, and if Leclerc can manage his lead, I see him taking victory on Saturday.

Who will take pole position for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

Ben Evans – George Russell: He’s in the fastest car, and while he’ll want to win the Sprint Race, he’ll know Sunday’s Grand Prix is far more important.

David Comerford – George Russell: Although I hope we saw a smaller gap than we did in Australia.

Ashley Hambly – George Russell: Opting for the championship leader again for this one, for the exact same reasons listed above. The only way someone else can take pole is if Russell makes a mistake in qualifying, or Kimi Antonelli provides a lap from the heavens.

Kyle Archer – George Russell: No matter what Ferrari and Red Bull may learn during Sprint Qualifying on Friday, pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix will belong to George Russell on Saturday. The Mercedes W17 is just too strong over a single lap at this stage of the year.

Aaditya Krishnamurthy – Kimi Antonelli: A podium finish to start his second F1 season could motivate Antonelli to give it his all in Shanghai.

Tyler Rowlinson – Lewis Hamilton: It is delusion, or incredible foreshadowing? I couldn’t really tell you, but I feel Ferrari will be much closer to Mercedes this weekend, and Hamilton will finally come good in red in China. His heroics last year and his comfort in the SF-26 give me confidence that he could be the man to beat this weekend.

Rebecca Braybrook – Kimi Antonelli: I’m backing the young Italian to put his Mercedes on pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix. His FP3 crash last weekend forced the Brackley squad into a race against time to repair the car before qualifying, which may have dented his confidence. But I expect him to bounce back strongly this weekend.

Luke Newman – George Russell: For the same reason as my Sprint Pole, I am going for George Russell to take pole position for Sunday. The only driver I can see challenging Russell for pole position is his teammate, Kimi Antonelli.

Who will stand on the podium at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?

Ben Evans – Russell, Antonelli, Hamilton: Hamilton is very strong at the Shanghai circuit and this feels like the perfect time for him to finally end his wait for a Grand Prix podium with Ferrari. Sadly for him, both Mercedes are still likely to be too quick to be challenged at this stage of the season.

David Comerford – Russell, Leclerc, Antonelli: Ferrari’s corner speed was very promising in Melbourne and that should help them on a slower circuit. I wouldn’t rule out McLaren either – I expect a step forward from them after they study Mercedes’ deployment

Ashley Hambly – Russell, Hamilton, Antonelli: I think Russell should have the win in the bag again this weekend. The big surprise I’m predicting is Hamilton getting the better of Leclerc in China once again. It’s a circuit that the seven-time world champion has been highly successful at before, so I can see him finally claiming his first podium in red at the track.

Kyle Archer – Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc: The Shanghai International Circuit’s 1.2km (0.7m) back straight will play into Mercedes’ hands, so George Russell winning the Chinese Grand Prix would not be a surprise. But Ferrari can get both of their cars on the podium, for what would be Lewis Hamilton’s first in red, if the Briton and Charles Leclerc both get in front of Andrea Kimi Antonelli early in the race and then continue to interrupt the Italian’s strategy.

Aaditya Krishnamurthy – Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc: I’m expecting Antonelli to squander pole position mostly due to how rapid the Ferraris are from starts. But they might not have enough to overcome Russell, who I expect to make it two wins out of two.

Tyler Rowlinson – Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc: I’m backing Hamilton to fend off Russell in a dramatic fight that sees the seven-time champion finally win his first race for Ferrari. Leclerc will also be in the mix, but will have to settle for third again. Nevertheless, Shanghai will be evidence of Ferrari being a real threat to Mercedes in 2026… I hope, for the Tifosi’s sake.

Rebecca Braybrook – Antonelli, Leclerc, Hamilton: I’m going slightly rogue again this week, despite it not paying off in Australia. I’m backing Antonelli to convert pole position into his maiden F1 victory, holding off the Ferraris behind. Ferrari’s ‘Macarena’ wing and their strong starts could help them move ahead of Russell, but I don’t think it will be enough to stop Antonelli taking the win.

Luke Newman – Russell, Antonelli, Hamilton: I am going for back-to-back 1-2 finishes for Mercedes with Russell taking his second win of the year, and Antonelli being his only realistic challenger. However, after Leclerc claimed third in Australia, I believe it is Lewis Hamilton’s turn to complete the podium this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix.