Another week, and more proof that Mercedes is the car to beat in the 2026 F1 odds. That’s after Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to claim the pole in China.
The 19-year-old will see teammate George Russell beside him in the first row, despite the Brit literally running one lap all through qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc make it an all-Ferrari second row, and that's where my Chinese GP predictions are focused.
Continue reading for free betting picks for the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 15.
2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix prediction and picks
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix odds
| Driver |  |
|---|---|
 George Russell |
-150 |
| Kimi Antonelli |
+175 |
 Lewis Hamilton |
+900 |
| Charles Leclerc |
+1200 |
 Lando Norris |
+5000 |
| Oscar Piastri |
+5000 |
 Max Verstappen |
+6600 |
 Pierre Gasly |
+30000 |
| Isack Hadjar |
+35000 |
 Oliver Bearman |
+50000 |
| Esteban Ocon |
+100000 |
 Nico Hulkenberg |
+100000 |
 Liam Lawson |
+150000 |
| Arvid Lindblad |
+150000 |
| Franco Colapinto |
+150000 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto |
+200000 |
 Carlos Sainz |
+250000 |
| Alex Albon |
+250000 |
 Sergio Perez |
+300000 |
| Valtteri Bottas |
+300000 |
 Fernando Alonso |
+300000 |
| Lance Stroll |
+300000 |
Odds as of 3-14.
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 post-qualifying picks
Race prediction: Russell to win (-150 at bet365)
Life is coming fast at Kimi Antonelli. He had just three podium finishes in his rookie campaign, and now finds himself at the front of the pack, with a second-place finish already under his belt one race into the season.
I think once he does win, all these questions about age and experience go away. But until then, the books like George Russell to overtake his teammate, and that’s where I’m leaning as well.
Russell showed his driving chops last week to win in Australia, and the strength of the car helped carry him in Shanghai.
Together, I think it’s enough to flip spots with his younger teammate.
Best bet: Leclerc podium finish (-138 at bet365)
As Mercedes establishes itself as the car to beat, Ferrari is showing it is the opposition to battle at the top.
This was a nightmare run for Hamilton and Leclerc last year, as both were disqualified for technical infringements, wiping out fifth and sixth place finishes.
Hamilton didn’t touch a single podium in 2025, but Leclerc did already move up from fourth to podium in Australia.
Until Hamilton establishes that he is still a premier driver with Ferrari, it feels like his teammate has the ability to move up again, at least one place past him.
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 starting grid
| Position | Driver | Position | Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | 2 | George Russell |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 4 | Charles Leclerc |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri | 6 | Lando Norris |
| 7 | Pierre Gasly | 8 | Max Verstappen |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | 10 | Oliver Bearman |
| 11 | Nico Hulkenberg | 12 | Franco Colapinto |
| 13 | Esteban Ocon | 14 | Liam Lawson |
| 15 | Arvid Lindblad | 16 | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| 17 | Carlos Sainz | 18 | Alex Albon |
| 19 | Fernando Alonso | 20 | Valtteri Bottas |
| 21 | Lance Stroll | 22 | Sergio Perez |
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 pre-qualifying favorites
With Mercedes off to a flying start with a one-two finish in the Australian GP, the first race held with the new cars required for Formula One, it's no surprise to see No. 1 pilot George Russell (-138) topping the leaderboard for the Chinese GP.
Teammate Kimi Antonelli (+600) is just behind Charles Leclerc (+550) of Ferrari for second-choice status. Leclerc completed the trifecta in Melbourne.
Lewis Hamilton (+750) and Max Verstappen (+900) round out the options at less than +2800.
Previous F1 Chinese Grand Prix winners
| Year | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 2024 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2020-2023 | Race Not Held — COVID-19 | N/A |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
