F1 News

PREVIEW: China Grand Prix

10 April 2019 at 12:14
3
  • Bobby Vincent

Round three of the Formula 1 season is nearly with us, and it's time to move to China! Mercedes have been dominant so far this season, with perhaps some luck - can Ferrari, or Red Bull, respond in Asia?

Flashback

It was a tactical masterclass from Red Bull in China last season, with Daniel Ricciardo topping the grid. But the real talking point in China was Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo's team-mate Max Verstappen.

Vettel had to settle for P8 after a spin caused by Verstappen late on. Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen closely followed Ricciardo to complete the podium in Shanghai. Lewis Hamilton is the most decorated winner in China but he failed to add to that and the Mercedes driver had to settle for fourth.

It was a great day for Renault - who had both drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz finish in the points - P6 and P9 respectively. Fernando Alonso wrapped up a good day for McLaren, with a seventh-place finish.

Brendon Hartley finished bottom of the grid, with Charles Leclerc not too far in front of him. It was a thrilling Chinese Grand Prix - so lets hope for more of the same on Sunday.

 

Expectations

Last season, Red Bull had a worldie. They really did. The tyre choices from the third-best team on the grid ensured a truly captivating victory for all concerned at the Milton Keynes factory.

That could happen again. With the early indications from the Honda power unit being positive, they could replicate last season's heroics. But, Hamilton's record in China is truly outstanding. We're unsure you can look past the five-time world champion here.

Ferrari need a response, an engine failure for Leclerc denied the Monegasque driver of his maiden F1 grand prix victory in Bahrain. Vettel must be absolutely desperate for a victory as well - with Mercedes dominating the first two races (result-wise).

But, Mercedes should carry on their form and complete a third successive one-two finish on Sunday. Hamilton to top proceedings with Bottas not too far behind him in second.

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

5. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

6. Pierre Gasly (Red Bull)

7. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault)

8. Lando Norris (McLaren)

9. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)

10. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)