Chinese Grand Prix
It was another one-two for Mercedes in week two, but luck was rather on their side as Lewis Hamilton only inherited the lead after problems with Charles Leclerc’s engine allowed the Brit to close the eight-second gap.
The Chinese Grand Prix is a race Hamilton has dominated in the past with five victories between 2008-2017, but a sixth success seems unlikely as although they won in Bahrain, it was clear to see that Ferrari have the best engine and China is a track that has favoured that in the past. If they can improve their reliability, then it’s very difficult to oppose them here.
With this F1’s 1000th Grand Prix, it’s written in the stars that their most famous brand and car should go on to win. Despite being only two races into his career at the top level, Leclerc goes off as slight favourite ahead of Sebastian Vettel and it’s understandable why.
Hamilton to Race Fastest Lap at 5.60*
The young Monacan showed the Italian manufacturers clearly have the better car, yet Vettel could only manage fifth in Bahrain after yet another high-profile mistake – spinning his car while being passed by Hamilton. The German has yet to bury the memories of 2018, where he made a number of errors.
Despite overtaking Leclerc at the start, he was out-driven by his younger rival and had it not been for issues out of his control, Leclerc would have won his maiden Grand Prix. The 21-year-old looks like a future champion in waiting and the pain of the Bahrain can ben ended with victory in Shanghai.
In the minor honours, other Ferrari engine cars are sensible to follow. Outside of the ‘Big Three’ teams (Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull), Alfa Romeo have amassed the most points in the Constructors title. Kimi Raikkonen is responsible for all 10 of them with finishes of eighth and seventh so far, and the Finn should be backed to go one better for a top-six finish this week.
Raikkonen Top-6 Finish at 3.55*
*all odds are subject to change
