F1 China GP Betting Tips
Welcome to our F1 China GP Betting Tips. F1 heads to Shanghai, a track that presents a different set of challenges compared to Melbourne from round one, with its long straights, technical corners, and a high-degradation track surface. Historically, the circuit has suited teams with strong straight-line speed, which could bring Red Bull and Ferrari into closer contention. However, given McLaren’s current form and Norris’ growing confidence, he remains the driver to beat this weekend.
Lando Favorite for China GP Win
After an impressive victory at the season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix, Lando Norris has emerged as the favorite to claim victory in Shanghai. The McLaren driver dominated the Australian circuit, showcasing the pace and consistency needed for a title challenge. Now, as the Formula 1 circus moves to China for Round 2, the big question remains: Can Norris keep up the momentum and make it two wins from two? Let’s take a look at what’s happened so far to help with China GP Formula 1 betting picks this weekend
Latest News from the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix
Here is the latest news for the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. We’ve got Sprint qualifying and actual race quali news here. Find out the latest grid positions for the China GP on Sunday March 23.
Piastri Clinches First Grand Prix Pole in China
Oscar Piastri secured the first Grand Prix pole position of his Formula 1 career with a stellar performance at the Shanghai International Circuit, narrowly beating George Russell to the top spot.
Despite only having previous experience leading Sprint qualifying sessions, the McLaren driver rose to the occasion in challenging windy conditions, making it two consecutive pole positions for the team to kick off the season.
McLaren appeared poised to lock out the front row as Q3 neared its conclusion, with most drivers struggling to find improvements on their second flying laps. However, Russell delivered a late charge that disrupted McLaren’s dominance, pushing Lando Norris down to third. Max Verstappen secured fourth place for Red Bull, while Lewis Hamilton took fifth in his Ferrari, just ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s strong showing followed his historic Sprint victory earlier in the day—his first win since joining Ferrari.
Elsewhere on the grid, Isack Hadjar impressed with a superb lap to take seventh for Racing Bulls, edging out fellow rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes. Yuki Tsunoda secured ninth, while Alex Albon rounded out the top ten for Williams. Meanwhile, it was a difficult session for Carlos Sainz, who failed to match his Ferrari team-mate’s pace and exited in Q2, leaving him 15th on the grid.
Chinese Grand Prix Qualifying Top 10:
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
- Alex Albon (Williams)
Piastri’s Breakthrough Moment
McLaren entered the Chinese Grand Prix weekend as favorites following a dominant performance in Melbourne, where Norris claimed victory and Piastri was on course for second before a late spin cost him. However, Ferrari threw a curveball when Hamilton took Sprint pole and then converted it into a win over 19 laps, raising doubts about McLaren’s supremacy.
As full-length qualifying unfolded, McLaren remained in the fight, but their dominance wasn’t guaranteed. Norris led the timesheets in both Q1 and Q2, but Verstappen emerged as a major threat heading into Q3. Despite the intense battle, Piastri delivered when it mattered most, securing his first-ever Grand Prix pole in a thrilling session.
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Hamilton Stuns in Sprint Qualifying
One of the biggest shocks of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend so far has been Lewis Hamilton’s pole position for the sprint race. The seven-time world champion set a blistering lap record of 1:30.849, putting his Ferrari at the front of the grid for the sprint event. Hamilton, who struggled in the opening round in Australia, was visibly emotional about his return to form.
“I’m a bit in shock. I can’t believe we got a pole in a sprint,” said Hamilton after the session.
Although the sprint pole doesn’t determine the grid for Sunday’s race, it is a massive boost for both Hamilton and Ferrari, suggesting that they have the pace to challenge for a strong result in China.
The Battle at the Front – Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri
The title battle is heating up already, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri looking like the three key contenders. Verstappen, who had a difficult race in Australia, will be eager to bounce back and reassert himself as the dominant force in the championship. Meanwhile, Piastri has continued to show that he is more than capable of taking the fight to his McLaren teammate.
Shanghai’s combination of high-speed straights and demanding corners will be a real test of both driver skill and team strategy. With overtaking opportunities available in places like the long back straight leading into the hairpin, we could be in for a thrilling battle at the front of the field.
Full Sprint Qualifying Results
The sprint qualifying session set the stage for an exciting race weekend, with Hamilton taking a surprise pole. Here’s how the top 10 shaped up for the 2025 China GP:
| Position | Driver | Team | Lap Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:30.849 |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.211 |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.384 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.472 |
| 5 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.598 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.715 |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | +0.821 |
| 8 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | +0.904 |
| 9 | Alex Albon | Williams | +1.002 |
| 10 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +1.095 |
Current Betting Odds – Who Will Win the Chinese Grand Prix?
Shanghai’s long straights and high tire degradation make for unpredictable races. The latest odds suggest Norris is the favorite, but Verstappen and Piastri are strong contenders. Ferrari’s Leclerc and Hamilton remain outside chances, while Mercedes’ George Russell could surprise if strategy plays a key role.
| Driver | Odds |
| Lando Norris | 8/11 |
| Oscar Piastri | 4/1 |
| Max Verstappen | 5/1 |
| Charles Leclerc | 12/1 |
| George Russell | 16/1 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 18/1 |
| Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 40/1 |
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Podium Finish Betting – Who Will End Up in the Top 3?
If you’re looking for safer bets, a podium finish market is a great option. With Norris’ strong start to the season and Verstappen’s fighting spirit, these are the most likely candidates to finish on the podium.
| Driver | Odds |
| Lando Norris | 2/9 |
| Oscar Piastri | 4/11 |
| Max Verstappen | 8/13 |
| Charles Leclerc | 11/8 |
| George Russell | 9/4 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 5/2 |
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What to Expect in the Race
With changing track conditions, strategy calls, and tire management playing a huge role, the Chinese Grand Prix could be a defining race in the championship. The battle between Norris, Verstappen, Piastri, and Ferrari’s duo of Hamilton and Leclerc is set to be intense. Can McLaren continue its dominant start? Or will Red Bull and Ferrari bounce back in Shanghai? We think Lando should be high on your list of F1 China GP betting tips this weekend.
The action gets underway on Sunday at 7 AM GMT.
F1 in China: A Colorful Grand Prix History
Formula 1’s journey in China began in 2004 with the inauguration of the Shanghai International Circuit, a state-of-the-art facility constructed in the Jiading District of Shanghai. Designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, the circuit was built on reclaimed marshland, transforming rice paddies into a premier racing venue. The track’s layout is inspired by the Chinese character “上” (shang), meaning “above” or “ascend,” symbolizing the country’s aspirations in the motorsport arena.
Formula 1’s 1000th World Championship Race
The inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in 2004 saw Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello take the victory, marking the beginning of China’s integration into the F1 calendar. Over the years, the Shanghai International Circuit has witnessed numerous memorable races and milestones. Notably, in 2019, it hosted Formula 1’s 1000th World Championship race, underscoring its significance in the sport’s history and resulting in many F1 China GP betting tips from punters around the world.
The Longest F1 Straight
The circuit’s design presents unique challenges to drivers, featuring a mix of high-speed straights and complex corners. One of its most distinctive features is the opening sequence of turns, which tighten progressively, testing drivers’ precision and skill. Additionally, the 1.2 km back straight is one of the longest in F1, offering ample overtaking opportunities and thrilling high-speed battles.
Lewis Loves China
Throughout its history, the Chinese Grand Prix has been a platform for remarkable performances. Lewis Hamilton, in particular, has showcased exceptional prowess at this venue, securing six victories to date, making him the most successful driver in the event’s history. Other notable winners include Fernando Alonso, Nico Rosberg, and Sebastian Vettel, each adding to the rich tapestry of racing excellence at Shanghai.
Chinese GP in Recent Years
The period from 2020 to 2023 saw the Chinese Grand Prix absent from the F1 calendar due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This hiatus ended in 2024, marking a significant moment for both the sport and its Chinese fanbase. The 2024 race was particularly special as it featured Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver to compete in his home Grand Prix, representing a monumental moment for motorsport in China. The event concluded with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing taking the victory, with McLaren’s Lando Norris finishing second.
In recognition of China’s growing importance in the F1 landscape, a new multi-year agreement was reached in 2023 to extend the Chinese Grand Prix’s presence on the calendar until 2030. This extension reflects Formula 1’s commitment to engaging with the substantial and passionate fanbase in China, estimated at 150 million, and underscores the nation’s strategic significance to the sport’s global expansion.
Tencent in F1
To further enhance accessibility and viewership, Formula 1 entered into a multi-year partnership with Tencent in 2023, enabling streaming of all sessions and races across Tencent’s digital platforms. This collaboration aimed to bring the excitement of F1 to a broader Chinese audience, leveraging Tencent’s extensive digital reach.
China GP 2025: A World Class Circuit
As of March 2025, the Chinese Grand Prix continues to be a pivotal event in the Formula 1 season. The 2025 race, scheduled from March 21-23, marks the second round of the 24-race calendar. The event features a sprint race format, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and teams alike. Lando Norris leads the drivers’ championship standings, having won the season opener in Australia. The Shanghai International Circuit, with its challenging layout and modern facilities, remains a favorite among drivers and continues to play a crucial role in promoting motorsport within China.
In summary, the history of Formula 1 in China is a testament to the country’s rapid integration into the global motorsport community. From the construction of a world-class circuit to hosting landmark races and nurturing homegrown talent, China’s presence in Formula 1 has grown significantly. With ongoing commitments and partnerships, the future of F1 in China looks promising, ensuring fans many more years of thrilling racing action.
