🏎️ Chinese Grand Prix Expert Picks: Best Bets & Odds for Race in Shanghai
George Russell has continued in Shanghai where he left off in Melbourne, taking first place in P1 and sprint qualifying ahead of Friday's first sprint of the season.
I'm backing the Mercedes driver and Chinese Grand Prix odds betting favorite to win his second straight race in my Chinese Grand Prix expert picks, along with predicting that Charles Leclerc will enjoy his second podium in as many races. Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix starts at 3 a.m. ET on Sunday from Shanghai International Circuit (ESPN).
๐ฐ My best F1 bets at Shanghai International Circuit
Here's a look at the bets I'm placing for the Chinese Grand Prix with the best odds from all of our best sports betting sites.
| ๐ฐ Bet | โ๏ธ Units | ๐ง Notes |
|---|---|---|
| George Russell, Mercedes, (-250) | 2u -> 0.8u | Russell has shown unerring dominance to start the season |
| Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, (+350) | 0.5u -> 1.75u | Inarguably the 2nd-fastest driver behind his teammate |
| Charles Leclerc top-3 finish, Ferrari, (+125) | 1u -> 1.25u | Leclerc was excellent in Australia, finishing 3rd |
Total wagered: 3.5 units | Max profit: 3.8 units
๐ก How I'm betting Chinese Grand Prix
I backed Russell at the start of the week in my Chinese Grand Prix predictions at -118. Thanks to finishing first in P1 and in Sprint Qualifying, Russell's odds have since shortened to -250.
I'm as confident as I was at the start of the week. However, Russell's performance at P1 and Sprint Qualifying reinforces my conviction for Sunday's race.
Because of my high confidence level, I'd make the pick and invest 2 units had I not already backed him. Ordinarily, I'd suggest that the -250 odds don't offer enough of a potential return to take the plunge, but with how dominant Mercedes has been early on, it's a different story.
I'm placing a half unit on his teammate, Antonelli, as he is inarguably the second-fastest on the grid.
Leclerc was outstanding in Australia, taking advantage of Ferrari's clear advantage out of the starting gate. I'm not overly concerned about his sixth-place finish in the sprint qualifying.
๐ Best bet to win Chinese Grand Prix
George Russell to win Chinese Grand Prix (-250, 2u)
There are no signs of any kinks in Russell's armour. In fact, he's been unerringly dominant to start the F1 season, winning four straight competitions.
He finished first in P3 in Melbourne and the race, and has since followed that up with coming first in P1 and Sprint Qualifying at the Shanghai International Circuit. Mercedes' W17 is clearly the best car on the grid at this embryonic stage of the season, and that's more than enough to get behind him despite the short odds.
๐ More Chinese Grand Prix picks to win
Kimi Antonelli to win Chinese Grand Prix (+350, 0.5u)
Until I witness another team outpace and outrace Mercedes, I'm on board with backing them to repeat their one-two finish Down Under.
While an excellent driver, Antonelli is benefiting greatly from driving the W17. That may be the case, but the 19-year-old is showing composure beyond his years and mastery of the vehicle despite not having had much time to adjust to it.
He had no trouble whatsoever in Australia, and he cruised to second in P1 and sprint qualifying preceding Friday's sprint.
๐ฅ Best Chinese Grand Prix prop bet
Charles Leclerc top-3 finish (+350, 0.5u)
I'm going back to the well with Leclerc to finish in the top 3 after he achieved the feat in Melbourne in the opener. I discussed Ferrari's discernible advantage in the newly implemented starting procedures in the F1 odds at prediction markets.
That perceived advantage was confirmed out of the gates at the Australian Grand Prix. Until the other teams adapt and catch up, I'm all over Leclerc to perform well. Ferrari's car is also performing well, reinforcing my confidence in the pick.
Because of the significant rule changes and unrecognizable cars from a year ago, I put no stock in the fact that Leclerc finished 18th at last season's Chinese Grand Prix.
Chinese Grand Prix practice 1 results
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Chinese Grand Prix sprint qualifying results
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team)
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)
๐ Chinese Grand Prix odds 2026
Chinese Grand Prix odds to win Sunday's race via BetMGM.
| Driver | Odds | Implied Probability | Profit on $10 Bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Russell | -250 | 71.43% | $4.00 |
| Kimi Antonelli | +350 | 22.22% | $35 |
| Charles Leclerc | +1200 | 7.69% | $120 |
| Lewis Hamilton | +1600 | 5.88% | $160 |
| Lando Norris | +1600 | 5.88% | $160 |
| Oscar Piastri | +2000 | 4.76% | $200 |
| Max Verstappen | +2800 | 3.45% | $280 |
| Isack Hadjar | +15000 | 0.66% | $1,500 |
| Oliver Bearman | +25000 | 0.40% | $2,500 |
| Pierre Gasly | +25000 | 0.40% | $2,500 |
| Esteban Ocon | +50000 | 0.20% | $5,000 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | +75000 | 0.13% | $7,500 |
| Arvid Lindblad | +75000 | 0.13% | $7,500 |
| Liam Lawson | +75000 | 0.13% | $7,500 |
| Nico Hรผlkenberg | +75000 | 0.13% | $7,500 |
| Franco Colapinto | +250000 | 0.04% | $25,000 |
| Alexander Albon | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
| Carlos Sainz Jr. | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
| Fernando Alonso | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
| Lance Stroll | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
| Sergio Perez | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
| Valtteri Bottas | +300000 | 0.03% | $30,000 |
๐๏ธ 2026 Chinese Grand Prix schedule
Practice 1: Thursday, March 12 (11:30 p.m. ET)Sprint qualifying: Friday, March 13 (3:30 a.m. ET)- Sprint race: Friday, March 13 (11 p.m. ET)
- Qualifying: Saturday, March 14 (3 a.m. ET)
- Race: Sunday, March 15 (3 a.m. ET)
๐บ How to watch 2026 Chinese Grand Prix
- Date: Sunday, March 15
- Time: 3 a.m. ET
- Location: Shanghai International Circuit (Shanghai, China)
- How to watch: ESPN
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