Chinese Grand Prix 2025: Betting Tips & Predictions

Can Lando Norris make it two wins from two, or will Max Verstappen be back to get his revenge?

Shanghai Returns to the F1 Calendar

Formula 1 heads back to Shanghai International Circuit this weekend for the Chinese Grand Prix, marking its long-awaited return to the calendar after a multi-year absence. With no rain expected this time around, teams will have a clearer view of their true pace after an unpredictable season opener in Australia.

McLaren’s Lando Norris took victory in Melbourne after a dramatic wet-dry race, but can he back it up with a win in Shanghai? With Max Verstappen still a major threat and Mercedes showing signs of improvement, this race could tell us a lot about how the 2025 season is shaping up.

Chinese Grand Prix Schedule

📅 Friday, March 22
🕞 3:30 AM – Practice 1
🕢 7:30 AM – Sprint Qualifying

📅 Saturday, March 23
🕒 3:00 AM – Sprint Race
🕖 7:00 AM – Grand Prix Qualifying

📅 Sunday, March 24
🕖 7:00 AM – Race Start

(All times UTC)

Best Bets for the Chinese Grand Prix

🏆 Lando Norris to Win – 1.95

The McLaren driver overcame tough conditions in Australia to secure the first F1 win of his career, and there’s every reason to believe he can do it again.

Shanghai’s layout suits McLaren’s strengths, particularly in the high-speed corners and long straights. Norris was on pole for the sprint race here last year and was second only to Verstappen in the main Grand Prix—a clear sign that McLaren had found their footing.

His qualifying form also gives him an edge. He outpaced teammate Oscar Piastri in Melbourne, and with no rain to shake things up, expect Norris to be at the front once again.

🔝 Kimi Antonelli to Finish in the Top 6 – 1.65

What a debut for the Mercedes rookie in Australia! The young Italian showed incredible composure in challenging conditions, finishing comfortably inside the points.

Shanghai favours driver skill, where pace matters. Mercedes has a strong history with six wins in the last nine races. Antonelli is poised to impress again.

What to Expect in Shanghai

🔹 McLaren’s Pace – Their dominant showing in Australia suggests they could be Red Bull’s biggest threat this season. Shanghai will be a real test.

🔹 Verstappen’s Response – The reigning champion struggled in Melbourne but will be determined to bounce back. Expect him to be in the fight for a podium.

🔹 Mercedes & Ferrari – With Mercedes’ strong record in China, can Antonelli and Hamilton challenge at the front? And can Ferrari recover after a lacklustre Melbourne?

With so many storylines heading into the weekend, the Chinese Grand Prix promises plenty of drama. Norris is the man to beat, but don’t count out the usual suspects as they battle for early-season dominance.