<b><span class="theme-aware-color" style="--user-color: Red;"><span style="display: inline-block; font-size: 113%; line-height: 1.45;">F1 2026: Chinese GP - Shangai (Mar 15)</span></span></b>

M3WC wrote

Does the race director turn out the lights instantly again, so Ferrari can use their start advantage?

I don't even think the 5th light had fully illuminated yet. FIA was so worried Merc was going to walk away, they tried to help out Ferrari.

M3WC wrote

It is not even close who Vegas thinks is winning in China.

Russell -115
Kimi +600
Charles +650
Lewis +850
Max +900

M3WC wrote

Does the race director turn out the lights instantly again, so Ferrari can use their start advantage?

I don't even think the 5th light had fully illuminated yet. FIA was so worried Merc was going to walk away, they tried to help out Ferrari.

GuidoK wrote

So what are your predictions?

Last Sunday we saw how things really played out. Yes Mercedes is definately as fast as was predicted last year by most of us. To quote princess George: "I like this car.....I like this engine!"
But Ferrari was a real surprise. The lightning start was already somewhat predicted, but they really held their pace throughout the race far above expected. Well done to that team! Of course strategy is still....nothing new here
However you still see drivers figuring out the best way to use the available electric power to it's maximum.
And what about Max, after a failed qualification moving up from 20th on the grid all the way to 6th place! But the RB has issues. Tyrewear is very much a thing and reliability might become one too, however, as a totally new engine manufacturer they did pretty good, as LIN also scored points in the B team Vcarb in his first race ever!
Biggest disappointment was probably AMR, with their cars basically shaking themselves apart. Not what I expected of Newey+Honda+unlimitedly funded new factory complex alas.

So how will that play out in China?
This is my prediction:

1. ANT
2. RUS
3. LEC
4. PIA
5. VER
6. HAM
7. NOR
8. HAD
9. BEA
10. LIN

For people who don't place predictions: please refrain from giving negative comments after the race on predictions other members have given. Nobody makes perfect predictions, and if you don't make predictions yourself, you're not showing you know better.

My prediction for China will be:

M5Rick wrote

I'll even take MAX's +900 for the win here.
1. MAX ( if back axle sorted.
2. LEC
3. HAD (if battery and hydraulics hold out
4. PIA
5. NOR
6. RUS
7. LEW
8. LIN
9. SAI
10. HUL

Car-Addicted wrote

Be careful Max, Toto is likely to tell the ChiCom's you're a Uyghur and poof, you will never be seen again.

M5Rick wrote

I'll even take MAX's +900 for the win here.
1. MAX ( if back axle sorted.

Fillip wrote

The season opener had plenty of overtakes and Shanghai looks set to deliver even more excitement. The track usually produces some great battles and with the Sprint Race adding extra action, there is plenty to watch on track. Off it, the fan zone and nearby events offer interactive activities, food, music and exhibitions celebrating car culture, making the weekend fun both for racing fans and anyone looking to soak up the atmosphere.

///M Power-Belgium wrote

2021 - 2026