2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix betting tips & picks
The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix returns to the Formula 1 calendar with high drama already unfolding in Shanghai. Sunday’s race, set for 6pm AEDT, comes off the back of a thrilling Sprint Saturday, where Lewis Hamilton wound back the clock with a sensational win—his first in Ferrari red—while Oscar Piastri claimed his first pole position for the main race.
Piastri lands first F1 pole as Hamilton takes Sprint spotlight
The Shanghai International Circuit played host to a historic qualifying session, with Australia’s Oscar Piastri storming to his first-ever pole position for a main Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver looked confident all weekend and delivered when it counted, edging out George Russell and Lando Norris in a tight Q3 battle.
But it was Lewis Hamilton who turned heads on Saturday, mastering changing conditions and tyre strategy to win the Sprint race—a welcome boost for the 7-time world champion, who had yet to stand on the top step since his dramatic switch from Mercedes.
While Hamilton starts P5 in the main race, his sprint pace suggests he could be a real threat if strategy and safety cars fall his way.
Piastri’s pole has seen top online bookmakers shorten him sharply, pricing him at $1.91 to win the main race.
With both McLarens in the top three, team strategy could be key to locking out the podium.
2025 Chinese Grand Prix Odds
Following the latest market shift, Oscar Piastri has firmed into outright favourites ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris. Mercedes’ George Russell and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen loom as the main threats, while the Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc drift in betting.
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – -109.89
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +220
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +700
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +800
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +1100
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +3300
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +20000
- Isack Hadjar (VCARB) – +25000
- Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) – +25000
- Alex Albon (Williams) – +50000
More odds provided at BetOnline
China GP betting predictions after qualifying
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) to win
The Aussie is in peak form and has the track position to control the race from the front. If he can nail the start and manage his tyres, Russell should make a nice gap and allow Piastri to relax and manage tyres.
Oscar Piastri to win
Carlos Sainz (Williams) points finish
Sainz will be hungry as ever after a poor qualifying session and his Australian GP. Sainz should be able to overtake the cars in front and put up a great fight for that P9-P10 spot and $3.50 with BetOnline is great value.
Carlos Sainz points finish
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) podium finish
Incredible for the greatest driver of this decade, who starts P4 to be at $2.35 with BetOnline. Verstappen will be looking to claim all the points he can and, with some luck, might be able to chase down Russell if Norris were to claim P2.
Max Verstappen podium finish
Chinese GP Starting grid and qualifying times
| Pos | No | Driver | Team | Fastest Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes | 1:30.641 | 20 |
| 2 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:30.723 | 22 |
| 3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes | 1:30.793 | 17 |
| 4 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:30.817 | 15 |
| 5 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:30.927 | 21 |
| 6 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:31.021 | 21 |
| 7 | 6 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:31.079 | 20 |
| 8 | 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:31.103 | 22 |
| 9 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls Honda RBPT | 1:31.638 | 19 |
| 10 | 23 | Alexander Albon | Williams Mercedes | 1:31.706 | 20 |
| 11 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas Ferrari | 1:31.625 | 15 |
| 12 | 27 | Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:31.632 | 15 |
| 13 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:31.688 | 15 |
| 14 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Aramco Mercedes | 1:31.773 | 15 |
| 15 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams Mercedes | 1:31.840 | 15 |
| 16 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault | 1:31.992 | 9 |
| 17 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas Ferrari | 1:32.018 | 8 |
| 18 | 7 | Jack Doohan | Alpine Renault | 1:32.092 | 8 |
| 19 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber Ferrari | 1:32.141 | 9 |
| 20 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT | 1:32.174 | 8 |