The action-packed start to the 2025 season has been nothing short of thrilling. Beginning in Australia, we head to Shangai, China. As Formula 1 heads to Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix 2025, the question remains: who can challenge McLaren this year? We saw a dramatic start to the season in Australia Grand Prix 2025 with 6 DNFs, rain and Lando holding off to the podium.
The 2025 Chinese GP sprint weekend represents a huge chance to make extra F1 Fantasy points and some cash! Here are our predictions, tips on drivers to avoid, which chips to play, and further analysis.
By demonstrating how unpredictable F1 is this season, it makes choosing your Fantasy team even harder. Don’t worry though, we’ve got some tips down below:
Use the Extra DRS Boost Wisely
This weekend’s format means more points are on offer than at a standard grand prix. If you followed our advice and didn’t use your Extra DRS Boost chip to triple one of your driver’s points yet, now could be the perfect time to use it in Shanghai.
But who should you put it on? Lando Norris, Hamilton, or another driver?
Previous Chinese Grand Prix Winners:
| Year | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Max Vestappen | Redbull |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Daniel Ricciardo | Red Bull |
| 2017 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes |
Fastest Lap – Fernando AlonsoAston Martin Aramco-Mercedes1:37.810
Due to to COVID-19 pandemic there was no race held in China between 2019 to 2023.
Chinese Grand Prix: Fantasy Tips and Betting Odds
Chinese Grand Prix Winner Odds:
Lando Norris remains the hot favourite to win the Chinese GP followed closely by Piastri and the previous winners of Shangai GP. Grab a free bet by playing with Bet on Game – The Game is ON!
Make Lando Norris Your First Choice – and Give Him Extra DRS Boost
Lando Norris is our number-one pick for Shanghai. If he’s already in your team, keep him there. If not, find a way to make it happen. At the very least, Norris should be your DRS pick to double his race weekend score.
Despite starting sixth in the sprint, Norris was 0.6 seconds faster than anyone else in FP1 and looked dominant in most sessions. He’s a safe bet for big points this weekend.
Avoid Verstappen till Red Bull sorts out its car
Verstappen looks like he’s challenging the McLaren man by out-driving his Red Bull, demonstrated by going off at one point in Australia. Unless updates bring his Milton Keynes machine to the fore soon, we’d advise avoiding the Dutchman. He qualified second for the Chinese GP sprint, but this appeared only by virtue of the McLarens both making mistakes on their crucial laps. Later Oscar would go on to overtake Max.
Dark horse to win the race: Hamilton and Ferrari’s Surge
Lewis Hamilton’s pole position for the sprint race has thrown a curveball into F1 Fantasy strategy. Ferrari has shown promise, and if Hamilton’s pace holds, he could be a strong asset for the weekend.
Last-minute super subs
There’s something else to be noted for this sprint weekend.
If one of your selected drivers competes in the sprint but is replaced before qualifying for the grand prix, you’ll be given a transfer suggestion to avoid a ‘Not Classified’ penalty.
However, the suggestion still comes out of your transfer limit – so it will result in a -10 point penalty if you exceed your transfer limit.
Midfield Options: Aston Martin and McLaren
McLaren’s progress has been evident, with Oscar Piastri also delivering solid performances. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso remains a high-risk, high-reward choice, while Nico Hülkenberg continues to surprise with consistent midfield finishes.
With the Chinese Grand Prix promising another thrilling chapter in the 2025 Formula 1 season, all eyes will be on Shanghai to see who will take an early lead in the Constructors and the Drivers championship.
Who won the last Chinese Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen in 2024.
Who won the Shangai Grand Prix Sprint on 22/03/2025?
Lewis Hamilton
Why was there no race in Shangai from 2019 to 2023?
Because of the Covid pandemic.
