Heading into the Chinese Grand Prix, Mercedes' enormous advantage over their rivals has effectively already decided the Constructors' Championship.
Mercedes
Both Mercedes drivers have looked excellent in every practice session and in sprint qualifying. Despite a potential penalty for Kimi Antonelli for blocking Lando Norris, the Italian pulled almost four-tenths clear of the reigning champion on track – a huge margin – while he is still behind George Russell.
Ferrari
Charles Leclerc ended up only sixth in sprint qualifying, but he has never liked this race format. Ferrari will most likely focus all their attention on Lewis Hamilton on Saturday, whereas on Sunday the emphasis will be on him.
He did more than just finish on the podium in Australia. He was the only driver to challenge Mercedes at the start of the race and even led for several laps. The questionable tyre-strategy call is a matter for Ferrari's management, but he is extracting the maximum from his car.
Apart from Mercedes, Ferrari have no one to fight. Red Bull Racing effectively eliminated themselves in sprint qualifying – Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar both finished outside the top seven, while even Pierre Gasly in the Alpine made it into the top seven. McLaren look decent, but on pure pace their car is still underdeveloped, whereas they are extremely consistent.
Mercedes vs Ferrari Prediction
He will make it onto the podium for the second race in a row at the start of the championship.
