(Motorsport-Total.com) – Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, many teams are looking at Ferrari – especially at the opening laps of the race. Several drivers expect the Scuderia to pose a particularly great threat at the start, as they did in Australia.
Read more In Verstappen’s footsteps? What Antonelli must learn for the title fight
Pole-sitter Andrea Kimi Antonelli expects Ferrari to be able to pick up the pace immediately, especially on cold tires. “They look very strong, especially on cold tires,” explains the Mercedes driver. The young Italian also sees another strength of the Reds: “The start is one of their greatest strengths.”
This is precisely why the race could be difficult for him from the start. Ferrari starts in China with both cars directly behind the Mercedes. “I’ll just try to have a clean start, and then we’ll see,” says the pole-sitter.
Russell warns of Hamilton
Mercedes teammate George Russell also expects an aggressive start from the Ferrari drivers. “Of course, we also have to watch out for the guys in red,” says Russell. He expects a lot from Lewis Hamilton in particular, who starts from third place, in the early stages.
“They were super fast at the start. I’m sure Lewis will be quite dangerous at the beginning of the race,” says the championship leader.
In China, both Ferraris are high up on the starting grid together for the first time this season. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc start the race from third and fourth places. “I’m sure it won’t be easy,” explains the Mercedes driver.
Hamilton doesn’t believe in victory
Lewis Hamilton himself, on the other hand, is rather cautious. The Briton does not believe that Ferrari is currently faster than Mercedes in the race. “I think it’s very unlikely that we can beat them in the race,” says Hamilton.
Read more Formula 1 penalty points 2026: The current overview of penalties
In his estimation, Ferrari is still a few tenths behind the leaders in terms of race speed. Nevertheless, Hamilton does not want to rule out a surprise entirely. “Maybe something can happen through strategy or at the start,” he says.
The seven-time world champion also knows that he has to keep an eye on his tires. “I can’t destroy my tires just to keep up,” he explains.
Norris also sees Ferrari at an advantage
McLaren driver Lando Norris expects Ferrari to be difficult for his team to beat in the race. “They have some advantages that are hard to beat,” says the world champion. McLaren still wants to try to put on pressure – but with caution.
“We also have to be smart and not ruin our race just to beat someone who might be too fast,” says Norris.
After two already turbulent race starts at the beginning of the season, many drivers are again expecting intense opening laps. Especially the combination of a strong Ferrari start and close gaps at the front could provide action early on.
Read more Four times «no» in eight words: That’s how frustrated Lance Stroll is