Despite two wins from the first two races, Sebastian Vettel believes Mercedes still head to the Chinese GP as the team to beat.
While acknowledging he got lucky in Australia, the German was the fastest man over the weekend in Bahrain with only a mix up on strategy really helping Valtteri Bottas have a strong chance of victory.
Heading to a different type of circuit though in Shanghai and in very different weather conditions, the four-time world champion expects that to play into the Brackley-based team’s favour.
“It’s obviously cooler. It’s a different track, so I think, honestly, the first two races have been quite different, so it’s not that straightforward to predict the third one,” he said
“I think overall if you take into account all the testing we did etc., then Mercedes is still the favourite going in.
“Certainly we’ll try to have a different outcome than that. I think if we do our homework, if we get the car balance right and we get everything together, then it should be a good weekend. I don’t see why not.”
Offering his view, main rival Lewis Hamilton is concerned the straight line speed of the Ferrari could be their biggest advantage, particularly on the 1km back straight.
“They are faster than us on the straights and as quick as us through the corners. Their engine programme has really taken a big step this season,” said the Briton.
“It will be interesting to see how their reliability will be – as it will be for Renault and us. This should be a good track for us but I think it’s going to be close.”