F1 2018: 5 early predictions for the Chinese Grand Prix

#5 Mercedes 1-2

Hamilton and Bottas posing for a picture

After two Grands Prix, and two less than ideal situations for Mercedes, it's hard to believe that the German outfit won't bounce back and pull one over on the 'Prancing Horse' Ferrari.

If Sebastian Vettel doesn't win the World Championship this year, it will be the first time since 1982 that the winner of the first 2 races didn't win the Championship.

This is a stat that Mercedes will most certainly want to bring into reality this year and, to do so, they will need to ensure that Hamilton and Bottas don't fall too far behind Vettel and the Ferraris.

Having won 3 of the last 4 Chinese Grands Prix, Lewis Hamilton seems to be at exactly the right circuit to return to his winning ways this season.

If there's anything Mercedes is good at, it's consistency. While everything is up for grabs on Sunday, we predict that Hamilton will lead Bottas to a 1-2 for the silver arrows in the wet, hopefully with a close battle on their hands to determine the result!