F1 2019: 5 Early Predictions for the Chinese Grand Prix

#2 Bottas beats Hamilton fair & square

F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain

Although Valtteri Bottas was able to get a second place finish in Bahrain to retain the lead on the World Championship over Lewis Hamilton, he didn't show the same mean streak that he did in Australia.

Bottas and Hamilton were both beaten handily by Leclerc until his mechanical failure in Bahrain and now with Ferrari showing the pace they have.

I believe that in order for Bottas to truly stake his claim as a prime contender for the World Championship this year he needs to focus not on beating Ferrari, but on getting ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

I think Bottas knows this as well, and after being beaten by Hamilton in Bahrain he will refocus and essentially let Ferrari run their own race as he competes with Hamilton to stay ahead of him in the standings, in order to establish his own confidence.

China is generally a great track for racing and I see Bottas and Hamilton getting some space to battle fair and square. While Hamilton has looked great historically, I think Bottas will pull out that aggressive spirit to take the five-time World Champ on and beat him on Sunday.