The Strategist’s picks for Pit Wall Predictions: Chinese GP

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Published

14 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

Round 2 of the 2026 season takes us to Shanghai where, like Melbourne last weekend, clear conditions are expected, meaning strategy could once again follow a relatively traditional route.

However, tyre behaviour and management around the Shanghai International Circuit always has the potential to shake things up. Carlos lines up P17, with Alex just behind in P18, so both drivers will be hoping to move forward through the pack.

With overtaking opportunities available, as seen in Saturday’s Sprint, and strategy likely to play a key role, our secretive Grove guru – known only as The Strategist – has locked in their calls. Here’s how they see it playing out.

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The Strategist’s picks – Chinese GP

Q1: On which lap will Alex make his first stop?

Lap 11-20. Alex stopped on lap 20 here last year, and The Strategist expects a similar early window to open up again in 2026.

Q2: On which lap will Carlos make his first stop?

Lap 11-20. Carlos stopped on lap 17 in 2025, and the expectation is that both cars could follow similar strategies this time around.

Q3: Which Williams driver will pit first?

Carlos. He was our first driver in to the pit lane in Melbourne, and The Strategist has touted him to be first in again this week.

Q4: When the first Williams driver pits, what position will they pit from?

P7-P12. With both cars starting on the ninth row, a strong launch and the usual pit window shuffling could see one of them firmly in midfield order when the first stop is made.

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Q5: How many pit stops will our drivers make between them?

Two. Historically, a one-stop strategy has often been the quickest route around Shanghai, depending on tyre degradation and graining levels.

Q6: What will be the highest position a Williams car runs in the race?

P7-P12. Carlos was already battling in P12 during the Sprint earlier in the weekend, suggesting we could be in that bracket again at any stage during the Grand Prix.

Q7: Which tyre will Alex end his race on?

Hard. The technical brief earlier this week suggested many teams may start on medium tyres, meaning the hard compound could carry drivers through a long second stint.

Q8: Which tyre will Carlos end his race on?

Hard. If the one-stop proves viable and the first stop falls within the Lap 11–20 window, the hard tyre would likely take Carlos to the finish as well.

Lock in your picks for Shanghai and see if you can outscore The Strategist in the second round of 2026.