Race our writers! – F1 2025's first sprint weekend brings fresh fantasy challenges

After the rain wreaked havoc on track – and on F1 Fantasy teams – in Australia last weekend, the season rolls onto Shanghai and brings with it a first sprint race of the year.

As predicted, Motorsport Network teams got off to a rocky start as Joshua Fernandes set the pace as the first leader of the inaugural Motorsport: Race our Writers league, which currently has over 31,000 players.

With it being a sprint weekend, opting to play the right chips could be critical for a good score especially if the 3x DRS boost leads to strong points in both the sprint race and the grand prix itself.

Despite not leading the pack, we think we can still offer up some expert insight into what will play out in China – will Lando Norris extend his lead, or can McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri prise away the points? Maybe another team could emerge as candidates for success?

Banking on Bortoleto

Haydn Cobb, Editor, Autosport.com, ‘Signal, Sainz, Manoeuvre’: “After a nightmare start to the season it was tempting for wholesale changes but given the wet and wild Australian GP I am hoping normal service resumes this weekend.

“That’s why I’ve made one minor tweak by bringing in Gabriel Bortoleto to replace Oliver Bearman. Haas is suffering for pace unexpectedly, while Sauber aren’t cut adrift at the back this year and up until his crash Bortoleto was excelling alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

“If Bortoleto can follow that up with a solid result in China, and my star drivers and teams are able to perform this time around, I’m optimistic the damage of Australia can be undone.”

No knee-jerk reaction

Sam Shephard, Director of Digital, ‘You Can’t Park There Mate’: “I’m resisting the urge to make any knee-jerk changes to my line-up this week. Oscar Piastri and McLaren still feel like must-haves given the Australian’s price point and how dominant the Woking-based outfit looked Down Under.

“I’m also sticking with Carlos Sainz over Alex Albon in the hope that the more experienced Spaniard can stay out of trouble in China and with Williams looking like a proper midfield contender this year, there should be more points up for grabs.

“The rest of my squad is made up of Esteban Ocon, Hulkenberg and Yuki Tsunoda who all managed to finish in tricky conditions last week and impressed in moments.

“One driver this team manager will be keeping a close eye on his Kimi Antonelli - if the rookie continues to impress - I could well be tempted to make room for the young Italian.”

For those already in the league, make sure to make your changes before Sprint Qualifying.

Then check back on Motorsport.com and on our social channels on Monday to see who the winners and losers from the Chinese Grand Prix.

Still yet to join our league? It is not too late! Join HERE.