Mercedes think Ferrari are "clear favourites" in China

Despite winning the first two races of the season, Mercedes are concerned about the power deficit between themselves and rivals Ferrari, which could be highlighted by the power-heavy circuits in China and Baku.

Bahrain, a power-heavy circuit in itself, was dominated by Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc taking pole position and pulling away from the pack. However, the Monegasque suffered a power issue which saw him drop to third place behind both Silver Arrows.

Still, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas remains realistic as he fears for the upcoming two Grands Prix.

“The next two races, China, Baku, it’s massively long straights," Bottas told RaceFans.

"I think [in Bahrain] they [Ferrari] were making more than four-tenths only in the straight lines, a lap. And we can’t find four tenths like this.

His team principal Toto Wolff reflected those statements, as the Austrian dubbed the Scuderia as the clear favourites in Shanghai, the 1000th Grand Prix in Formula 1 history.