Formula 1 News: Antonelli wins first F1 race, another Mercedes 1-2 in Chinese GP

Shanghai, China – Italian sensation Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history on March 15, 2026, becoming the second-youngest race winner in the sport’s storied legacy at just 19 years old. The Italian Mercedes driver dominated the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, leading from pole to secure his maiden victory in a tense battle with teammate George Russell, finishing 5.515 seconds ahead after 56 laps.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Antonelli, who shattered records by claiming the youngest-ever pole position in qualifying, fended off early pressure from Russell and navigated a mid-race skirmish with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. A late-race scare involving tire degradation tested his composure, but strategic pit stops and flawless driving sealed the deal. This triumph places him behind only Max Verstappen (18 years, 228 days at the 2016 Spanish GP) as the youngest winner.

“This is surreal,” Antonelli said post-race. “To win my first F1 race here, fighting with legends—it’s everything I dreamed of. The team gave me an incredible car, and we executed perfectly.”

Russell, starting second, pushed hard but couldn’t overhaul his young teammate, settling for a strong runner-up finish to complete a Mercedes 1-2. “Kimi was on another level today,” Russell admitted. “We had a great battle, but he’s the future. Proud of the team for this result.”

In a poignant milestone, Lewis Hamilton marked his first podium since switching to Ferrari in 2025, battling to third place. The 41-year-old Brit overtook Leclerc on Lap 38 in a daring move at Turn 6, holding position through the final stint to delight Ferrari fans. “Finally, that Ferrari podium—it’s been a grind, but worth it,” Hamilton reflected. “The car came alive late, and we maximized what we had.”

Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari, frustrated by traffic and a suboptimal pit strategy that cost him a shot at the podium. Oliver Bearman impressed in fifth for Haas, showcasing strong pace on the mediums.

The race was marred by several retirements and non-starts. Reigning champion Max Verstappen, starting mid-pack for Red Bull, suffered a dramatic exit on Lap 45 due to a suspected water leak, marking a rare DNF for the Dutchman. McLaren endured a nightmare weekend, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failing to start due to engine issues discovered pre-race. Aston Martin’s woes continued as Lance Stroll crashed out on Lap 9, and Fernando Alonso retired on Lap 32 with severe vibration issues.

Other incidents included a brief Virtual Safety Car on Lap 10 following Stroll’s shunt, and minor contact between Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg, though both continued.

The result propels Antonelli up the standings, now trailing leader Russell by 12 points. Mercedes extends its constructors’ lead over Ferrari to 38 points. The circus heads next to the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks.

2026 Chinese Grand Prix Race Results

*Fastest Lap: Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 1:35.275 on Lap 48