Antonelli scores first F1 win with perfect drive in Shanghai, Russell P2 as Mercedes extend early season dominance; Hamilton earns first Ferrari podium besting P4 teammate Leclerc; Disaster for McLaren as neither Norris or Piastri are able to start

Mercedes’ second-year driver Kimi Antonelli converted his record-setting effort as F1’s youngest ever driver to take pole in a Grand Prix into the fulfillment of all his professional dreams. Antonelli handily won Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix, thereby becoming the second youngest driver to earn a win behind the then 18-year-old Max Verstappen, as well as the first Italian national to claim victory in twenty years. Avoiding the unacceptably slow starts that have cost the 19-year-old Italian in both Round 1 in Australia and Saturday’s Sprint race here at Shanghai International Circuit, Antonelli quickly recovered after losing a position to the hard charging Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap. Keeping his cool, Antonelli quickly took back the position from the Prancing Horse of the seven-time champ on Lap 2. From there on out, he, deftly held off the best efforts of not only his senior Silver Arrows teammate, George Russell, but also the veteran Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.  Antonelli was able to control the race from the front like a veteran to keep the Ferraris and Russell behind him with relative ease until the checkers flew after Lap 56, notching his first F1 win in a new car that, at this early date, seems capable of winning the majority of races this year.  With this maiden victory, Antonelli proved that Mercedes’ faith in the minimally experienced teenager to replace Hamilton was well founded and he now has the skill and confidence to go toe to toe with the best at this level, including the person who could be his main rival for the 2026 title, the supremely talented and very hungry for the crown Russell.

Always believe in yourself! 😮‍💨

There’s no doubting Kimi’s talents after his sensational Shanghai win 🏆#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/weng63heEo

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2026

Top 10 finishers of the Chinese GP:

Pos	Driver		Time	Pts
1		A.K. Antonelli Mercedes · #12	1:33:15.607	25
2		G. Russell Mercedes · #63	+5.515s	18
3		L. Hamilton Ferrari · #44	+25.267s	15
4		C. Leclerc Ferrari · #16	+28.894s	12
5		O. Bearman Haas · #87	+57.268s	10

6		P. Gasly Alpine · #10	+59.647s	8
7		L. Lawson RB · #30	+80.588s	6
8		I. Hadjar Red Bull · #6	+87.247s	4
9		C. Sainz Jr. Williams · #55	+1 Lap	2
10		F. Colapinto Alpine · #43	+1 Lap	1

Complete race results available via Formula1.com.

The next race is in two week’s time, as the teams head to Japan’s famous Suzuka Circuit. Anotnelli will have an extra week to savor his first F1 win but no doubt the young Italian is raring too get back onto the track and repeat the feat. Likewise, teammate George Russell and the dueling Ferraris of Hamilton and Leclerc will be eager to fight for the top step themselves. Hope to see you then to find out how it all shakes out!