Antonelli became Formula 1’s second-youngest race winner on Sunday, leading a Mercedes one-two at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Kimi Antonelli converted pole into victory, holding off Russell while Hamilton took his first Ferrari podium in a thrilling Shanghai showdown.
History In The Making
Nineteen-year-old Kimi Antonelli converted his maiden pole position into a stunning first Formula 1 victory on Sunday. The Italian became the youngest polesitter in F1 history during Saturday qualifying. He backed that up with a composed, dominant drive in the 56-lap race. Only Max Verstappen, who triumphed at 18 in 2016, holds the youngest race winner record.
Antonelli (3.74) crossed the line 5.5 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell. A tearful Antonelli admitted afterwards he was “speechless” and “about to cry.” He credited his team for helping him “achieve one of my big dreams.” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the win had come earlier than he expected from the youngster.
Hamilton And Leclerc Deliver The Drama
Lewis Hamilton (14.96) stormed off the line from third on the grid to briefly lead the race. The seven-time world champion got the jump on both Mercedes drivers at the start. Antonelli reclaimed the lead before the end of lap two and was never headed again. Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc (14.96) then waged an entertaining battle for the final podium spot.
The pair ran side-by-side through several corners across multiple laps. Hamilton ultimately came out on top, claiming his first Ferrari podium in a grand prix. It marked his first rostrum since Las Vegas in 2024 with Mercedes.
“I had so much fun,” Hamilton said after climbing out of his car. He called it one of the most enjoyable races he had experienced in a very long time.
McLaren’s Shanghai Nightmare
Reigning world champion Lando Norris (50.87) never made it out of the pit lane before the start. His car had an electrical problem that prevented the engine from firing. Oscar Piastri (50.87) reached the grid but was also wheeled back before the formation lap departed.
Two separate electrical faults in the power unit ended McLaren’s race before it even began. It was Piastri’s second consecutive non-start this season, following his Melbourne reconnaissance lap crash. The Australian glumly noted it had been a while since he watched two grands prix from the sofa.
Midfield Battles And Red Bull Woes
Haas driver Ollie Bearman delivered an impressive fifth-place finish to continue his fine start to 2026. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly (998.45) followed him home in sixth after the pair battled closely throughout the race. Both drivers sit strongly in the championship standings, with Bearman fifth and Gasly seventh.
Meanwhile, Red Bull endured a difficult weekend in Shanghai from start to finish. Verstappen (14.96) fell to the back of the field off the line for the second consecutive race. He ran in sixth before an ERS cooling problem forced his retirement with ten laps remaining.
Teammate Isack Hadjar recovered from a dramatic opening-lap spin to salvage eighth place. Both Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also retired before the chequered flag. Formula 1 now heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix from 27-29 March.
