Kimi Antonelli Makes History With Maiden Victory For Mercedes in Chinese GP

Last Updated:March 15, 2026, 14:38 IST

Kimi Antonelli wins his first Grand Prix in China, ahead of Mercedes teammate Russell and Hamilton, becoming the youngest pole-sitter to win in F1 history.

An emotional Kimi Antonelli won a Grand Prix for the first time on Sunday, March 15, in China, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who achieved his maiden podium for Ferrari.

The 19-year-old Antonelli turned his record as the youngest pole-sitter in Formula One history into a victory after both McLarens failed to start the Shanghai race dramatically.

Antonelli briefly lost the lead at the start but regained control and managed the pace to secure the chequered flag. Charles Leclerc came fourth in the second Ferrari.

Hamilton, as he had done in Saturday’s sprint, got a great start and took the lead by the time the teams emerged from the first complex of turns.

Leclerc also launched brilliantly, managing to get past Russell, who had started second on the grid.

The top four drivers exchanged positions multiple times before a safety car on lap 11 brought them all into the pits.

Once the race resumed, Antonelli led from Hamilton, with Leclerc third and Russell fourth.

By lap 29, Russell had overtaken both Ferraris to move up to second, attempting to catch his young Italian teammate, who was now more than seven seconds ahead.

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen continued Red Bull’s poor start to the new season when he was told to retire his car on lap 46.

Antonelli was in tears at the end as he celebrated his win.

(With AFP Inputs)

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