Kimi Antonelli wins the Chinese Grand Prix

Nineteen-year-old Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his first career Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, held on March 15, 2026. Antonelli, who had previously become the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history during the qualifying sessions on March 14, finished 8.7 seconds ahead of his teammate George Russell. This result helped Mercedes secure another 1-2 finish, further extending their constructors' championship lead over Ferrari to 31 points. Despite the loss, George Russell remains the overall drivers' championship leader, with Antonelli trailing him by just 4 points. Lewis Hamilton finished on the podium in third place, his first for Ferrari, while Charles Leclerc finished fourth. The race was marked by the absence of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who were unable to start due to electrical issues. Max Verstappen retired from the race and currently sits in eighth place in the drivers' standings. The next Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in Japan from March 27 to 29, 2026.