Kimi Antonelli claims maiden Grand Prix victory with win in China

Kimi Antonelli on his way to winning the Chinese Grand Prix. Pic: Vincent Thian/AP

Kimi Antonelli entered the world championship fight after he became Formula One’s second youngest winner in history with victory at Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix – as Lewis Hamilton claimed the first podium of his Ferrari career.

Antonelli, 19 years and 202 days, delivered a composed drive from pole position at the Shanghai International Circuit to dislodge Sebastian Vettel in the all-time list and enter the record books behind only Max Verstappen.

George Russell finished runner-up, 5.5 seconds behind his Mercedes team-mate – a result that will serve as a warning to the British driver that he will not have it all his own way in his bid for a maiden world crown.

KIMI ANTONELLI WINS FOR THE FIRST TIME!! 👏🏆

WHAT A DRIVE! 😮‍💨#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/7qIcxU9pss

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2026

Behind the all-conquering Silver Arrows, Hamilton, who briefly led, finished third following a fascinating duel with Charles Leclerc in the other scarlet car, to end a 477-day wait for a podium and his first in Ferrari colours.

British driver Ollie Bearman, 20, impressed to finish fifth for Ferrari.

World champion Lando Norris’ afternoon was over before it even started after an electrical problem ruled him out the race. On a nightmare day for McLaren, a mechanical issue meant Oscar Piastri also failed to enter the race. Max Verstappen also did not get to the chequered flag after he broke down from sixth place with 10 laps remaining.