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Kimi Antonelli Wins Chinese Grand Prix, Becomes Second-Youngest F1 Winner

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Nigora Umarova
Nigora Umarova
International Department Journalist
Formula 1 Sport
Antonelli crossed the line seven seconds ahead of teammate
Kimi Antonelli Wins Chinese Grand Prix, Becomes Second-Youngest F1 Winner
Photo: F1

Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, becoming the second-youngest race winner in F1 history after Max Verstappen.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver converted his maiden Grand Prix pole into victory after a composed drive in a chaotic race that featured early incidents, a Safety Car, and intense battles behind him.

Antonelli crossed the line seven seconds ahead of teammate George Russell, securing a dominant Mercedes one-two finish, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completed the podium.

Fast Start and Early Battles

The race began with immediate drama as Hamilton surged around the outside into Turn 1 to briefly take the lead. Antonelli quickly fought back, retaking first place into the hairpin on lap two.

Russell then made a bold move to pass both Ferraris on the main straight to move into second, setting up an early Mercedes fight at the front.

Behind them, several incidents unfolded, including a spin for Isack Hadjar and a first-lap clash involving Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

Safety Car Shakes Up Strategy

The race’s key strategic moment came on lap 10 when Lance Stroll stopped on track, triggering a Safety Car. Most of the frontrunners pitted for hard tyres, while some midfield runners who had started on hard compounds stayed out.

After the restart Kimi Antonelli maintained the lead, with Hamilton briefly moving up to second before Charles Leclerc and Russell battled through the order.

Mid-Race Battles

Ferrari teammates Hamilton and Leclerc engaged in a fierce fight for the podium places, trading positions several times while Russell eventually broke through to reclaim second place.

Further back, Oliver Bearman and Pierre Gasly impressed again in the midfield, holding strong positions as reliability issues struck several teams. Max Verstappen retired late in the race with a suspected power-unit problem, while McLaren suffered a double non-start after technical issues prevented both cars from joining the race.

Antonelli Holds His Nerve

Despite heavy tyre wear in the closing laps, Antonelli maintained control at the front. A late lock-up briefly reduced his lead, but he managed his tyres to the finish and crossed the line sliding out of the final corner to secure the victory.

The win caps a remarkable weekend for the young Mercedes driver, who also became the youngest Grand Prix pole-sitter in qualifying.

Top 10 – Chinese Grand Prix

  1. Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
  2. George Russell – Mercedes
  3. Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
  4. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
  5. Oliver Bearman – Haas
  6. Pierre Gasly – Alpine
  7. Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
  8. Isack Hadjar – Red Bull
  9. Carlos Sainz – Williams
  10. Franco Colapinto – Alpine

Antonelli’s breakthrough victory marks a major milestone early in the season and signals Mercedes’ return to the front of the Formula 1 field.

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