KIMI ANTONELLI DOMINATES THE CHINESE GRAND PRIX
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix produced a dramatic race full of problems and surprises. In the end, 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli took a dominant victory and became the first Italian driver to win a Formula 1 race in 20 years.
The race had problems even before it started. Several drivers were unable to take their places on the grid. Lando Norris was supposed to start sixth, but an electronic issue kept his McLaren in the garage after the pit lane closed, forcing him to start from the pit lane. Alexander Albon and Oscar Piastri were also set to start from the pits.
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto initially lined up in the pit lane as well, but the team could not solve the problem with the car and he was forced to retire before the race even began.
When the race started, Lewis Hamilton took the early lead. Rookie Kimi Antonelli quickly moved into second place ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell. However, Antonelli soon took control of the race and overtook Hamilton to become the new leader.
The opening lap was chaotic. Isack Hadjar spun, while Norris, Piastri and Albon were all forced to retire shortly after the start. The early drama already left several drivers out of the race.
A Safety Car was deployed later when Lance Stroll stopped at Turn 1. Most drivers used the opportunity to pit for new tyres, but a few stayed out to try a different strategy.
When the race restarted, the fight at the front continued. Russell lost positions due to a lack of grip, while Hamilton and Leclerc battled hard for second place. The two exchanged positions multiple times during the race.
Further down the field there were more incidents. Esteban Ocon collided with Franco Colapinto, sending both cars into a spin. Ocon later accepted responsibility for the crash and received a 10-second penalty. Fernando Alonso also retired from the race.
Another major retirement came when Max Verstappen was forced to stop due to engine problems, ending his race early.
At the front, Antonelli stayed calm and controlled the race. The young Italian driver continued to set the fastest laps and slowly built a gap to the cars behind him. George Russell eventually secured second place, creating a Mercedes one-two finish.
Lewis Hamilton finished third, scoring his first podium with Ferrari in his 26th race for the team.
Antonelli’s victory was historic. At only 19 years old, he became a Formula 1 race winner and the first Italian driver to win a Grand Prix since Giancarlo Fisichella’s victory at the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.
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