The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix will remain a historic moment of the season: Andrea Kimi Antonelli won his very first Formula 1 victory there, becoming at 19 years old one of the youngest winners in history. Mercedes achieved a second consecutive one-two finish, confirming their huge advantage at the start of the 2026 regulatory era.

Having secured pole position the day before, Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) delivered a race of great maturity to win in 1h33’15″607. Despite a slight mistake at the end of the race, the Italian kept his composure to secure a well-deserved victory, the first for an Italian driver in F1 since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006. He also becomes the second youngest Grand Prix winner in Formula 1 history.

George Russell finished 2nd, a little over five seconds behind, giving Mercedes another one-two finish following the one in Australia. The Briton took advantage of the Ferrari battles behind him and a solid race management to consolidate his position as championship leader.

Third place goes to Lewis Hamilton, who achieved his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion fought an intense battle with his teammate Charles Leclerc, coming out ahead to step onto the Chinese podium.

Only 18 cars started the race. The two McLarens (Norris and Piastri) were unable to start due to major electrical problems.

Spectacular Ferrari duels between Hamilton and Leclerc, with no team orders, were one of the highlights of the race.

Max Verstappen retired at the end of the race due to a mechanical problem, confirming a difficult weekend for Red Bull.