Italian rookie Kimi Antonelli wins Chinese Grand Prix, becomes 2nd-youngest F1 race winner

ISTANBUL

Italian Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula One driver to take pole position for a full Grand Prix after qualifying fastest for Mercedes in China on Saturday, beating teammate George Russell.

The race was held over 56 laps at China’s 5.4-kilometer Shanghai International Circuit. Starting from pole position, Antonelli finished the race in 1 hour 33 minutes 15.607 seconds to secure the first victory of his Formula 1 career.

The 19-year-old, competing in his second season in the championship, became the second-youngest driver to win a Formula 1 race after Dutch driver Max Verstappen.

Antonelli also became the first Italian driver to win an F1 race since Giancarlo Fisichella’s victory 20 years ago.

His British teammate Russell finished second, 5.515 seconds behind, while Ferrari’s British driver Lewis Hamilton came third, 25.267 seconds behind the leader.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton reached the podium for the first time since the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, marking his first podium finish with Ferrari.

The third round of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix, will take place on Sunday, March 29.