Kimi Antonelli takes first F1 win in China with teammate Russell second

Kimi Antonelli Wins Formula One Grand Prix in China

A 19-year-old Italian driver has secured his first Formula One victory at the Shanghai circuit, taking advantage of a dramatic collapse by McLaren’s drivers. The young Antonelli converted his pole position into a historic win, ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli expressed his gratitude to fans over the radio after crossing the finish line, saying “Thank you, everyone. Thank you so much. You made me achieve one of my dreams.” He also acknowledged that he was “speechless” and on the verge of tears during his first interview as a winner.

The victory marked Mercedes’ second consecutive one-two, following Russell’s lead in the Australian opener last weekend. Antonelli briefly lost the lead at the start but regained control and cruised to the finish.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished fourth, while Hamilton secured a podium for the team. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was forced to retire on lap 46 due to car issues. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to start the race.

Other results included Haas’ Oliver Bearman in fifth place, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly sixth, and Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson seventh. Isack Hadjar took eighth for Red Bull, while Carlos Sainz finished ninth for Williams. Franco Colapinto scored his first points of the season with a 10th-place finish for Alpine.

Formula One Chief Executive Stefano Domenicali congratulated Antonelli before the podium celebrations and the playing of the Italian national anthem.

Source: Al Jazeera