19-Year-Old Italian Kimi Antonelli Wins Chinese Grand Prix for First F1 Victory

Antonelli finished ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton placed third for Ferrari.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:37pm

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Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian, won his first Formula 1 race on Sunday, driving to victory in the Chinese Grand Prix. Antonelli finished ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell by 5.515 seconds, while Lewis Hamilton placed third for his first podium with Ferrari.

Why it matters

At 19 years old, Antonelli is the second-youngest driver to win a Grand Prix race, behind only Max Verstappen. This victory marks a major milestone in Antonelli's young career and showcases the rising talent in Formula 1.

The details

Antonelli started the race on pole position but briefly lost the lead to the Ferraris at the start. However, he reclaimed the lead on Lap 2 and never looked back, controlling the race from the front. The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suffered electrical failures before the race even started, ending their day early.

  • Antonelli won the pole position in record fashion.
  • Antonelli reclaimed the lead on Lap 2 and never looked back.
  • The race took place on March 15, 2026.

The players

Kimi Antonelli

A 19-year-old Italian driver who won his first Formula 1 race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

George Russell

Antonelli's Mercedes teammate, who finished second in the race and maintains the overall championship lead.

Lewis Hamilton

The Ferrari driver who finished third, earning his first podium with the team.

Toto Wolff

The Mercedes team principal, who was overwhelmed by Antonelli's victory.

Max Verstappen

The current record holder as the youngest driver to win a Grand Prix race.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you so much to my team because they have helped me to achieve this dream.”

— Kimi Antonelli

“It's rarely that I'm overwhelmed but that is such a moment. I think it's [the first victory] maybe come earlier than I thought because last year we said that it's going to be a difficult year with many ups and downs, and mistakes.”

— Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal

What’s next

Formula 1 will next race at the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29. The Bahrain Grand Prix (April 12) and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (April 19) were canceled due to war in the Middle East, and F1 will take a break until the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.

The takeaway

Kimi Antonelli's victory at the Chinese Grand Prix at just 19 years old is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the rising talent in Formula 1 and the potential for young drivers to make an immediate impact on the sport.