Kimi Antonelli Wins First Grand Prix, Hamilton Earns Ferrari Podium

Mercedes and Ferrari swap positions at the top, with a new youngest GP winner and Lewis Hamilton's first Ferrari podium.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:05pm

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In a reversal of recent results, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, 18, won his first career Grand Prix at the Chinese GP, while Lewis Hamilton finished third for Ferrari, his first podium with the Italian team. Antonelli's teammate George Russell finished second, with the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finishing 3-4. The race saw multiple incidents, including a spin by Lance Stroll that brought out a VSC, and both McLarens failing to start due to pre-race issues.

Why it matters

This race marks a significant milestone for the young Antonelli, who has faced doubts about his readiness for a top Mercedes seat. His victory, at just 18 years old, makes him the second youngest Grand Prix winner in history. Meanwhile, Hamilton's first podium with Ferrari is an important step in his transition to the iconic Italian team after years with Mercedes.

The details

Antonelli and Russell had initially allowed the Ferraris to pass them at the start, but regained the 1-2 positions by the end of the opening lap. Antonelli then led every lap, benefiting from an early VSC period that allowed for a one-stop strategy for most drivers. Russell fell to fifth after a mistake on the lap 14 restart but fought back to finish second. Hamilton, in his first season with Ferrari, earned his first podium for the team, finishing ahead of his teammate Leclerc.

  • The race took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026 in China.
  • A VSC period occurred on lap 11 due to a spin by Lance Stroll.
  • The lap 14 restart saw Russell fall to fifth position.

The players

Kimi Antonelli

An 18-year-old Italian driver who won his first career Grand Prix with the Mercedes team.

George Russell

Antonelli's Mercedes teammate, who finished second after a mistake on the lap 14 restart.

Lewis Hamilton

The seven-time champion is in his first season with Ferrari and earned his first podium for the team with a third-place finish.

Toto Wolff

The Mercedes team principal who defended the decision to bring the young Antonelli into the top Mercedes seat.

Lance Stroll

The Aston Martin driver whose lap 11 spin brought out the VSC period.

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What they’re saying

“'He is too young.' 'We shouldn't put him in a Mercedes. Put him in a smaller team. He needs the experience. Look at the mistakes he made.' Here we go, Kimi, Victory.”

— Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal

“I'm speechless. I'm about to cry, to be honest, but thank you so much to my team, because they helped me to achieve this dream.”

— Kimi Antonelli

What’s next

The FIA will review whether any penalties are warranted for the incidents during the race.

The takeaway

Antonelli's victory at just 18 years old silences the doubters who questioned his readiness for a top Mercedes seat, while Hamilton's first Ferrari podium marks an important milestone in his transition to the iconic Italian team.