Antonelli conquers the Chinese Grand Prix and signs a historic victory with Mercedes

Shanghai, China. – Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli achieved a historic victory this Sunday at the Chinese Grand Prix, the second race of the Formula 1 world championship in the 2026 season.

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The young Mercedes-Benz racer dominated the race held at the Shanghai circuit and became one of the youngest drivers to win a Grand Prix in the history of the category. On the podium he was accompanied by his teammate, the British George Russell, and the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, now a Ferrari driver. The fourth place went to Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), followed by Briton Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Frenchman Pierre Gasly (Alpine). Also scored points were New Zealander Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Frenchman Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. (Williams) and Argentinian Franco Colapinto (Alpine).

A historic triumph for Italy

Antonelli did not hide his emotion after the race, in which he also became the first Italian driver to win a Grand Prix in two decades. "I'm speechless. I'm going to cry," the young driver expressed at the end of the competition. The last Italian to achieve a victory in Formula 1 had been Giancarlo Fisichella in the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Alonso's Retirement

The day was not favorable for all Spanish-speaking drivers. Spaniard Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) retired from the race after 35 laps, while Mexican Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) finished in 15th position. The race was held over 56 laps to complete a total distance of 305.3 kilometers on the Shanghai circuit. The next race of the championship will be the Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 29 at the Suzuka circuit. Subsequently, the calendar will take a break before the Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for May 3.