From Rookie to Hero: Antonelli heads Mercedes 1-2 in drama-filled Chinese GP

Teen prodigy Kimi Antonelli stormed to a landmark win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, becoming Formula 1’s second-youngest race winner and restoring Grand Prix glory to Italy after a 20-year drought .

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver briefly lost the lead to Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton at the start but quickly regained control and dominated the race thereafter. Antonelli crossed the line in 1:32:47.845 , finishing comfortably ahead of teammate George Russell , who was 6.214 seconds behind , while Hamilton secured third at +11.903 seconds for his first full Grand Prix podium with Ferrari .

Only Max Verstappen has won at a younger age. Antonelli also became the first Italian victor since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.

Behind the leader, Russell fought a gripping multi-lap duel with Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton , including minor contact between the teammates. Leclerc finished fourth , followed by Oliver Bearman , Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson , while Max Verstappen retired after a power failure while running sixth .

The race was overshadowed by a disastrous day for McLaren, as neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri could start due to separate electrical faults, triggering a joint investigation with engine supplier Mercedes. Multiple teams suffered reliability issues under the new regulations.

The event also took place amid wider uncertainty after Formula 1 cancelled upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to Middle East tensions.

Antonelli’s breakthrough triumph, Mercedes’ dominance and widespread technical drama made Round 2 one of the season’s most compelling races so far.