F1 Today: Antonelli claims maiden win, Hamilton ends podium drought

The Chinese Grand Prix put the spotlight on some chaotic scenes, with a largely tumultuous pre-race sequence unfolding at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Four drivers, including the McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Williams Racing’s Alex Albon, all failed to start the race due to technical issues. However, when the race began, it was Antonelli who stormed to victory in front of the capacity crowd in Shanghai.

Antonelli continued Mercedes’ dominant start to the 2026 season with a stunning victory at the Chinese GP. The 19-year-old, who was on pole, briefly saw Hamilton’s Ferrari surge into the lead on the opening lap.

While the Italian driver battled past the seven-time champion to reclaim the lead, teammate George Russell was also overtaken by Charles Leclerc. Antonelli clinched first place ahead of Russell, with Hamilton completing the podium.

The race win saw Antonelli become the second-youngest race winner in F1 history – 19 years, 6 months, and 18 days, only behind Max Verstappen, who won in 2016 at 18 years, 7 months, and 15 days.

Hamilton could barely hide his excitement after claiming his maiden podium with Ferrari. The podium, which came after 26 races with the team, ended the streak that had made him the driver with the longest run without a podium for the Italian outfit.

The 41-year-old also admitted how delighted he was that his podium coincided with Antonelli standing on the top step for the first time at the Chinese Grand Prix.

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