In Shanghai, Antonelli became the youngest ever pole-sitter in F1 history at 19 years, six months, and 18 days old, and converted that into his maiden win with a mature drive in the Grand Prix.

Rosberg, whose first win in F1 also came at the Shanghai International Circuit in 2012, has been a longtime supporter of Antonelli, claiming in the past that the teenager is a 'generational' talent.

In a video posted to Mercedes' social media channels, Rosberg congratulated Antonelli on his first win, and said he was "really emotional" watching a young driver he helped guide through his junior career.

Rosberg said: “Congratulations, really so awesome to follow that.

Antonelli and Rosberg share a connection that dates back to the former's junior career, as Rosberg supported the young Italian during his go-karting days when he was part of the Rosberg Racing Academy.

The 2016 world champion even revealed in May 2025 a financial contribution he made to the young Mercedes driver's rise through the ranks, joking to Sky Sports that the Silver Arrows were being “cheapskates” and not paying up their full budget.

"It was a tiny amount but I had to put in a bit myself. He was one of the best go-karting drivers we have ever seen in the history of go-karting. He has the level of talent like Hamilton, Verstappen,” Rosberg said.

Following his first-ever Grand Prix win in Shanghai, Antonelli is four points off title favourite Russell, with many now wondering whether the 19-year-old can challenge his more seasoned teammate for the 2026 title.

An intra-Mercedes fight for the Drivers' title will not doubt evoke memories of the tense battle between friends-turned-enemies Hamilton and Rosberg, but Toto Wolff is confident the dynamic between his two Mercedes juniors is "totally different."

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