Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli wins his first Formula One grand prix in China, leading a Mercedes 1-2 ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
SHANGHAI: Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli secured his maiden Formula One victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 19-year-old Italian converted his record as the youngest-ever pole-sitter into a commanding win ahead of teammate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli briefly lost the lead at the start but quickly regained control of the race.
He managed the pace expertly to take the chequered flag, with Charles Leclerc finishing fourth in the second Ferrari.
Hamilton, who secured his first podium for Ferrari, made another strong start as he had in Saturday’s sprint race.
He took the lead through the opening complex of corners, while Leclerc also launched well to pass Russell from the grid.
The top four engaged in a fierce battle with multiple position changes in the early stages.
A safety car intervention on lap 11 brought the leading drivers into the pits for tyre changes.
When racing resumed, Antonelli led from Hamilton, with Leclerc third and Russell fourth.
Russell fought his way past both Ferraris by lap 29 to move into second place.
He then set off in pursuit of his teammate, who had built a lead of over seven seconds.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen’s difficult start to the season continued as Red Bull told him to retire his car on lap 46.
Antonelli was overcome with emotion after taking victory, celebrating with tears on the podium.
The race was dramatically affected before it began when both McLaren cars failed to start.
