SHANGHAI, March 15 — Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula One grand prix victory today in China, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who earned his first podium with Ferrari.
SHANGHAI, March 15 — Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula One grand prix victory today in China, finishing ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, who earned his first podium with Ferrari.
The 19-year-old Antonelli, the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history, converted his pole position into a win after both McLarens failed to start the Shanghai race. Although he briefly lost the lead at the start, Antonelli regained it and controlled the pace to take the chequered flag. Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the second Ferrari.
Hamilton had a strong start in Saturday’s sprint and took the lead early in the race, while Leclerc also launched well, moving ahead of Russell, who started second on the grid. The top four drivers exchanged positions multiple times before a safety car on lap 11 brought them all into the pits.
After the restart, Antonelli led with Hamilton in second, followed by Leclerc and Russell. By lap 29, Russell had passed both Ferraris to move into second, chasing his young Italian teammate, who had built a lead of more than seven seconds.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen endured another disappointing start to the season when he retired his Red Bull on lap 46.
Antonelli was visibly emotional at the finish, celebrating his maiden victory in tears. — AFP
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