Antonelli clinches Chinese GP victory, Hamilton third

BEIJING: Rookie sensation Kimi Antonelli, 19, claimed a stunning first career Formula 1 victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, while Lewis Hamilton secured a hard-fought third place for Ferrari.

Antonelli, driving a Mercedes, finished 5.515 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell, taking control early in the race after briefly losing the lead to the Ferraris on the opening lap. He reclaimed first place on Lap 2 and dominated the rest of the race, becoming the second-youngest F1 winner in history, behind Max Verstappen.

Hamilton’s podium came after an intense battle with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, with the pair exchanging positions multiple times before Hamilton emerged in third. Leclerc ultimately finished fourth.

The race was rocked before it even began, as McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri suffered catastrophic electrical failures, ruling both out before the green flag.

Antonelli, visibly emotional after the race, thanked his team, saying, “Thank you so much to my team because they have helped me achieve this dream.”

Despite finishing second, Russell retains the championship lead, holding a four-point advantage over Antonelli after a season-opening win in Australia.

Rounding out the top 10 were Oliver Bearman (Haas), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), Carlos Sainz (Williams), and Franco Colapinto (Alpine).

Formula 1 now turns to the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, with Antonelli looking to build on his remarkable debut season.