Kimi Antonelli makes history with maiden F1 win in China

March 17 ------ HISTORY was written in Shanghai as Kimi Antonelli claimed the first victory of his Formula 1 career in the Chinese Grand Prix. At just 19 years old and in only his sophomore season, Antonelli became the second-youngest race winner in F1 history, trailing only Max Verstappen, who won at 18.

The Mercedes driver also ended a two-decade wait for Italy, becoming the first Italian to win a Grand Prix since Giancarlo Fisichella triumphed in the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix, six months before Antonelli was even born. Antonelli became the 116th different winner in F1 history, leading home George Russell for a Mercedes one-two finish that flipped the order of their season-opening one-two finish in Australia. “I’m speechless. I’m about to cry, to be honest. Thank you so much to my team, because they helped me to achieve this dream,” Antonelli said. “I’m super happy. I said yesterday I really wanted to bring Italy back on top and we did today, even though I gave myself a little bit of a heart attack towards the end with the flat-spot.” he added.

Bar an early misstep in being surpassed by his Mercedes predecessor Lewis Hamilton in the opening lap, Antonelli looked in complete control when he re-took the race lead just a lap later. A late scare came the young Italian's way with two laps remaining as a lock-up at Turn 14 reduced his nine-second lead by nearly two seconds, and eventually four seconds, briefly giving Russell hope of a late charge. But the wise head on the young Italian's shoulders prevailed, steadying himself in the final few laps to secure the victory by 5.515 seconds.

Behind them, Hamilton ended his two-year podium drought by finishing third in his 26th race for Scuderia Ferrari, edging teammate Charles Leclerc after a fierce on-track duel that saw the pair trade positions multiple times. Further down the order, Ollie Bearman finished fifth, just one place shy of his career-best result, followed by Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Isack Hadjar, Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto, who secured the first top-10 finish of his F1 career.

The race was packed with drama even before the start as both McLaren drivers failed to take the grid due to separate electrical power unit issues affecting Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Similar technical problems also prevented Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon from starting. Trouble continued for Aston Martin, as Lance Stroll stopped on track on Lap 10 to trigger the race’s only Safety Car period, while teammate Fernando Alonso retired later due to severe vibrations. A separate electrical issue forced Verstappen to retire on Lap 46 while running sixth.

Two rounds into the season, Russell still leads the drivers’ championship with 51 points, four ahead of Antonelli. Leclerc sits third with 34 points, just one ahead of Hamilton. Mercedes now leads the constructors’ standings with 98 points, 21 clear of Ferrari. The championship resumes in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit from March 27 to 29.

Source: spin.ph