Chinese Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli Wins Historic Race In Shanghai As Lewis Hamilton Makes Podium

 

Kimi Antonelli has emerged as the quickest driver to cross the finish line at the Chinese Grand Prix, making him the youngest driver to win a F1 Grand Prix, after the previous record set for the feat by the retired Ferrari driver, Sebastian Vettel. 

Mercedes claimed a one-two podium finish with Antonelli holding onto his pole position to finish fastest in 1:33:15.607 seconds. Meanwhile, defending champion Lando Norris had a disappointing day in Shanghai. The McLaren driver retired from the race, following a defect believed to be an electronic failure. Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, did not start the race. 

Antonelli enjoyed dominance through the laps as the Ferraris, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc battled for podium positions through the laps. Initially, George Russell trailed the Ferrari duo until Lap 27. The Broton overtook the pair and improved to P2. 

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was another driver who retired from the race. Verstappen had a slow start on the grip and later spun on Lap 2 after running over the curb. However, oncoming Isack Hadjar made an evasive action to avoid a collision with the Red Bull driver. 

Hamilton ended his podium drought, edging Leclerc to finish in third. The Ferrari driver has not made a podium appearance for Ferrari since joining the team last season, and his 10th podium appearance in Shanghai is the most for an F1 driver in China. 

See below for the Chinese Grand Prix Top 10

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)... 1:33:15.607s 

2. George Russell (Mercedes)

3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 

5. Oliver Bearman (Haas)

6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 

7.  Liam Lawson (Racing Bull)

8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)

9. Carlos Sainz (William)

10. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)