RACE REPORT | F1 China 2026

Kimi Antonelli claimed victory in a dramatic Chinese Grand Prix after surviving a tense moment late in the race. The Mercedes driver finished ahead of team-mate George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari.

Antonelli converted pole position into victory at the Shanghai International Circuit following a race that featured several incidents and battles behind him. The Mercedes driver crossed the line ahead of Russell, with Ferrari’s Hamilton completing the podium.

Only 18 drivers took the start. Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were unable to begin the race due to technical issues before the formation lap, while Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon also did not take the start.

Hamilton made an excellent launch when the lights went out and briefly moved into the lead, while Charles Leclerc also got ahead of Russell. Antonelli quickly responded and reclaimed the position on lap two, after which he controlled the race from the front.

The opening laps brought plenty of action in the midfield. Isack Hadjar spun after contact with Oliver Bearman, and several drivers opted for early pit stops as teams reacted to tyre strategies.

A Safety Car was deployed on lap 10 after Lance Stroll retired his Aston Martin. The neutralisation triggered a wave of pit stops that reshuffled the order, although Antonelli managed to remain in the lead.

Following the restart, the main fight developed behind the Mercedes driver. Hamilton and Leclerc battled several times for position, with Russell eventually joining the fight and moving into second place.

Further down the order there were additional incidents. Esteban Ocon received a 10-second penalty after colliding with Franco Colapinto, while Fernando Alonso retired from the race. Max Verstappen also encountered problems later in the race and eventually returned to the pits.

Antonelli remained comfortably in control at the front, although he ran wide briefly with just two laps remaining. Despite the moment, he maintained a safe advantage and secured the victory. Russell finished second to complete a strong result for Mercedes, while Hamilton held on to third place to claim his first podium with Ferrari. Charles Leclerc finished fourth ahead of Oliver Bearman, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar. Carlos Sainz secured ninth place, while Franco Colapinto completed the top ten.

2026 Chinese Grand Prix results:

1st – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2nd – George Russell (Mercedes) – +5.515
3rd – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +25.267
4th – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +28.894
5th – Oliver Bearman (Haas) – +57.268
6th – Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +59.647
7th – Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +1:20.588
8th – Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) – +1:27.247
9th – Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +1 lap
10th – Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – +1 lap
11th – Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – +1 lap
12th – Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – +1 lap
13th – Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – +1 lap
14th – Esteban Ocon (Haas) – +1 lap
15th – Sergio Perez (Cadillac) – +1 lap

DNF – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
DNF – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
DNF – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
DNS – Alexander Albon (Williams)
DNS – Lando Norris (McLaren)
DNS – Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
DNS – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)