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Kimi Antonelli secured the first victory of his Formula One career after winning the Chinese Grand Prix and leading teammate George Russell to a Mercedes one-two finish in Shanghai.
"I am speechless. I want to cry to be honest," Antonelli said after the race.
The 19-year-old Italian became the second-youngest race winner in Formula One history with a composed drive from pole position. The victory moves him to within four points of Russell in the championship standings. "I said yesterday that I really want to bring Italy back on top, and I did that today," Antonelli added.
Antonelli briefly lost the lead at the start after Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton made a strong launch from third on the grid to take the lead into the first corner. However, the Mercedes driver responded quickly and reclaimed the position on the following lap.
Russell also fought his way back through the field after losing places early on. He passed Charles Leclerc and Hamilton to move into second place as the two Mercedes cars began to pull away from the Ferraris.
The race was briefly neutralised on lap 10 after Lance Stroll's Aston Martin stopped on track, bringing out the safety car. The leading drivers pitted for fresh tyres before racing resumed.
Antonelli maintained his lead at the restart, while Russell had to recover after losing positions during the pit sequence and early laps. He eventually worked his way back into second place but was unable to close the gap to his teammate.
Behind them, Ferrari teammates Hamilton and Leclerc produced one of the race's most exciting battles as they repeatedly swapped positions in a fight for the final podium spot.
Hamilton eventually secured third place, marking his first podium finish since joining Ferrari and his first since the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Elsewhere, defending world champion Max Verstappen retired late in the race due to a mechanical issue after a difficult weekend. McLaren also suffered a disappointing day, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri unable to start the race due to technical problems before the race began.
Antonelli remained calm in the closing laps despite a brief lock-up near the end of the race. "I gave myself a heart attack at the end, but it was a good race," he said.
The teenager crossed the line 5.5 seconds ahead of Russell to secure his maiden Formula One victory and confirm his arrival as one of the sport's rising stars.
