Anthonyelli secures first F1 Victory in China

March 15, 2026 / 2:11 PM

Sharjah24: Italian youngster Kimi Anthonyelli claimed his first Formula One World Championship title with a victory at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday. He finished ahead of his British Mercedes teammate George Russell, while another Briton, Lewis Hamilton, returned to the podium for the first time since joining Ferrari.

Dominant race from pole position

Anthonyelli, the youngest driver to start from pole, converted his front-row start into a commanding win, also benefiting from the absence of both McLaren drivers, who failed to start the race. Although he briefly lost the lead early on, the 19-year-old regained control and crossed the finish line confidently. Monaco’s Charles Leclerc came fourth in the second Ferrari car.

Hamilton’s strong charge

As in Saturday’s sprint race, Hamilton made a strong start, taking the lead by the first corners. Leclerc also had a powerful launch, overtaking Russell, who began from second position.

Lead changes and safety car interruption

The top four drivers swapped positions several times before a safety car was deployed on lap 11, forcing a pit stop sequence. Once the race resumed, Anthonyelli regained first place ahead of Hamilton, with Leclerc third and Russell fourth.

Russell presses anthonyelli, verstappen retires

By lap 29, Russell, winner of the opening Australian Grand Prix, passed the Ferrari drivers to move into second, attempting to challenge the young Italian leader, who had a roughly seven-second advantage. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen faced a tough start to the season with Red Bull, retiring on lap 46.