Kimi Antonelli converted pole position into victory in the Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit after a race full of incidents and battles behind him. The Mercedes driver finished ahead of team-mate George Russell, with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.

Only 18 drivers started the race. Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were unable to start after technical problems before the race, while Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon also did not take the start.

Lewis Hamilton made the best launch when the lights went out and briefly led the race, with Charles Leclerc also moving ahead of Russell. Antonelli quickly responded and took the lead on lap two, from which point he controlled the race.

The early laps brought plenty of action in the midfield. Isack Hadjar spun after an incident with Oliver Bearman, while several drivers began 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 series of pit stops that shuffled the order, although Antonelli managed to retain the lead.

After the restart, the main battle developed behind the leader. Hamilton and Leclerc fought for position several times, with Russell eventually joining the fight and moving up to second place.

Further down the order there were several 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 in control at the front, although he briefly ran wide with just two laps remaining. Despite the moment, he kept a comfortable 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)