It was a really special moment that will remain in the minds of F1 fans forever. 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli, who is the latest wonder of F1, was captured in a video weeping after winning the Chinese GP 2026. The young Italian star, who was only on his second race for Mercedes, gave an amazing performance from pole position to become the second youngest winner in the history of F1. When the realisation of this achievement took over him, the normally calm teenager lost his composure and was heard over the team radio crying, We did it! We did it! while the engineers were rejoicing in the coming of a new era.
Kimi Antonelli leads a Mercedes 1-2 in Shanghai!
Here are your points-scorers after a thrilling race 👇#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/pPRrqN3Yeq
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2026
F1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 Result
| Event | Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix 2026 |
| Winner | Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) |
| Runner-Up | George Russell (Mercedes) |
| Third Place | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) |
| Venue | Shanghai International Circuit, China |
| Race Duration | 56 Laps |
A Historic Win Amid High-Stakes Pressure for Kimi
Kimi’s emotional outburst came after a tough race against Hamilton, who got off the line very quickly. Antonelli lost the lead to the Ferrari snapper at the first corner, but he reacted very well to regain the lead the next lap. The 19-year-old scouted the Safety Car period, and the last stage tyre-graining with great precision and eventually finished 5. 5 seconds in front of his teammate George Russell.
An emotional day for Kimi! 🥹#F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/PnhvRgTxbv
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2026
He sat there in his car, head in hands, as he was absorbing the fact that he had just won his first Grand Prix. Antonelli has become the youngest Italian F1 winner and the first Italian on the podium since 2009. Furthermore, the win is a great start for the Mercedes 2026 regulations as it marks their second back-to-back 1-2 finish this season.
Hamilton Joins The Celebration With Maiden Ferrari Podium
While Antonelli was the centre of attention, the podium presentation was just as historic for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion ended up finishing third, which was his first podium appearance in a Ferrari car. Hamilton was one of the first to congratulate Antonelli, whom he warmly hugged. The teenager also happened to be the one who replaced him at Mercedes.
The event naturally had its casualties, as both McLaren vehicles were unable to start due to technical problems, and the defending champion, Max Verstappen, experienced a complete power unit failure whilst he was in the top six. For Antonelli, though, his tears in Shanghai are a sign of a “passing of the torch, ” as he is now only four points behind Russell in the Drivers’ Championship standings and the two of them will meet for the next round.
Also Read – F1 Chinese GP Result: Kimi Antonelli Wins Maiden Race as Lewis Hamilton Seals First Ferrari Podium
