Kimi Antonelli entered the world championship fight after he became Formula One's second youngest winner in history with victory at Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix - as Lewis Hamilton claimed the first podium of his Ferrari career.
Antonelli, 19 years and 202 days, delivered a composed drive from pole position at the Shanghai International Circuit to dislodge Sebastian Vettel in the all-time list and enter the record books behind only Max Verstappen.
George Russell finished runner-up, 5.5 seconds behind his Mercedes team-mate - a result that will serve as a warning to the British driver that he will not have it all his own way in his bid for a maiden world crown. Behind the all-conquering Silver Arrows, Hamilton, who briefly led, finished third following a fascinating duel with Charles Leclerc in the other scarlet car, to end a 477-day wait for a podium and his first in Ferrari colours.
British driver Ollie Bearman, 20, impressed to finish fifth for Haas. World champion Lando Norris' afternoon was over before it even started after an electrical problem ruled him out of the race. On a nightmare day for McLaren, a mechanical issue meant Oscar Piastri also failed to enter the race. Max Verstappen also did not get to the chequered flag after he broke down from sixth place with 10 laps remaining.
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F1 CHINESE GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Kimi Antonelli wins the Chinese Grand Prix; Russell 2nd; Hamilton 3rd
- OUT! Max Verstappen retires with 10 laps left
- SWAP! Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc battle intensely at the front
- OUT! Both McLaren cars, Norris and Piastri, fail to take to the start line
- F1 cancels races in Bahrain (12 April) and Saudi (19 April)
Fernando Alonso on the 'show':
16:00 , Kieran Jackson“Four cars didn’t start – that’s probably the worst spectacle you can have,” Alonso said.
“The starts are fun, it was in Australia too. When we all have the same battery level on the first lap, full, the car gets a good start.
“But then we enter the world championship of battery life, and there we’re not as good as the others.”
Driver Standings after two rounds:
14:00 , Kieran Jackson1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 51 points
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 47 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 34 points
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 33 points
5. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 17 points
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 15 points
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 9 points
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 8 points
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 8 points
10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
11. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
12. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 3 points
13. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points
14. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 2 points
15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1 point
16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 0 points
17. Alex Albon (Williams) - 0 points
18. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 0 points
19. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 0 points
20. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 0 points
21. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points
Oscar Piastri, after his pre-race retirement:
13:00 , Kieran Jackson“Once I got out of the car, not exactly sure what it is but we know it’s an electrical issue on the PU side, disappointing.
“It’s been a while since I’ve watched two F1 races from the sidelines, the Ferraris look pretty quick, we’ll see how long that lasts.”
Onboard camera footage reveals Fernando Alonso’s horrid ‘vibrations’ in Aston Martin car
12:00 , Kieran JacksonFernando Alonso says he “lost feeling in his hands and feet” as the extremities of the Aston Martin F1 car vibrations were laid bare at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Before the first race in Australia last week, Aston team principal Adrian Newey admitted that Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll were concerned about “permanent nerve damage”, such was the violent shaking of the AMR26.
On Sunday, Alonso was running towards the back of the field when he retired with 21 laps to go, citing “discomfort due to the vibrations of the car” as Aston’s problems with engine supplier Honda continue.
Full detail below:
Onboard camera footage reveals Alonso’s horrid ‘vibrations’ in Aston Martin car
RACE REPORT: Kimi Antonelli claims emotional first F1 victory in China with Lewis Hamilton on podium
11:00 , Kieran JacksonKimi Antonelli entered the world championship fight after he became Formula One’s second youngest winner in history with victory at Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix – as Lewis Hamilton claimed the first podium of his Ferrari career.
Antonelli, 19 years and 202 days, delivered a composed drive from pole position at the Shanghai International Circuit to dislodge Sebastian Vettel in the all-time list and enter the record books behind only Max Verstappen.
George Russell finished runner-up, 5.5 seconds behind his Mercedes team-mate – a result that will serve as a warning to the British driver that he will not have it all his own way in his bid for a maiden world crown.
Full report below:
Kimi Antonelli claims maiden Grand Prix victory with win in China
Kimi Antonelli's dad, Marco, speaking to Sky Sports:
10:30 , Kieran Jackson“We try to give the best for my son, this is a big job. I can say only thank you, no words to say.
On potential title tilt: “I don’t know honestly, Kimi is young, but not perfect in this moment, a good driver of course.
“The experience is very important, George is a super driver with a lot of speed, it’s difficult to beat him.
The championship is long, this race Kimi did a good job but George was behind the Ferraris, Kimi had a lot of gaps, we need to see when they’re very close.
“For sure he’s grown up - he needs support in the bad moments, with Mercedes he’s in the best position, when something not good happens, the family is important.”
Lewis Hamilton, after his third-place finish:
10:10 , Kieran Jackson“A huge congratulations to Kimi, so so happy for you buddy, so honoured to share this moment for him, he took my seat at this team, we have a lot of work to do catch up.
“I had great fun, it was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had i a long time, if ever. The way the cars are this year, great wheel-to-wheel battles with Charles, very fair, we’ve just got to keep pushing.
On Leclerc battles: “There was one moment we did touch but it was subtle, just a kiss. This is what it’s about, tough racing, got to say a huge thank you to everyone back at Maranello to get us in this position.
“It’s not exactly where we want to be but we have a great platform to work on, full gas.”
George Russell, after finishing second:
09:53 , Kieran Jackson“Huge congratulations to Kimi, very special to win your first race, he’s been driving amazing this weekend, happy to be standing on the podium with him.
“It was a tough battle but the one-two again is all we could ask for.”
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff 'overwhelmed' after Antonelli win:
09:25 , Kieran Jackson“That podium was one of the best moments I’ve ever had. The three of them, with Bono in the middle, been with Lewis forever and taking over Kimi, to be honest, it’s rare that I’m overwhelmed but that was such a moment.
“I think it’s come earlier than I thought, ups and downs last year, mistakes. Bang, second race, he controlled it at the front, he’s a bit better than the trajectory we thought.
“He was quite calm and jovial before the race, on the grid you see the eyes, a feature of the champions.”
Kimi Antonelli in tears after his first grand prix win:
09:00 , Kieran Jackson“I'm speechless and about to cry to be honest. Thank you to my team, they've helped me to achieve this dream.
“I’m super happy, said it yesterday I really wanted to bring Italy back on top, we did it today, gave myself a bit of a heart attack at the end but it was a good race.
“It was not an easy start, the end, the pace was good and we managed to bring it home.
“We’re just a the beginning, we have to keep pushing, George is very strong, it’ll take a lot to beat him, it’s a great opportunity to work with him, I’m learning a lot.
“Looking forward to the season now and we’ll see where we end up at the end of the year.”
Time for the podium!
08:56 , Kieran JacksonThe wonders of the Italian national anthem on the podium as Antonelli celebrates his first grand prix win!
A first podium in red for the man he replaced, too, in Lewis Hamilton. And his ex-engineer Peter Bonnington, now in charge of Antonelli, joins the top-three on the podium.
Quite the sight...
Top-10 in the Chinese Grand Prix
08:52 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - winner
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +5.515
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +25.267
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +28.894
5. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +57.268
6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +59.647
7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) +80,588
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +87.247
9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1 lap
10. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +1 lap
Joyous scenes in the pit-lane
08:46 , Kieran JacksonKimi Antonelli embraces his Mercedes team and his very proud father!
What a lovely moment for the 19-year-old.
Russell embraces his teammate too...
Lewis Hamilton on team radio:
08:42 , Kieran Jackson“Fantastic job guys, really well done, keep pushing back in Maranello, we have work to do, let’s keep pushing, Forza Ferrari!”
George Russell on team radio:
08:39 , Kieran Jackson“Well done team, well done Kimi!”
Kimi Antonelli:
08:39 , Kieran Jackson“Yes man, we did it, we did it!!”
Engineer Peter Bonnington: “First race win, this is one you’ll remember!”
Kimi Antonelli wins the Chinese Grand Prix
08:38 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli weaves on the home straight as he seals his first-ever win in Formula 1!
All smiles in the Mercedes garage, with Antonelli’s dad beaming in the background!
George Russell takes second - and Lewis Hamilton claims his first podium for Ferrari!
4-10: Leclerc, Bearman, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Sainz, Colapinto
Kimi Antonelli starts final lap (Lap 56/56)
08:37 , Kieran JacksonWhat a moment for the 19-year-old Italian - he starts his final lap with a 7-second lead to Russell.
First-ever F1 win incoming...
Kimi Antonelli goes wide (Lap 54/56)
08:33 , Kieran JacksonNervy moment for the teenager!
Antonelli locks up at turn 14 - with no cars around him - but gets his car back on track.
Gap goes down to 7 seconds to Russell. He should still be fine.
Antonelli’s engineer Peter Bonnington: “3 laps left, let’s just get this thing home.”
Hamilton now three seconds clear (Lap 50/56)
08:27 , Kieran JacksonA first Ferrari podium is on for the seven-time world champion - he now has a three-second lead on his teammate Leclerc.
Out in front, Antonelli’s lead now stands at 9.5 seconds to Russell. Only a safety car now could jeopardise his first win!
Top-10: Antonelli, Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, Bearman, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Sainz, Colapinto
Max Verstappen told to retire (Lap 46/56)
08:22 , Kieran JacksonMax Verstappen, running in sixth, has a problem with his Red Bull car and has been told to retire!
He’s going to get the car back to the pits but he is OUT.
Jeez....
Hamilton extends lead to Leclerc (Lap 43/56)
08:18 , Kieran JacksonIs Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari podium drawing closer?
Thirteen laps left and Hamilton is now 1.6 seconds ahead of his teammate.
Out in front, Antonelli is now 7 seconds clear of Russell - he’s on course for his first grand prix win!
Will we have some drama in the closing stages, though?
Leclerc on team radio:
08:13 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc: “This is actually quite a fun battle.”
Engineer: “I’m glad.”
Aston Martin:
08:12 , Kieran Jackson“Fernando has retired from the Chinese GP due to discomfort from vibrations.”
Oh dear...
Leclerc and Hamilton switch places (Lap 40/56)
08:12 , Kieran JacksonGreat stuff!
Leclerc takes third at turn 14 but, having used all his battery, Hamilton takes it back at turn 1!
As you were...
Antonelli leads by 6.8 seconds (Lap 39/56)
08:10 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli comfortable but Russell is gradually cutting his teammates lead.
Meanwhile, Leclerc is still within a second of Hamilton but the Brit is holding third for now.
Top-10: Antonelli, Russell, Leclerc, Bearman, Verstappen, Gasly, Lawson, Hadjar, Sainz
Hamilton takes third place (Lap 36/56)
08:05 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc locks up at turn 14 - and Hamilton takes third place down the inside!
The Monegasque battles back at turn 1 but the Brit keeps his spot.
Can he keep third for that elusive podium?
Lewis Hamilton on team radio:
08:04 , Kieran JacksonHamilton: “I have no power, get me something. Out of the last corner, I had no power!”
Engineer: “Negative, we are looking into that.”
Fernando Alonso retires (Lap 35/56)
08:03 , Kieran JacksonBoth Aston Martin cars now out, with Alonso now withdrawn from the race.
Just 16 cars now out on track...
Ocon and Colapinto collide (Lap 34/56)
08:02 , Kieran JacksonThe pair collide at the sweeping turn one - and both spin!
Nightmare for both!
Damage on Ocon’s Haas....
Russell takes second (Lap 30/56)
07:58 , Kieran JacksonUltimately, Mercedes have too much power!
Russell takes second place on the back straight and, this time, Leclerc cannot fight it.
Back to a Mercedes one-two. Antonelli’s lead? Eight seconds.
Top-10: Antonelli, Russell, Leclerc, Hamilton, Bearman, Verstappen, Gasly, Colapinto, Hulkenberg, Lawson
George Russell on team radio:
07:53 , Kieran Jackson“Man they’re just fast in all the right places!”
Russell frustrated behind Leclerc in third...
Thrilling racing (Lap 27/56)
07:52 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc and Hamilton switch places for second and the Monegasque eventually keeps second - no team orders at Ferrari!
And then Russell takes advantage on the back straight to get Hamilton for third place on the back straight.
Wow!
Hamilton battles with Leclerc (Lap 26/56)
07:49 , Kieran JacksonHamilton looks to pass his teammate at turn 1 - and do they touch at turn 2?!
Russell just lingering behind in fourth.
Leclerc keeps second, for now.
Antonelli, meanwhile, now five seconds down the road.
Charles Leclerc takes second (Lap 25/56)
07:46 , Kieran JacksonLeclerc finds some pace and takes Hamilton at the end of the lap!
Hamilton is going to fight this though!
FULL STORY: McLaren retire both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri before Chinese GP in early-season disaster
07:43 , Kieran JacksonLando Norris and Oscar Piastri did not take to the start line at the Chinese Grand Prix in an early-season disaster for McLaren.
Norris’s car, which was meant to start in sixth, missed the usual pre-race reconnaissance laps, as the reigning world champions looked to fix an electrical issue and start from the pit-lane.
Yet there was further shock when Oscar Piastri’s car – fifth on the grid – was wheeled into the garage just five minutes before lights out, with the Australian also encountering an electrical issue.
McLaren retire both Norris and Piastri before Chinese GP in early-season disaster
Antonelli holding off Hamilton (Lap 21/56)
07:42 , Kieran JacksonMercedes’ tyres have warmed up and Antonelli is now 1.5 seconds ahead of Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Russell is now closing in on Leclerc for third place.
5-10: Bearman, Colapinto, Verstappen, Ocon, Hulkenberg, Gasly
Lewis Hamilton on team radio:
07:36 , Kieran JacksonHamilton: “Need more power mate.”
Engineer: “We’re on it.”
Leclerc into top-three (Lap 17/56)
07:34 , Kieran JacksonFerrari using their pace and now, Leclerc is up to P3.
Hamilton is within a second of Antonelli....
Aston Martin on Stroll:
07:33 , Kieran Jackson“Lance’s car had a suspected battery issue. We will conduct further investigations.”
Leclerc overtakes Russell (Lap 15/56)
07:32 , Kieran JacksonIssues for the championship leader, who now loses fifth place to Charles Leclerc on the home straight.
Russell: “We’ve got no f****** grip.”
Hamilton, meanwhile, takes second place, getting ahead of Colapinto and Ocon.
Can he chase down Antonelli?!
Antonelli keeps lead at the start (Lap 14/56)
07:29 , Kieran JacksonComfortable for Antonelli with an Alpine behind him - but Hamilton takes fourth from Russell - hell of a move!
How long can Colapinto and Ocon in second and third stave off the frontrunners?
Safety car ending
07:28 , Kieran JacksonBig moment for Kimi Antonelli - how will he get away at the restart?
Safety car (Lap 13/56)
07:26 , Kieran JacksonStill behind the safety car as they remove Stroll’s car at turn one.
Think we should be racing soon...
Frontrunners pit
07:23 , Kieran JacksonChaos in the pit-lane as the frontrunners pit - Antonelli keeps the lead while Russell drops to fourth, behind Colapinto and Ocon (who haven’t pitted) and he just gets out ahead of Hamilton in the pit-lane.
Top-10: Antonelli, Colapinto, Ocon, Russell, Hamilton, Lindblad, Leclerc, Hulkenberg, Gasly, Bearman
Lance Stroll stops on track at turn 1
07:20 , Kieran JacksonProblems for Aston Martin continue - Stroll has stopped at turn 1!
And that’s a safety car! Will the frontrunners stop?
Ferrari losing ground to Mercedes
07:19 , Kieran JacksonHamilton now trails Russell by 3.5 seconds - and the Briton has already voiced over radio that he can’t keep up with his former team.
Bit of a battle for eighth place further back between the RB teammates of Lawson and Lindblad.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, is heading to the media pen in the paddock. He hasn’t taken to the start line so far this year in a grand prix!
Antonelli increases lead (Lap 6/56)
07:14 , Kieran JacksonAfter those early moves, the race has just settled down a bit.
Antonelli building his lead to 1.5 seconds, with Hamilton 1.9 seconds behind Russell in second.
4-10: Leclerc, Gasly, Colapinto, Ocon, Lawson, Lindblad, Verstappen
Russell takes second (Lap 4/56)
07:11 , Kieran JacksonMercedes’ power on the straights is just exceptional!
Russell cruises past Hamilton on the main straight with the Ferrari driver powerless to stop it.
Back to a Mercedes one-two, with Anotnelli one second ahead of his teammate.
Kimi Antonelli takes the lead (Lap 2/56)
07:09 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli storms past Hamilton down the back straight with his boost and stronger engine.
And, similarly, Russell takes third from Leclerc.
Verstappen, meanwhile, has dropped from eighth to 12th!
Top-10: Antonelli, Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc, Gasly, Colapinto, Lawson, Ocon, Lindblad, Sainz
Norris and Piastri confirmed out
07:07 , Kieran JacksonA disaster for McLaren: neither car will take part in this race.
And that’s a second race in which Piastri hasn’t taken part in... gosh.
Lewis Hamilton takes the lead
07:06 , Kieran JacksonHamilton storms off the line and takes first around the outside - what a start!
Charles Leclerc is up to third, with Russell down to fourth.
Ferrari take the lead!
Bortoleto out
07:03 , Kieran JacksonThe Brazilian is out of the car - and out of the race!
Both McLarens still in the garage as the cars take to the grid...
Formation lap
07:01 , Kieran JacksonKimi Antonelli, chasing his first grand prix victory, leads the cars away then for the formation lap - the top four all on mediums, Max Verstappen in eighth on softs!
Alex Albon and Gabriel Bortoleto start from the pit-lane. What about the McLarens? They’re both still in the garage..
McLaren:
07:00 , Kieran Jackson“We also identified an issue on Oscar's car, which means we were unable to start the car from the grid. We have now returned the car to the garage to further investigate the issue there.”
Oscar Piastri in the garage as well
06:59 , Kieran JacksonOh my word - McLaren have wheeled Piastri into the garage too!
Does he have the same issue as Norris? Will either car start?!
A reminder of the grid:
06:58 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:32:064
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.222
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.351
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.364
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.486
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.544*
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +0.809
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.938
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1.057
10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1.228
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 1:33:354
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1:33:357
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1:33:538
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:765
15. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:784
16. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 1:33:965
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1:34:317
18. Alex Albon (Williams) - 1:34:772
19. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:35:203
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 1:35:436
21. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1:35:995
22. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1:36:906
Chinese Grand Prix
06:55 , Kieran JacksonAmid the drama with Lando Norris’s car - it still remains to be seen whether he’ll take part in this race - Kimi Antonelli is looking cool at the front of the grid.
He’s had two bad starts off the line - can he fend off teammate George Russell and the Ferraris behind?
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have had terrific launches, can one of them get the lead?
We’re about to find out!
Race odds
06:52 , Kieran JacksonChinese GP winner:
- George Russell - 8/13
- Kimi Antonelli - 7/4
- Lewis Hamilton - 9/1
- Charles Leclerc - 12/1
- Lando Norris - 50/1
- Oscar Piastri - 50/1
- Max Verstappen - 70/1
Max Verstappen, who starts P8:
06:50 , Kieran Jackson“I hope we can be ahead of the Alpine - the other cars ahead are too fast, realistically is P7 or P6, I don’t know what happened to Lando - we’ll have a look.”
Time for the Chinese national anthem
06:46 , Kieran JacksonAll 22 drivers are at the start of the grid for the home national anthem in Shanghai!
McLaren on Norris:
06:43 , Kieran JacksonMcLaren: “No [we won’t make the grid] as the pit-exit is closed. We’re still working to rectify the issue.”
A reminder of the grid:
06:39 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:32:064
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.222
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.351
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.364
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.486
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.544*
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +0.809
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.938
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1.057
10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1.228
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 1:33:354
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1:33:357
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1:33:538
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:765
15. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:784
16. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 1:33:965
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1:34:317
18. Alex Albon (Williams) - 1:34:772
19. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:35:203
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 1:35:436
21. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1:35:995
22. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1:36:906
*Norris is now set to start from the pit-lane, if he starts the race at all.
Lando Norris has an issue
06:35 , Kieran JacksonNorris has missed the laps to the grid and his car still sits in the garage!
McLaren statement: “We had identified an issue on the electronics side, which is why we had removed the floor and checked a number of parts.
“We believe we have rectified the issue and the team are now in final preparations for the race.”
Kimi Antonelli after claiming pole:
06:30 , Kieran Jackson“It was a pretty clean session, really happy, unfortunately George had an issue in Q3 - but it was a really good session, no mistakes, looking forward to the race.
“I just tried to keep my focus, stay calm, and deliver a good lap.”
Antonelli pips Sebastian Vettel’s record as the youngest-ever pole-sitter...
George Russell: 'It was damage limitation'
06:15 , Kieran JacksonOn qualifying issues: “Damage limitation, Q2 the front wing broke, went out in Q3, car wasn’t restarting, really happy to be standing here. Start of the last lap, had no tyre temp, no battery, so it could have been much worse.
On race: “We need to take care of the guys in red as well. Lewis is going to be pretty dicey at the beginning of the race, put on a good race to the fans.”
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified third:
06:00 , Kieran Jackson“It was a really tough qualifying, bit harder with the wind, so gusty today. These guys put in great laps, really happy to be up here, they’ve been rapid so far this season.
“We did some great work over the break and we managed to get a little bit closer to these guys, that’s a real positive.”
On race: “Still going to be a challenge, I’m sure we’ll have some fun, looking forward to it. Our goal is try and break the gap between these two.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff:
04:00 , Kieran Jackson“Many said the kid was too young to be in Mercedes, now he’s the youngest pole-sitter. I’m so happy for Kimi to be on pole.
On race: “Let’s see how they get away from the start, Ferrari will be pushing like crazy like Melbourne and today.”
On Russell’s issue: “It looks electrical. I didn’t think it was going out but to my surprise, we went out.”
Constructor standings after Chinese GP sprint
02:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Mercedes - 55 points
2. Ferrari - 40 points
3. McLaren - 18 points
4. Red Bull - 8 points
5. Haas - 7 points
6. Racing Bulls - 6 points
7. Audi - 2 points
8. Alpine - 1 point
9. Williams - 0 points
10. Cadillac - 0 points
11. Aston Martin - 0 points
Driver standings after China GP sprint
Saturday 14 March 2026 23:59 , Kieran Jackson1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 33 points
2. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 22 points
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 22 points
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 18 points
5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 15 points
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 8 points
7. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 7 points
8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 4 points
9. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 3 points
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points
11. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 2 points
12. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1 point
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 0 points
14. Alex Albon (Williams) - 0 points
15. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 0 points
16. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 0 points
17. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 0 points
18. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 0 points
19. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 0 points
20. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 0 points
21. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points
How else has motorsport been impacted by Middle East chaos?
Saturday 14 March 2026 22:00 , Kieran JacksonThe World Endurance Championship (WEC) event in Doha, originally set for 26-28 March, has already been postponed and rescheduled for October.
MotoGP’s Qatar round at Lusail, near Doha, on 12 April is facing significant difficulties and is unlikely to be rescheduled.
Formula Two, F1’s key support series, has its freight still in Melbourne after the season-opener. Should the Bahrain and Saudi F2 rounds be cancelled without replacement, the championship’s second race would not occur until Monaco in June.
Christian Horner’s route back to F1 faces obstacle – with Toto Wolff ‘bidding for Alpine stake’
Saturday 14 March 2026 19:00 , Kieran JacksonMercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has reportedly launched a bid to buy a minority stake at Alpine – the same stake arch rival Christian Horner is interested in.
Ex-Red Bull F1 team principal Horner, who lost his job last summer after 20 years leading the outfit, is known to be making enquiries with a group of investors into purchasing Otro Capital’s 24 per cent stake in Alpine, the Renault-owned team managed by Flavio Briatore.
Alpine confirmed Horner’s interest in the stake back in January but, now, Wolff has reportedly launched his own bid at the start of the new F1 season, in which Alpine are using Mercedes power units for the first time.
Full details below:
Horner’s route back to F1 faces obstacle – with Wolff ‘bidding for Alpine stake’
Chinese GP preview: Mercedes’s early F1 dominance is ominous – but memories of 2022 provide warning to George Russell
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:00 , Kieran JacksonEuphoric and smug all in one swivel of the head, Toto Wolff currently cannot help himself. Just one week into F1’s new era, four years of torturous ground-effect running seem a distant memory now for Mercedes’s long-term commander-in-chief. On Friday, after a third successive perfect competitive session to start 2026, Wolff saw the monitor in front of him, the camera lasered in and turned to face it, smiling wryly. He did the same last week in Melbourne. An early contender for F1 “memeable content” of the season? You bet.
And, really, why shouldn’t he be so merry? Lightyears from the “top four is closely packed” predictions from pre-season testing, Mercedes are currently over the hills and far away. On Friday, George Russell claimed pole position for the sprint race in China, leading home another Mercedes one-two finish with Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli behind him. For the Silver Arrows, it’s been a hat-trick of flawlessness to open up the new campaign.
Full piece below:
Mercedes’s early dominance is ominous recent history provides warning to Russell
Will Bahrain and Saudi races be rescheduled or replaced?
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:00 , Kieran JacksonRescheduling the Formula One races at their original venues later in the year presents considerable challenges. Temperatures in the Middle East region soar during the European summer and autumn, making racing impractical.
Furthermore, the existing F1 calendar offers no obvious alternative slots, as the sport is keen to preserve its August break and alleviate the demanding schedule for teams.
While alternative circuits such as Italy’s Imola, France’s Le Castellet, Portugal’s Portimao, and Turkey’s Istanbul Park have been suggested, the logistical complexities of relocating the entire F1 operation at short notice are immense.
Promoters would also have little incentive, facing a limited window to sell tickets to cover hosting fees, alongside the time-consuming organisation of marshals, security, and transport.
An option to host a second race at Japan’s Suzuka after round three has also been mooted, but this would introduce its own set of problems, not least for track owners Honda, who would likely be reluctant to draw further attention to their engine partnership issues with Aston Martin.
Although races were held behind closed doors at stand-in venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, sometimes with two events in succession, there was a pressing need then to complete a season.
A reduced 22-race calendar, while still extensive by historical standards, would nonetheless fulfil commercial obligations, albeit with a likely reduction in Formula One’s overall revenues.
Full F1 qualifying results
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:00 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:32:064
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.222
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.351
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.364
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.486
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.544
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +0.809
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.938
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1.057
10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1.228
Out in Q2
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 1:33:354
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1:33:357
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1:33:538
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:765
15. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:784
16. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 1:33:965
Out in Q1
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1:34:317
18. Alex Albon (Williams) - 1:34:772
19. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:35:203
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 1:35:436
21. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1:35:995
22. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1:36:906
Lewis Hamilton ‘hunting’ Mercedes as he chases first Ferrari podium in China
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:00 , Kieran Jackson“We’re hunting, we’re chasing, and I know everyone is geared up to just do everything they can to close that gap to Mercedes,” said Hamilton.
“It’s highly unlikely that we will be able to beat them in the race. Our statistics show they are between four and six tenths faster than us.
“But maybe with strategy, maybe something can happen, maybe with the start, maybe there’s a way. I definitely need to make sure I don’t kill my tyres trying to either keep up with them or keep one behind. I need to drive better tomorrow.”
Max Verstappen after qualifying eighth:
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:30 , Kieran Jackson"We changed a lot on the car, and it makes zero difference," Vertsappen said.
"The whole weekend we've been off, the car is completely undrivable. Every lap is like survival."
Lewis Hamilton’s heartwarming message to ‘big lad’ Kimi Antonelli: ‘He took my seat and hit it hard!’
Saturday 14 March 2026 10:30 , Kieran JacksonLewis Hamilton gave a heartwarming message of congratulations to Kimi Antonelli after the Mercedes teenager became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Italian driver Antonelli, 19, took advantage of George Russell’s mechanical issues in qualifying to pip his teammate to pole position in Shanghai by two-tenths of a second.
Hamilton set an impressive lap to finish third, ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, and spoke glowingly about Antonelli – who replaced him at Mercedes last year - after his first grand prix pole. Antonelli beat Sebastian Vettel’s record for the youngest-ever pole-sitter, set at Monza in 2008 at the age of 21.
‘I have to say a big congratulations to this big lad here, to Kimi,” Hamilton said, at the post-qualifying press conference.
Full report below:
Hamilton’s heartwarming message to ‘big lad’ Antonelli after first pole in China
Charles Leclerc, who starts fourth:
Saturday 14 March 2026 09:44 , Kieran Jackson“There wasn’t much more for us. For me, I’m struggling a lot on this track for some reason, it’s always been the case, I’m outting a lot of effort into it.
“These cars have to be driven a bit differently in qualifying, there’s some work to optimise everything - but pretty satisfied on a track I struggle on.
On talking to Hamilton after sprint race battles: “No, we didn’t speak, it will be fine.”
Start time for the Chinese Grand Prix:
Saturday 14 March 2026 09:33 , Kieran JacksonTime GMT
Sunday 15 March
- Race: 7am
Kimi Antonelli's dad, Marco:
Saturday 14 March 2026 08:23 , Kieran Jackson“Bit lucky, because George only did one push, but he did a good job!
“He needs time, of course!”
Top-10 in qualifying
Saturday 14 March 2026 08:08 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 1:32:064
2. George Russell (Mercedes) +0.222
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.351
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.364
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.486
6. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.544
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +0.809
8. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.938
9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1.057
10. Ollie Bearman (Haas) +1.228
Kimi Antonelli on pole position!
Saturday 14 March 2026 08:02 , Kieran JacksonThe 19-year-old has done it - Antonelli becomes the youngest-ever pole-sitter in F1 history!
Russell went close in the end but was 0.222 secs off in second!
Lewis Hamilton with an impressive third.
4-10: Leclerc, Piastri, Norris, Gasly, Verstappen, Hadjar, Bearman
“Let’s go man!” says Antonelli!
Russell out on track
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:59 , Kieran JacksonAnd the championship leader is away - he should just squeeze in a lap!
Big battle for pole here - I have 6 cars in contention!
Russell is readying to go
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:58 , Kieran JacksonThe Mercedes still in the garage with three minutes left, but they do look like they’re getting ready to go!
Big moments this weekend...
McLaren pip Ferrari!
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:55 , Kieran JacksonHere come the world champions!
Oscar Piastri goes second, 0.228 secs short of Antonelli, with Lando Norris in third!
Top-10 after first runs: Antonelli, Piastri, Norris, Leclerc, Hamilton, Verstappen, Hadjar, Bearman, Gasly, Russell
They’re working hard on George Russell’s car - will they get him out?!
6:00 to go in Q3...
Antonelli on provisional pole
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:52 , Kieran JacksonWhat a chance this is for the teenager to get his first pole!
He sets a 1:33:322 - three-tenths quicker than Leclerc in second and six-tenths faster than Hamilton in fourth.
Meanwhile, Russell has made it back to the pits. Can they reboot his car?!
8:00 to go in Q3...
Russell gets going
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:50 , Kieran JacksonRussell does get his car going but is going very slowly - and the engine does not sound good!
Russell: “I cannot shift the gears, stuck in first!”
What a spanner in the works! Can they repair it back in the garage?
George Russell has a problem!
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:48 , Kieran JacksonOh wow!
Russell sits motionless on the track at the start of Q3! Can he get it going again? Can he get back to the pits?!
Q2 EXITS
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:45 , Kieran JacksonCut-off: 1:33:352
11. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 1:33:354
12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 1:33:357
13. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 1:33:538
14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:765
15. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) - 1:33:784
16. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 1:33:965
So close for Hulkenberg and Colapinto!
Bortoleto in the wall!
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:43 , Kieran JacksonThe Audi driver lost it at the final corner, ruining Arvid Lindblad’s lap with yellow flags!
Bortoleto gets the car going again out of the gravel and makes his way to the pits.
Bottom-six and out in Q1 (11-16): Hulkenberg, Colapinto, Ocon, Lawson, Lindblad, Bortoleto
Meanwhile, Russell not happy: “Something not right with the car, major understeer, it’s like the front wing is broken.”
Interesting stuff heading into Q3!
Charles Leclerc quickest
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:38 , Kieran JacksonCan the Ferrari driver take the fight to George Russell? He’s currently P1.
Yet at the bottom, Isack Hadjar is now the senior driver in trouble in P10.
Current bottom-six (11-16): Hulkenberg, Ocon, Colapinto, Lawson, Lindblad, Bortoleto
2:00 to go...
Oscar Piastri precarious in 10th
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:33 , Kieran JacksonFirst runs in Q2 done - Piastri in danger in 10th, just 0.034 secs ahead of Nico Hulkenberg in 11th.
Current bottom-six (11-16): Hulkenberg, Ocon, Colapinto, Lawson, Lindblad, Bortoleto
Plenty of time for that to change...
Q1 EXITS
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:22 , Kieran Jackson17. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 1:34:317
18. Alex Albon (Williams) - 1:34:772
19. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:35:203
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 1:35:436
21. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1:35:995
22. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 1:36:906
Carlos Sainz out in Q1
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:20 , Kieran JacksonGosh, it really is dour at the moment for Williams, Aston Martin and Cadillac -they’re all out!
Bottom-six and out in Q1 (17-22): Sainz, Albon, Alonso, Bottas, Stroll, Perez
Albon: “Terrible!”
Liam Lawson escapes in P15....
Hamilton now fine
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:15 , Kieran JacksonRelief for Ferrari as their man puts in a clean lap to go third.
At the bottom, it is once again Williams, Aston Martin and Cadillac in the bottom-six right now.
Bottom-six (17-22): Albon, Sainz, Alonso, Bottas, Stroll, Perez
Albon a tenth off Lindblad in 15th. 3:00 to go
Lewis Hamilton in bottom-six
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:11 , Kieran JacksonA loss of control at turn 9 means Hamilton had to abort his lap.
“The car feels good, just lost it,” he said.
Q1 underway!
Saturday 14 March 2026 07:01 , Kieran JacksonBack to traditional grand prix qualifying for the grid now as we get underway with Q1!
18 minutes where we’ll lose the slowest six drivers from the rest of qualifying.
Cadillac, Aston Martin and Williams will be striving to find some much-needed time here...
TOP-8 IN SPRINT RACE
Saturday 14 March 2026 06:59 , Kieran Jackson1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 8 points
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 7
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 6
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 5
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 4
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 3
7. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 2
8. Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 1
What did Lewis Hamilton say after finishing third in the sprint?
Saturday 14 March 2026 06:58 , Kieran JacksonHamilton said: “It was a close battle and their speed on the straights was a little bit too much. I put up a good fight, but I killed my tyres.
“It is a much better car, and I have been a part of developing that. But I was in the lead at one point, so to finish third was not the greatest, but I tried and will do my best again later.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
