Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli has reflected on his maiden grand prix win at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, describing it as the best day of his life and revealing the home reaction he received in Italy.
The 19-year-old driver converted his first grand prix pole position into his first win at the Shanghai International Circuit on 15 March. His win ended a 20-year drought for Italy, with him becoming the latest Italian driver to win an F1 grand prix since Giancarlo Fisichella won at the 2006 Malaysian Grand Prix.
"Probably was so far the best day of my life," Antonelli explained on the Mercedes Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show.
"Being able to achieve one of my dreams and to get that first win. And the first one is always special because it happens only once. It was a very meaningful moment for me, for the team, for my family.
"My dad was there, which was great. Unfortunately, my mum was not there because she had to take care of my sister. But I think it was a very great moment for everyone, and for myself, especially. Because, as I said before, I was able to achieve one of my dreams, and it was also a very emotional one. But it was super cool."
Talking about the reception when he got home, he added: "At the airport, there were journalists and stuff, a lot of excitement because the last one was 2006.
"Fisichella, Malaysia 2006. If I am not mistaken. So a long time. To bring back Italy on top was really cool and definitely created a lot of excitement, which was cool."
Antonelli heads into the Miami Grand Prix as the leader of the drivers' championship. He currently has a nine-point lead over his Mercedes team-mate George Russell, who sits in second.
