Chinese Grand Prix - Race results 2026

Race Summary – 2026 Chinese Grand Prix: The Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit delivered an exciting 56-lap race. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who started from pole position, controlled much of the race and secured his first ever Formula 1 victory, leading a dominant one-two finish for the Mercedes team.

Race Start: At the start, Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari made an excellent launch and briefly challenged at the front, while George Russell in the second Mercedes stayed close behind Antonelli. The opening laps featured intense battles between the Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as they fought for podium positions.

Mid-race battles: As the race progressed, Antonelli maintained strong pace and controlled the strategy. Behind him, Russell managed the gap while Ferrari’s drivers continued their duel. Hamilton eventually gained the upper hand over Leclerc after several close wheel-to-wheel moments between the teammates.

Incidents and retirements: The race saw several setbacks for other teams. Both McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, were unable to start the race due to technical issues with their cars. Max Verstappen in the Red Bull was running inside the points but retired late in the race because of an electrical problem.

Final laps: In the closing stages Antonelli remained calm under pressure and kept a safe gap to Russell. The Mercedes pair crossed the finish line first and second, securing a strong result for the team, while Hamilton held off Leclerc to claim his first podium since joining Ferrari.

Top finishers: 1st Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), 2nd George Russell (Mercedes), 3rd Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), 4th Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 5th Oliver Bearman (Haas), 6th Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 7th Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), 8th Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), 9th Carlos Sainz (Williams), 10th Franco Colapinto (Alpine).