Shocking DNSs and a youngest-ever pole sitter set the stage for a chaotic Shanghai Grand Prix victory.
The Shanghai Grand Prix
The Shanghai Grand Prix is a historic race that shared many memorable moments since its debut in 2004, and the 2026 Shanghai Grand Prix is nothing less, with lots of action and a new race winner!
Shocking DNS's
As the start of the race approached, fans were surprised to receive news about Alex Albon changing into a pit lane start due to a Williams team decision to break Parc Ferme regulations and altering the suspension setup in his car, which resulted in him not starting the race at all.
Gabriel Bortoleto had a suspected hydraulic issue with his Audi, which led him to not start.
Most shockingly was the double Mclaren DNS as both of the cars faced separate issues in each car. This would make Oscar Piastri the 1st driver to DNS twice in a row since Bruce Mclaren in 1969.
Chaotic Lights Out
With both Mercedes on the front line, having Kimi Antonelli on pole, he is the youngest pole sitter to start, passing Sebastian Vettel. Antonelli had both ferrari drivers waiting to strike right behind in the second row.
As lights went out, Hamilton was able to take the lead immediately, but Antonelli manages to hang on. Max Verstappen, who was starting in P8, dropped 6 positions at the start, which seems like a growing concern for the team as this isnt the first time it has happened to Verstappen.
Hadjar spins off the track, causing Bearman to swerve off the track as well, but both recovered quickly.
Battle of Overtakes
Kimi Antonelli manages to get the lead again, overtaking Hamilton, reclaiming the race leader title, his teammate, George Russel, battling with Hamilton to reclaim his P2 spot. Geroge takes on multiple sectors and fastest laps as he tried to inch closer to his teammate.
VCARB spent a good while battling with each other, Liam Lawson did not seem fond of the early battling with his teammate, as they get too close to each other.
Lap 10, Lance Stroll Causes a full safety car as he drifts off the road, leaving debris on the road, many drivers take advantage to pit. Antonelli, Colapinto and Ocon lead behind the safety car until Lap 13 when the safety car ends.
Hamilton continues to climb back up to 2nd place.
Lap 19, its Haas vs Alpine and Haas vs Alpine. Then there was a Verstappen and Gasly breaking incident on turn 6 which seemed to affect Gasly the most.
Lap 27, the Ferraris find their way back to 2nd and 3rd position as the Ferraris start battling each other early on, and constantly throughout the second half of the race. George Russel takes advantage of their fighting to reclaim 2nd place in Lap 30. Ferraris continue to overtake each other in a battle for 3rd.
Lap 33, Colapinto pits and once he exits Ocon collides with Colapinto, but both recovered and continued to push. Ocon admits on the radio, "Yeah that was my fault" which resulted in a 10 second penalty for Ocon.
Lap 35, Alonso retires from the race due to "discomfort from vibrations".
Hamilton and Leclerc are still battling for 3rd, but Hamilton officially overtakes Leclerc in Lap 40 and stays there. Leclerc says on the radio, "This is actually a fun battle".
Max Verstappen retires from the race on Lap 46, he is seen slowing down and losing power as cars pass him, max said it was an ERS Cooling issue.
Lap 53, With only 3 laps to go, race leader Kimi Antonelli has his front tires lock up as he drives off the track, he quickly recovered but he did lose 2.5 seconds due to the lock up.
The 2nd Youngest F1 Race Winner
Kimi Antonelli sees the checkered flag as he is the first Italian driver in 20 years to win a grand prix and also the 2nd youngest Grand Prix winner at 19 years and 202 days, just behind Max Verstappen.
Antonelli's teammate was right behind him in 2nd place, which this means that it was a Mercedes 1-2 win!
Other Celebrations:
- Hamilton made the podium in P3, which would mean that this was Hamiltons first podium for Ferrari.
- Franco Colapinto scored his first points since 2024.
-George Russel continues to lead the championship
-Haas is currently 4th in the Constructors Championship
RESULTS!
1. Kimi Antonelli
2. George Russel
3. Lewis Hamilton
4. Charles Leclerc
5. Oliver Bearman
6.Pierre Gasly
7.Liam Lawson
8. Isaak Hadjar
9. Carlos Sainz
10. Franco Colapinto
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12.Arvid Linblad
13.Valteri Bottas
14. Esteban Ocon
15. Sergio Perez
16. (DNF) Max Verstappen
17.(DNF) Fernando Alonzo
18. (DNF) Lance Stroll
19.(DNS) Oscar Piastri
20. (DNS) Lando Norris
21. (DNS) Gabriel Bortoleto
22. (DNS) Alex Albon