Shanghai (China), Mar. 15 (LaPresse) – Kimi Antonelli achieved a historic victory at the Chinese Grand Prix of Formula 1. On the Shanghai circuit, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver finished ahead of teammate George Russell and the two Ferraris of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. This is Antonelli’s first career win in Formula 1. The young Bolognese driver is also the first Italian to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Giancarlo Fisichella at the 2006 Malaysian GP driving a Renault. Starting from pole position – the youngest ever to do so – Antonelli led the race from start to finish, keeping first Hamilton’s Ferrari and then teammate Russell at bay. There were tense moments at the end when he took a corner too wide, but fortunately it had no consequences thanks to the lead he had accumulated over Russell. Behind the two Ferraris, excellent fifth place went to Englishman Olly Bearman in the Haas, ahead of Frenchman Pierre Gasly in sixth with the Alpine. Notably, the two McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri did not start due to technical problems, while Max Verstappen was forced to retire from his Red Bull. In the World Championship standings, Russell leads after two races, ahead of Antonelli. The next round is scheduled for March 29 with the Japanese Grand Prix.