Chinese Grand Prix sees Antonelli’s historic win

Kimi Antonelli won the Chinese Grand Prix from pole to become the second youngest race winner in Formula One in another Mercedes one-two while world champions McLaren were unable to start the race on a nightmare Sunday for the world champions.

Antonelli claimed his first win in his 26th career race ahead of George Russell and the Ferrari pair of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, CE Report quotes MIA.

Italy's Antonelli became the youngest pole sitter at 19 years 201 days and is now the second youngest winner, behind Max Verstappen who was 18 years 228 days when he won in Spain 10 years ago.

Mercedes continued their early season dominance in the wake of sweeping rule changes after Russell had won from Antonelli last week in Australia.

Seven-time champion Hamilton got his first grand prix podium at last since joining the Scuderia from Mercedes last year.

McLaren were out of the race before it even started. World champion Lando Norris never made it onto the grid and the team did also not manage to solve an electronic problem to have him start from the pit lane.

And team-mate Oscar Piastri's car was pushed back into the garage less than 10 minutes before the formation lap. He is yet to have a racing lap this season as he crashed on his way to the grid in Australia.

Alex Albon of Williams and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto were also unable to start while Max Verstappen had to retire his Red Bull with 10 laps left on another frustrating day for the four-time world champion.

Photo: EPA