F1 Chinese GP: Russell wins the Sprint, Antonelli takes historic pole ahead of the Ferraris

The day of the 2026 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai delivered plenty of spectacle between the Sprint Race and qualifying for Sunday’s race. Mercedes once again proved the standout team of the weekend: George Russell took victory in the Sprint, while Kimi Antonelli secured a historic pole position in qualifying for the Grand Prix.

Russell dominates the Sprint Race in Shanghai

The Sprint race was run over 19 laps and saw Russell manage the start from pole position to perfection, fending off attacks from the Ferraris in the early stages.

The Mercedes driver had to face a tight duel especially with Lewis Hamilton, with several lead changes in the opening laps. In the end Russell was able to keep control of the race and cross the finish line ahead of everyone else.

Behind him came the two Ferraris:

Charles Leclerc second

Lewis Hamilton third

A significant result for the Maranello team, which is back to getting both cars into the top three of a race after more than a year.

Further back were the McLarens and the other Mercedes of Antonelli, penalised with 10 seconds during the Sprint but still able to recover to fifth place.

A difficult day meanwhile for Max Verstappen, who suffered balance problems and tyre degradation, finishing outside the points.

Qualifying: Antonelli makes Formula 1 history

After the Sprint, qualifying for the main race delivered a historic moment.

The young Italian Kimi Antonelli took his first pole position in Formula 1, becoming the youngest driver ever to start from the front in a Grand Prix.

The Mercedes talent stopped the clock at 1:32.064, beating team-mate Russell by more than two tenths.

The starting grid for Sunday’s race is therefore as follows:

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

George Russell (Mercedes)

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

The Ferraris will therefore start from the second row with the aim of putting pressure on Mercedes in the long race.

Mercedes favourites for Sunday’s GP

Saturday’s results confirm that Mercedes is currently the car to beat at the Shanghai circuit. Russell showed excellent race pace in the Sprint, while Antonelli impressed on a flying lap in qualifying.

Ferrari, however, remains close and hopes to use strategy and race pace to try to turn the situation around in the main race.

The Chinese Grand Prix therefore promises a tight battle between Mercedes and Ferrari, with McLaren ready to take advantage of every opportunity.