Rising star Antonelli says Chinese GP triumph 'starting point' for F1 success

Kimi Antonelli celebrates his Chinese GP victory as a launchpad for future Formula One success and aims for the championship.

Kimi Antonelli said Monday (March 16, 2026) that he is eyeing further Formula One success after the teenage Italian announced himself on the world stage with victory in the Chinese Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old won his maiden GP from pole position on Sunday and was greeted by media and enthusiastic fans as he touched down in his native Bologna.

"I'm so happy for the win and to have brought the Italian flag back onto the highest step of the podium," Antonelli told reporters.

"It's a starting point and I hope I can keep going because we're on the right track. It won't be easy."

Antonelli, who took over Lewis Hamilton's old seat at Mercedes at the start of the 2025 season, is the first Italian to win an F1 GP since Giancarlo Fisichella 20 years ago.

He finished in front of Mercedes teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Hamilton after becoming the youngest pole sitter in F1 history.