#mercedes

Doriane Pin Makes Mercedes History with First Formula 1 Test at Silverstone Doriane Pin has achieved a historic milestone in her motorsport career by completing her first Formula 1 test with Mercedes at Silverstone, marking a significant step forward for both the driver and the team’s development program. At 22, she became the first woman to drive a Mercedes F1 car and the first Frenchwoman to test modern Formula 1 machinery. The 2025 F1 Academy champion completed 76 laps of the 2.639-kilometer National Circuit, covering 200 kilometers in the Mercedes W12, the car that secured the 2021 Formula 1 constructors’ championship for the team with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Pin’s test followed extensive simulator preparation, during which she was fully integrated into Mercedes’ engineering process before taking to the track. The French driver described the experience as “unreal,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the support of the team. She emphasized the challenges of adapting to the W12, noting its differences from the cars she had previously driven. “Everything is different, bigger and more powerful,” she said. “I am glad I was able to build confidence lap after lap and show what I was capable of.” Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin highlighted Pin’s impact on the team, stating that her performance marked “another major step on what is proving to be a very exciting and promising career.” He praised her preparation and professionalism, noting that she “looked at home from the very first laps” and was able to drive the car “on the limit.” The test is part of a structured pathway within Mercedes, where Pin continues to gain experience through simulator work, engineering collaboration, and trackside support.#mercedes #doriane_pin #silverstone #f1_academy #andrew_shovlin

Japanese Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli Claims Second Career Victory in Suzuka Kimi Antonelli secured his second Formula 1 victory of the season at the Japanese Grand Prix after a dramatic race in Suzuka. The 19-year-old Mercedes driver started slowly, dropping to as low as sixth place, but made a decisive recovery before a safety car intervention provided a crucial opportunity. The breakthrough came when Oliver Bearman’s Haas spun out and crashed into the barriers at the Spoon hairpin, disrupting the race’s flow and allowing Antonelli to close the gap. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished second, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed the final podium position. The race marked a significant milestone for Antonelli, who extended his winning streak after a dominant performance in the previous race. His ability to capitalize on the safety car period highlighted his tactical awareness and resilience. Piastri’s second-place finish underscored McLaren’s strong form, while Leclerc’s podium secured Ferrari’s position in the championship standings. The result also marked a rare victory for Mercedes, who had positioned their drivers on the front row for the race. Suzuka Circuit, known for its iconic "figure-of-eight" layout, posed a unique challenge for drivers. The 18-turn track features the demanding Esses sequence—Turns 3 through 6—as well as the high-speed 130R corner and the technical Spoon hairpin. Antonelli’s victory added to his legacy at the circuit, where he previously set a fastest lap at 18 years old, becoming the youngest driver in history to lead a race. The race also carried historical significance, as Max Verstappen had dominated the event since 2022, winning four consecutive titles. However, Red Bull’s struggles this season made a fifth consecutive win improbable.#mclaren #mercedes #oliver_bearman #suzuka_circuit #kimikimia

Oscar Piastri claimed the lead at the Japanese Grand Prix with a strong start, overtaking both Mercedes drivers and securing the top position. The race began with a delay due to barrier repairs following a crash in a support category event, which disrupted the initial pace. Polesitter Kimi Antonelli, starting third on the grid, faced immediate pressure from Piastri, who capitalized on his first race of the season to move into the lead by the first corner. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc joined the charge, passing Piastri to take second place and pushing Antonelli further down the order to sixth. Lando Norris also had a strong start, overtaking George Russell to join Piastri and Leclerc in the top three. This move relegated Antonelli to sixth as Lewis Hamilton managed to gain a position, further complicating the early race dynamics. The incident highlighted the competitive nature of the field, with multiple drivers making significant progress in the opening laps. The Safety Car was deployed later in the race, adding an extra layer of strategy as teams adjusted their approaches. The race’s early stages underscored the challenges of navigating Suzuka’s challenging layout, with several overtakes and strategic decisions shaping the race’s initial phases. Piastri’s performance marked a promising start to the 2026 season, while the Mercedes duo’s struggles reflected the intense competition in the midfield. The incident involving the Safety Car also emphasized the unpredictable nature of the event, as teams adapted to unforeseen circumstances. As the race progressed, the focus shifted to managing tire wear and fuel strategy, with the top contenders vying for positions in the battle for the podium.#charles_leclerc #oscar_piastri #mercedes #lando_norris #kimio_antonelli

Kimi Antonelli wins Japan Grand Prix to become youngest F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, cementing his position as the youngest driver to lead the Formula One world championship. The 19-year-old Italian outpaced Oscar Piastri of McLaren and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari to claim his second win of the season, extending his lead in the championship standings by nine points over teammate George Russell. Antonelli’s dominant performance marked a significant milestone in his rookie season, showcasing his growing prowess in the sport. The race unfolded with Antonelli taking control in the second half after a strategic safety car intervention. The incident, triggered by a major crash involving Oliver Bearman of Haas, allowed Antonelli to gain a crucial advantage. Bearman, who suffered a high-speed collision at Spoon, was fortunate to escape with minor injuries after avoiding a collision with Franco Colapinto. The crash prompted a safety car deployment, which Antonelli exploited to secure a free pit stop and reposition himself for the final stages. Antonelli’s victory followed his debut win in China, making it two consecutive victories in the opening three races of the season. His performance highlighted Mercedes’ strong race pace, as the team demonstrated dominance in clean air conditions. Meanwhile, Russell’s title hopes faced a setback after finishing fourth, partly due to his team’s struggles with overtaking and the timing of the safety car. Piastri, who started the race in pole position, initially looked poised for a strong finish but was overtaken by Antonelli under the safety car. McLaren’s performance was commendable, with Piastri finishing second and Lando Norris securing fifth.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #oscar_piastri #mercedes #kimia_antonelli

2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Piastri Snatches the Lead into Turn 1 on the Race Start Charles Leclerc qualified fourth for the Japanese Grand Prix after pushing to the maximum during his final lap, despite a moment of oversteer that briefly disrupted his rhythm. The Ferrari driver described the incident as a positive experience, emphasizing that it allowed him to carry significant speed into the corner and ultimately improve his lap time. Leclerc acknowledged that his team faces challenges in optimizing the car’s performance during Q3, particularly in the straights of Sectors 2 and 3, which cost him valuable time. He expressed frustration over the issue but noted the FIA is working on a solution. Leclerc’s position on the grid places him behind Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, as well as McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who secured the pole position. The Monegasque driver believes a strong start could help Ferrari challenge Mercedes during the race, though he acknowledged the German team’s pace advantage. “If we manage to keep them honest until the last lap, maybe we can hope for the win,” Leclerc said, though he admitted it would be difficult to close the gap once Mercedes gains a lead. Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth, trailing the McLaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Hamilton praised his team’s setup work, calling the car “feeling pretty decent,” but highlighted a lack of speed in the middle and final sectors. He attributed part of the issue to power deployment and noted that McLaren had made significant progress over the weekend. When asked if Ferrari could challenge the McLarens for a podium, Hamilton remained cautious. “It’s going to be challenging, but if we can get them off the line, maybe we can hold them,” he said, referencing his recent podium in China as a potential motivator.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #mclaren #oscar_piastri #mercedes

Charles Leclerc Criticizes New F1 Qualifying Rules After Mistake Costs Him Time Charles Leclerc expressed frustration with Formula 1’s updated qualifying rules after a minor error during the Japanese Grand Prix cost him valuable time. The Ferrari driver finished fourth at Suzuka, nearly 0.6 seconds behind pole sitter Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, despite being the fastest through the first sector of the lap in Q3. Leclerc attributed his slower time to a loss in energy deployment on the straight following a slide on the exit of Spoon corner. “I honestly cannot stand these rules in qualifying,” Leclerc said over team radio after his lap. “It’s a f------ joke. I go faster in corners, I go on throttle earlier, for f---- sake, I lose everything in the straight.” He highlighted how a small mistake during the slide disrupted his power unit’s energy strategy, leading to a significant time loss on the straight. Comparing his fastest lap in Q2 with his Q3 performance, Leclerc noted a 0.148-second drop due to the disrupted energy deployment. The new rules this season require nearly half of a car’s maximum power to come from its battery, meaning drivers can lose performance if the electrical system is depleted or if the deployment strategy is interrupted by an unexpected throttle lift. Leclerc’s slide on the exit of Spoon corner, while not alarming in the moment, led to frustration as it cost him speed on the flat-out run to the final chicane. “It stayed pretty calm [during the slide],” he said. “But when on the straights and you start losing time being flat out, that’s where my heart rate goes particularly high.” He admitted that while such incidents are common in Q3, his driving style often leads to them, but the new rules now penalize these risks more severely.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #mercedes #formula_1 #kimiantonelli

Japanese GP 2026 Livestream: Free Viewing Options and Race Schedule The Japanese Grand Prix, set to take place at the Suzuka Circuit, marks the third race of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Fans around the world can follow the event without any cost, as multiple platforms offer free access to the race weekend. The schedule for the event includes three practice sessions, a qualifying round, and the main race, all of which will be broadcast live. The race weekend will begin with Practice 1 on March 26, running from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. ET. This will be followed by Practice 2 on March 27, starting at 2 a.m. ET, and Practice 3 later the same day from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. ET. Qualifying sessions will take place on March 28 at 2 a.m. ET, with the main race scheduled for March 29 at 1 a.m. ET. These timings allow fans in different time zones to tune in and follow the action as it unfolds. The 2026 season has already shown intense competition, with Mercedes dominating the early races. George Russell’s performance in Australia and Kimi Antonelli’s standout effort in China have sparked debates about the team’s potential for the championship. While Mercedes appears to be the frontrunner, Ferrari remains a strong contender, and the battle between the two teams is expected to shape the season. For those seeking to watch the Japanese GP for free, several options are available. Many streaming services and official F1 channels offer free trials or live streams for select races, allowing fans to access the event without subscription fees. These platforms provide real-time coverage of all sessions, ensuring that viewers can follow every moment of the race weekend. The free viewing options highlight the accessibility of Formula 1 for global audiences.#ferrari #mercedes #formula_1 #suzuka_circuit #japanese_gp_2026

Japanese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri Sets Pace in Second Practice as McLaren Challenges Mercedes Oscar Piastri emerged as a key contender for a first non-Mercedes victory of the season after setting the fastest time in second practice for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. The McLaren driver outpaced Kimi Antonelli by 0.092 seconds at Suzuka, with George Russell of Mercedes finishing third. Lando Norris, meanwhile, missed the first half of the one-hour session due to a hydraulics leak and ended up fourth, nearly half a second behind Piastri. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured fifth place, finishing seven tenths slower than Piastri, while his teammate Lewis Hamilton trailed him by a single position. The seven-time world champion was 0.847 seconds off Piastri’s pace, marking a significant gap. Max Verstappen’s struggles continued as he finished 10th, a stark contrast to his previous victory at the circuit. The Red Bull driver ended the session 1.3 seconds behind Piastri, with team-mate Isack Hadjar further back in 15th. Mercedes had dominated the early stages of the season, with Russell and Antonelli each securing a win. Up to Friday, either Russell or Antonelli had led every practice session, including Russell’s fastest time in the day’s first run. However, Piastri’s performance in the second session offered renewed hope for McLaren, which aims to challenge Mercedes after a dismal showing in the previous race in China. Mechanical failures there prevented both Piastri and Norris from starting the race, casting a shadow over their title defense. Hamilton, who claimed his first Ferrari podium in Shanghai, appeared to lack confidence during practice. “I am very slow because I have no confidence in the car,” he admitted in the closing moments of the session.#mclaren #oscar_piastri #mercedes #japanese_grand_prix #suzuka

Formula 1’s Complexity and Decline in Viewer Engagement Watching the second practice session at Suzuka, I found myself grappling with the absurdity of modern Formula 1. The sport, once a clear contest of speed and skill, now feels like a labyrinth of rules and technical jargon that even seasoned fans struggle to navigate. As someone who has followed the sport since the 1970s, I’m left questioning whether I still care about understanding its intricacies. The complexity has reached a point where a manual might be necessary to grasp why some cars outperform others, while others seem to ignore the track entirely. The F1 TV commentary, which I’ve always trusted for its insight and humor, now feels like a minefield of misinformation. The term “FOM-slop” has become a recurring critique, with Juan Pablo Montoya often cited as the culprit for spreading confusion. However, Jolyon Palmer inadvertently highlighted the absurdity of the current regulations during a heated exchange with Sam Collins in the closing stages of FP2. His remarks about McLaren’s struggle to master the Mercedes power unit underscored a deeper issue: the sport’s reliance on cutting-edge technology has overshadowed the fundamental aspects of racing. Palmer’s analogy of the power unit as a “rocket” without a manual resonated with many. McLaren, despite possessing the hardware, is left to decipher its nuances without guidance, much like a gamer without a control guide. This situation has created a stark divide between teams, with Mercedes dominating and others trailing by margins that defy logic. Even Alpine and Williams, despite their efforts, struggle to compete, their cars deemed “fundamentally flawed” by Palmer. The gap between the front-runners and the backmarkers is now so vast that it feels like a compromise rather than a competitive evolution.#mclaren #mercedes #jolyon_palmer #juan_pablo_montoya #sam_collins

Oscar Piastri Leads Practice Session as McLaren Challenges Mercedes at Japanese Grand Prix Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in second practice for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix, signaling a potential breakthrough for McLaren after a slow start to the season. The Australian driver edged out Ferrari’s Kimi Antonelli by 0.092 seconds at Suzuka, with Mercedes’ George Russell finishing third. Piastri’s performance offered hope for his team, which has struggled to match the dominance of Mercedes this season. Lando Norris, McLaren’s other star driver, missed the first half of the one-hour session due to a hydraulics leak and finished fourth, nearly half a second behind Piastri. Norris’ absence highlighted McLaren’s ongoing challenges, though his second session time suggested potential for improvement. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari placed fifth, nearly a second slower than Piastri, while teammate Lewis Hamilton finished sixth, trailing by 0.847 seconds. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, appeared frustrated during the session, citing a lack of confidence in his car. Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, continued his struggles with a dismal start to the season, finishing 10th in the session. The Dutch driver, who won last year’s race, was 1.3 seconds slower than Piastri, with his Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar further back in 15th. Verstappen’s poor form has raised concerns about his title defense, as he has yet to secure a podium finish this season. Mercedes has dominated the early stages of the 2025 season, with Russell and Antonelli each claiming a victory. Until Friday, either Russell or Antonelli had led every practice session, but Piastri’s pace in Suzuka provided a glimmer of hope for McLaren.#ferrari #mclaren #oscar_piastri #mercedes #suzuka

Japanese GP: Oscar Piastri fastest as McLaren outpace Mercedes in Practice Two but difficulties for Ferrari, Red Bull McLaren dominated the second practice session at Suzuka, with Oscar Piastri setting the fastest time of 1:30.133. The team outperformed Mercedes, who had led the first session, as Piastri finished 0.092 seconds ahead of Kimi Antonelli and 0.205 seconds faster than George Russell, the championship leader. McLaren’s improved pace marked a significant turnaround after struggling in the first two races of the 2026 season. Lando Norris, the world champion, finished fourth but faced challenges due to a hydraulic leak that disrupted his session. Despite missing part of the practice, Norris still managed to finish ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes’ closest rivals. Ferrari’s performance remained inconsistent, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and sixth respectively, over 0.7 seconds slower than Piastri. Hamilton admitted to lacking confidence in the car during race simulations, though his time on soft tires was only 0.134 seconds slower than Leclerc. Red Bull, the previous four-time winners of the Japanese Grand Prix, struggled significantly, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar finishing 10th and 15th. The team’s RB22, which received upgrades, appeared to lack grip on Suzuka’s technical layout, leaving them enveloped by the midfield. The session highlighted broader challenges for Red Bull, as they finished 1.4 seconds slower than in the first practice. Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg, Williams’ Alex Albon, and Haas’ Oliver Bearman completed the top eight, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad was restricted to a single lap due to a gearshift issue. Gabriel Bortoleto of Audi also completed only 10 laps due to mechanical problems.#ferrari #oscar_piastri #mercedes #japanese_gp #mc_laren

Formula 1 Japanese GP The Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix is set to take place, drawing attention from fans and drivers alike. The event features a variety of teams and drivers, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and Williams. Among the notable participants are Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with each team striving for a strong performance. The event includes a range of drivers from different teams, such as Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Pierre Gasly. Additionally, there are young talents like Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli who are making their mark in the sport. The presence of experienced drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Valtteri Bottas adds to the depth of competition. The Japanese Grand Prix is known for its challenging track, which tests both the drivers and the cars. The race will be a test of skill, strategy, and endurance. Fans can expect an exciting display of speed and precision as the drivers battle for position throughout the race. The event also highlights the global appeal of Formula 1, with fans from around the world coming together to support their favorite drivers and teams. The Japanese GP is a significant part of the Formula 1 calendar, offering a unique blend of high-speed racing and cultural excitement. As the race approaches, anticipation is building, and the stage is set for an unforgettable event.#ferrari #mercedes #formula_1 #red_bull_racing #japanese_gp

Japanese Grand Prix Set for Suzuka, Mercedes and Ferrari Shine in Early Season The third round of the 2026 Formula 1 season will take place at Suzuka Circuit in Japan from March 27 to 29, marking the return of the Japanese Grand Prix to a spring schedule since its relocation in 2024. The event will feature a mix of established stars and rising talents, with Mercedes and Ferrari emerging as dominant forces in the early stages of the season. Mercedes secured victories in the opening two races, with George Russell claiming the win in Melbourne and the Shanghai sprint. The team’s 19-year-old rookie, Kimi Antonelli, made his mark by securing his first Grand Prix victory in China, showcasing the team’s strength. Ferrari, meanwhile, has also been a key contender, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton joining Mercedes drivers on the podium in recent races. The race at Suzuka will be followed by an unplanned five-week break in the calendar due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, which were impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This pause will allow teams to regroup before the next round of the season. The race will start at 06:00 BST on Sunday, following the clocks going forward. BBC Sport will provide comprehensive coverage of the event, with commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app. Smart speakers can also stream the race by asking to play BBC Radio 5 Live or 5 Sports Extra. The post-race show will be available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube for the first time this year. Practice sessions will take place on Friday and Saturday, with the first session scheduled for 02:30-03:30 GMT, followed by a second session at 06:00-07:00 GMT. A third practice session will occur on Saturday at the same time as the first.#charles_leclerc #ferrari #mercedes #suzuka_circuit #japanese_grand_prix

Max Verstappen is set to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year, marking his debut in the endurance race. The Formula 1 driver will participate in the event in a Red Bull-backed GT3 Mercedes, continuing his involvement in the NLS series. Verstappen previously won his debut in the series last season and is now preparing for the latest four-hour race on the Nordschleife. The race is scheduled to start at 11am UK time on Saturday, offering fans a live opportunity to watch his performance. The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has become the first series to postpone a race amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The 2026 season opener in Qatar has been delayed due to the ongoing military conflict, reflecting the impact of geopolitical instability on motorsport events. This decision highlights the challenges faced by organizers in balancing competition schedules with global crises. The WEC is also grappling with a dilemma regarding driver crews. Increasingly, Hypercar teams are opting for two-driver line-ups for the six-hour races, raising questions about whether this strategy provides a genuine competitive advantage. While some teams believe the reduced crew size enhances efficiency, others argue that the traditional three-driver format offers greater versatility and experience. Alpine's participation in the WEC Hypercar category is under threat. The French manufacturer is considering withdrawing from the championship after 2026, with potential plans to close its historic Viry-Châtillon base. This move could signal a shift in the series' competitive landscape, as Alpine's absence would leave a significant gap in the lineup. Honda is poised to join the WEC Hypercar class, ending its long-standing absence from the series.#red_bull #mercedes #max_verstappen #nurburgring_24_hours #world_endurance_championship

Toto Wolff: Verstappen's F1 Criticism Linked to Red Bull's Struggles, Not Car Flaws Max Verstappen's outspoken criticism of Formula 1's new regulations has been attributed by Toto Wolff to the challenges Red Bull faces in the early stages of the season, rather than any inherent flaws in the latest generation of cars. After retiring from the second race of the new season in China, Verstappen intensified his remarks, calling the new rules "a joke" and accusing fans who support them of not understanding racing. Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the updated power unit regulations since their announcement in 2023, and his frustration has grown with the start of the new season. Meanwhile, Mercedes has made a strong impression, securing one-two finishes in the first two grands prix and winning Saturday's sprint race in Shanghai. Wolff suggested that Verstappen's frustration stems from Red Bull's struggles in the opening races, which have left the four-time champion eighth in the standings. "Max is really, I think, in a horror show," Wolff said. "When you look at the onboard footage from qualifying yesterday, it’s just horrendous to drive. You can see that. But it’s not the same with many other teams. I think from an entertainment perspective, what we’ve seen today between Ferrari and Mercedes was good racing. Many overtakes." Wolff acknowledged that the new regulations, which emphasize electrical power and energy management over raw driving, have created a different racing dynamic. While the rules encourage more overtaking through features like boost and overtake modes, they also require drivers to manage energy more carefully, which can limit their ability to defend positions.#red_bull #mercedes #max_verstappen #toto_wolff #f1

Kimi Antonelli Breaks Down After Winning Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton Joins Him on Podium Kimi Antonelli celebrated his first Formula One victory after winning the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, breaking down emotionally as he processed the moment. The 19-year-old driver, who had already set a record as the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history during qualifying, became the youngest to secure a race win. His triumph marked a historic day for the sport, with multiple milestones achieved in Shanghai. George Russell added to the celebrations by securing his third consecutive podium finish, while Lewis Hamilton claimed his first podium with Ferrari after finishing third. Antonelli’s emotional reaction was evident as he struggled to contain his joy after crossing the finish line. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I’m speechless, I’m about to cry to be honest. Thank you to the team for helping me achieve this dream. I really wanted to bring Italy back to the top and we did today. Even if I gave myself a little bit of a heart attack with the flat-spot, we did it.” He later reflected on the race, noting, “It was not an easy start, I covered too much on the inside and gave too much room to the Ferrari. But we were able to bring it home.” Antonelli’s father, Marco Antonelli, was present at the circuit to witness his son’s historic win. Marco expressed pride in Kimi’s achievement, stating, “We tried to do the best for our son, but Mercedes did the big job and I can only say thank you to Toto Wolff.” When asked if Kimi was ready to challenge for the world championship, Marco replied, “I don’t know, he is young but he is not perfect. He is a good driver, but George Russell is a super driver with a lot of speed and it will be difficult to beat him.#mercedes #george_russell #lewis_hamilton #kimia_antonelli #shanghai

Kimi Antonelli breaks down after winning Chinese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton joins him on podium: “I'm so happy for you” Kimi Antonelli celebrated his first Formula One victory after winning the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, breaking down emotionally as he processed the moment. The 19-year-old driver, who became the youngest pole-sitter in F1 history during qualifying, described the win as a dream come true. “I'm speechless, I'm about to cry to be honest. Thank you to the team for helping me achieve this dream,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of the race. Antonelli admitted he had a difficult start, losing position early due to a mistake on the track, but managed to recover and secure the win. The race marked several milestones for Antonelli, including his first podium finish and a historic achievement for his age. His father, Marco Antonelli, was present at the event to witness his son’s breakthrough. Marco expressed pride in Kimi’s performance, acknowledging the team’s role in the success. “We tried to do the best for our son, but Mercedes did the big job,” he said, adding that while Kimi showed promise, the path to becoming a world champion would be challenging. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Antonelli’s performance, calling it one of the most emotional moments of his career. “That was one of the best moments for me,” Wolff said, highlighting the collaboration between Kimi, Lewis Hamilton, and other team members. He noted that Antonelli’s progress had exceeded expectations, describing the driver’s calm demeanor and focus as key factors in his success. Lewis Hamilton, who finished third in the race, shared his joy at sharing the podium with Antonelli. “I'm so happy for you,” Hamilton said, expressing his support for the young driver.#mercedes #lewis_hamilton #kimia_antonelli #shanghai #marco_antonelli

Fifth place was ours - mixed emotions for P6 Gasly in China P6 driver Pierre Gasly expressed mixed feelings after securing fifth place in the Chinese Grand Prix, acknowledging the team's performance while reflecting on the challenges of the race. The result highlighted the competitive nature of the event, with Gasly's team managing to maintain a strong position despite the difficulties faced during the race. Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas shared his satisfaction with the team's efforts, expressing pride in the collective work that led to both Cadillac cars finishing the race after an early incident. Bottas' comments underscored the importance of resilience and teamwork in overcoming setbacks during high-stakes competitions. Arvid Lindblad, another driver, described his experience during the Sprint race as perplexing. Lindblad admitted to spinning unexpectedly during the event, which ultimately led to his retirement from the race. The incident left him bewildered, as he noted it was an occurrence he had never encountered before. His Racing Bulls car was forced to retire, marking a significant setback for the team. The race highlighted the unpredictable nature of Formula One, where even minor incidents can drastically alter a driver's and team's fortunes. Lindblad's spin, while rare for him, serves as a reminder of the physical and mental demands placed on competitors in the sport. The combination of strategic decisions, mechanical reliability, and driver skill played a crucial role in determining the outcomes of the race. As teams continue to adapt to evolving challenges, moments like these underscore the importance of preparation and adaptability in the world of motorsport.#mercedes #racing_bulls #chinese_grand_prix #pierre_gasly #valtteri_bottas

George Russell Secures Sprint Pole for Chinese GP as Mercedes Dominates Qualifying George Russell claimed pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, leading his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to second in a dominant performance during sprint qualifying. The British driver’s lap time of 1 minute 31.520 seconds edged out Antonio Giovinazzi’s 1m31.880s, securing the top spot for Mercedes. Lando Norris of McLaren followed in third, finishing 0.621 seconds behind Russell, while Oscar Piastri of Alpine rounded out the top five. The result highlights the competitive edge of the Mercedes team, which has consistently shown strong form in recent races. The qualifying session was marked by several incidents and controversies. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth, was 1.2 seconds slower than the Mercedes duo, while Max Verstappen of Red Bull came in fifth, 1.7 seconds behind Russell. The Dutch driver faced scrutiny after being accused of being impeded by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, who was later penalized for blocking Norris during the session. The stewards are reviewing the incident, which could result in grid penalties for both drivers. The sprint qualifying format, which determines the starting grid for the race, saw a mix of strategic decisions and technical challenges. Drivers like Kevin Magnussen and Pierre Gasly fought for positions in the lower half of the grid, with Gasly ultimately securing seventh place. The session also highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Chinese GP, where multiple incidents and close battles for positions kept the competition tight. Mercedes’ dominance was further underscored by the performance of Hamilton, who finished second after a strong lap time of 1m32.161s. The British driver’s time was just 0.641 seconds off Russell’s pole, showcasing the team’s consistency.#ferrari #mercedes #george_russell #lewis_hamilton #chinese_gp

Chinese GP Practice: George Russell Fastest for Mercedes as Lewis Hamilton Collides with Lando Norris George Russell secured the top spot in the first practice session for the Chinese Grand Prix, outpacing his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli by a tenth of a second. The Silver Arrows continued their strong start to the 2026 season, with Russell’s time of 1:32.741s leaving Antonelli in second. Lando Norris of McLaren followed in third, nearly half a second slower than the Mercedes duo. Norris’ position was marred by an incident involving Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who collided with the McLaren driver at Turn 16 before spinning off the track at Turn 6. Hamilton’s collision with Norris disrupted his rhythm, leading to a flat-spotted tire that forced him to switch to the soft tire compound earlier than his rivals. This setback left him struggling for pace, finishing 1.3 seconds behind Russell. The incident highlighted the competitive tension in the midfield, with Norris’ McLaren and Hamilton’s Ferrari both facing challenges in keeping up with the dominant Mercedes team. Ferrari’s performance in Shanghai fell short of expectations, despite their experimental rear wing design. Charles Leclerc, the team’s other driver, was over a second slower than Russell, while Hamilton’s struggles underscored Ferrari’s difficulties in adapting to the new regulations. The team’s rotating ‘macarena’ rear wing, which had drawn attention during pre-season testing, failed to deliver the anticipated speed boost. The practice session also saw other notable performances. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was eighth, just ahead of Haas’ Oliver Bearman, while Aston Martin and Williams faced ongoing reliability issues. British rookie Arvid Lindblad, who scored points on his F1 debut in Australia, retired early due to a technical problem.#ferrari #mercedes #george_russell #lewis_hamilton #lando_norris