A historic victory, emotions running high, and a moment that will be remembered in Italian Formula 1 history. At the 2026 China Grand Prix in Shanghai, Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed the first win of his Formula 1 career, giving Italy an unforgettable day.
The young Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team driver delivered an almost flawless performance at the Shanghai International Circuit, holding off his rivals and managing the most challenging moments of the race with remarkable composure. In the closing laps, a late lock-up at a braking zone made the entire Mercedes garage hold its breath, but Kimi Antonelli managed to maintain the lead all the way to the checkered flag.
An emotional post-race interview
Immediately after the race, during the podium interview, emotion took over: “I can’t speak, I’m about to cry. Thank you so much to my team who helped me achieve this dream. I’m really happy, yesterday I said I wanted to bring Italy back to the top and I did it,” Kimi Antonelli said, his voice breaking with emotion. For the young Italian, this marks a monumental achievement. At just 19 years old, he secured his first Formula 1 victory, becoming one of the youngest drivers ever to do so.
The start of the race
Kimi Antonelli also reflected on key moments from the race, explaining that the start was not simple: “At the beginning I gave too much space to the Ferraris, but then I recovered and managed to finish the race, even if at the end with that lock-up I nearly had a heart attack,” he added with a smile.
The victory takes on even more significance considering Italy’s long wait in Formula 1. Antonelli wasn’t even born the last time an Italian driver won a Grand Prix: it was 2006, when Giancarlo Fisichella celebrated the victory.
In Shanghai, Italy finally returns to the top step of the podium thanks to a talent that seems destined to write new chapters in F1 history. The tears of emotion after the checkered flag show just how much this moment means to him.
Kimi Antonelli’s triumph in China isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a symbolic shift for the sport. By ending a two-decade wait for an Italian winner, he has immediately transitioned from a “prospect” to a frontline contender in the 2026 championship battle. The raw emotion displayed during his interview resonated with fans globally, highlighting the human element that remains at the heart of F1 despite its technical complexity. As the season moves forward, the confidence gained from this win will likely make the Mercedes driver even more formidable. Italy has found its new hero, and the “Kimi” era is officially underway.
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