Chinese Grand Prix: Kimi Antonelli voted Driver of the Day
With a more than satisfactory weekend, rookie Kimi Antonelli claimed a fine eighth place at the Chinese Grand Prix and driver-of-the-day status.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver alongside George Russell since this season, demonstrated his potential at the Chinese Grand Prix this Sunday morning French time by accumulating his very first points in Formula 1 and earning the status of driver of the day. After starting from eighth position on the grid, he capitalized on the retirements and mistakes of competitors to finish in eighth place, earning four valuable points for the championship.
The young 18-year-old Italian confirms his place as a Mercedes driver among the greats with two very impressive initial races this season. As a reminder, Kimi Antonelli crossed the checkered flag in fourth position last weekend at the Albert Park circuit in Australia, just behind Lando Norris (McLaren), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), and his teammate, George Russell (Mercedes). The Italian is accumulating points and is becoming a driver who should give his competitors a run for their money. He is currently positioned in fifth place in the overall driver standings this season.
A satisfying race and an encouraging future
This performance is in line with his previous appearances with Mercedes. In 2024, he had replaced Lewis Hamilton during Free Practice 1 of the Mexican Grand Prix, already showing signs of speed and skill. Kimi Antonelli’s progress is closely followed by paddock observers, with some considering him a promising future talent. His ability to adapt quickly and seize opportunities on the track could well lead him to a more significant role within the Mercedes team in the coming seasons.
Beyond his individual performance, the Chinese Grand Prix was marked by McLaren’s dominance, with Oscar Piastri claiming victory and his teammate Lando Norris finishing in second place. Lewis Hamilton, for his part, delivered Ferrari’s first sprint race win, thus bolstering the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.
Kimi Antonelli will have the opportunity to once again confirm his status as a promising young talent in Formula 1 at the Suzuka circuit during the Japanese Grand Prix on April 6th.
The votes to elect the driver of the day in China
Kimi Antonelli – 20.7%
Oscar Piastri – 15.6%
Oliver Bearman – 12.9%
Charles Leclerc – 8.4%
Max Verstappen – 6.5%
