Antonelli leads Mercedes 1‑2

Andrea Kimi Antonelli converted pole into his first Grand Prix win in Shanghai ([formula1.com)], with team‑mate George Russell completing a Mercedes 1‑2 and Lewis Hamilton taking third for Ferrari ([silverstone.co.uk)]. Antonelli became the youngest ever polesitter in F1 history at 19 years old during Saturday qualifying in Shanghai ([fia.com)], then held the lead for the race distance to secure the victory. ([formula1.com)] George Russell still leads the drivers’ championship by four points after the weekend — 51 to Antonelli’s 47 — keeping Mercedes on top of the title fight after two rounds ([si.com)]. Mercedes also extended its advantage in the constructors’ table following the one‑two result ([total-motorsport.com)]. Shanghai’s result was amplified by both McLaren cars failing to start the race, a double DNS that cost them crucial points and helped magnify Mercedes’ advantage in the standings ([gpblog.com)]. The weekend also featured sprint‑race drama — George Russell had won Saturday’s sprint, giving him an early points cushion going into Sunday’s Grand Prix ([crash.net)]. Ferrari ran its experimental rotating “Macarena” rear wing in FP1 at Shanghai but removed it for the rest of the weekend amid reliability and data‑gathering concerns, and team boss Frédéric Vasseur said the device will be tried again at Suzuka’s opening practice ([autosport.com)]; the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is scheduled for March 27–29, 2026, with the race on March 29. ([formula1.com)]