Overview
- The Mercedes rookie converted pole at the Shanghai International Circuit into his maiden Grand Prix victory, becoming the second-youngest F1 winner and the first Italian to triumph since 2006, with George Russell second and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton third.
- Fellow drivers and team figures, including Lando Norris, Russell, Hamilton and Max Verstappen, publicly congratulated Antonelli after the race.
- Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo praised Antonelli’s composure, said he would have preferred him at Ferrari, and warned that joining the team too soon could expose him to crushing pressure.
- Ferrari vice-chairman Piero Ferrari said a future move to Maranello is conceivable, remarking that “it’s not forbidden to dream” of Antonelli in red.
- Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff tempered expectations after the win, saying Russell is still “a bit faster” for now and urging patience with Antonelli’s development.