Shanghai has known it for years: if Lewis Hamilton starts here, he is dangerous. But now there is someone else stealing the show. Kimi Antonelli starts from the first spot and thus knocks Sebastian Vettel off the throne as the youngest polesitter ever in Formula 1. Who is breathing down his neck in which order at the Shanghai International Circuit, you can see on the starting grid below.
Read more Montoya wants penalty for Verstappen after Mario Kart comparison: ‘Disrespectful to F1’
While Antonelli made history, teammate George Russell’s Q3 was in ruins. He stopped in the first sector after a loss of power and battery and then hobbled to the pit lane while his Mercedes was stuck in first gear. That he eventually still managed to drag P2 out of qualifying is an impressive achievement in itself. Mercedes dominates, even when everything goes against them.
Ferrari occupies the second row of the grid. Lewis Hamilton is third, Charles Leclerc fourth. In a race where Hamilton is historically strong, you certainly shouldn’t write off the Scuderia for the victory. McLaren starts from P5 and P6 with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who will certainly not let their chances for points go to waste.
The surprise of qualifying comes from Pierre Gasly, who sends Alpine to P7. Great work by the Frenchman on a circuit where his car should not be the fastest on paper. That makes it all the more impressive.
Read more Leclerc relieved with a fourth starting position for the race in China: ‘I hope that I can win’
Red Bull out of form
Then the disappointment: Red Bull. Max Verstappen qualified only eighth, Isack Hadjar ninth. The four-time world champion himself already called his car a disaster. Oliver Bearman rounds out the top ten for Haas, showing that the American team is seriously competing in 2026.
Williams, Aston Martin, and Cadillac didn’t even make it to Q2, with Carlos Sainz at P17 and Alex Albon at P18. The last two rows of the grid are occupied by Aston Martin and Cadillac. A pattern that doesn’t seem likely to change for now.
Read more Verstappen and Hamilton congratulate Kimi Antonelli: ‘Doesn’t need any more advice’
The Chinese Grand Prix starts at 08.00 Dutch time.
Read everything about the Chinese GP here
