Shanghai, March 15 -- Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory with a pole-to-flag win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, while both McLarens were prevented from starting the race with mechanical problems.
Starting from his first career pole position, Antonelli briefly lost the lead to the fast-starting Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton, but reclaimed it at the Turn 14 hairpin on lap two.
While the pack behind became embroiled in overtaking battles, Antonelli steadily pulled away at the front and, despite a late lock-up with three laps remaining, held on to become Italy's first Formula 1 race winner in 20 years, according to Xinhua.
"I'm speechless. I'm about to cry, to be honest. Thank you so much to my team. They helped ...