The second Formula 1 race of the 2026 season is also in the books — and with the official cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, the calendar now stands at 22 Grands Prix instead of the originally planned 24.
The Chinese Grand Prix was a race that showed exactly what the new era of Formula 1 is all about: thrilling overtakes and intense team battles. Yet technical issues are still part of the story. Teams continue to be forced to work relentlessly on their cars to ensure they can remain competitive on the grid. With the April races canceled, teams have gained new opportunities to push development and make their mark.
All the biggest moments from the season’s showdown at the Formula 1 Heineken Chinese Grand Prix — plus everything you need to know about the next Formula 1 battle to circle on your calendar.
Who Were The Podium Winners of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix?
The three drivers who made it onto the second podium of the 2026 Formula 1 season were Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. It was the second one-two finish for the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and another great outlook for their 2026 season. “We did it, we did it, we did it,” Antonelli cheered after crossing the finish line. In an interview with David Coulthard, the 19-year-old shed tears — tears of happiness, joy, and relief.
Taking third place across the finish line was Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who is actually dating Kim Kardashian. For Lewis Hamilton, the 2026 season is therefore shaping up to be a thoroughly satisfying year so far.
Behind Hamilton was his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, who finished in fourth. The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers went head-to-head in an absolutely electrifying on-track battle, trading overtakes multiple times throughout the race.
Who Drove the Fastest Lap? Who was Driver of the Day?
The fastest lap of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix was driven by race winner Kimi Antonelli with a 1:35.02, who was also voted Driver of the Day for the race after securing the record for the youngest driver ever to take pole position on Saturday at 19 years and 201 days.
Seven Drivers Didn’t Finish the Race, Including Max Verstappen
Only 15 drivers on the grid crossed the finish line as seven of the drivers did not finish the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris – both of whom were unable to even start the race due to technical problems. The other drivers who failed to cross the finish line of the Chinese GP were Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Gabriel Bortoleto, Alex Albon and Max Verstappen.
The four-time world champion appeared frustrated throughout the entire weekend, describing every lap he drove in the car as a fight for survival. Fernando Alonso once again only participated in a partial number of laps in the race, which may be attributed to the engine incompatibility issues Aston Martin has experienced recently.
Results
1 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2 George Russell (Mercedes) +5.515s
3 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +25.267s
4 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +28.894s
5 Oliver Bearman (Haas) +57.268s
6 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) +59.647s
7 Liam Lawson (RB) +1m20.588s
8 Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) +1m27.247s
9 Carlos Sainz (Williams) +1 lap
10 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) +1 lap
11 Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) +1 lap
12 Arvid Lindblad (RB) +1 lap
13 Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) +1 lap
14 Esteban Ocon (Haas) +1 lap
15 Sergio Perez (Cadillac) +1 lap
DNF Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
DNF Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
DNF Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
DNS Lando Norris (McLaren)
DNS Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
DNS Alexander Albon (Williams)
DNS Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Where and When is the Next Grand Prix?
The third Grand Prix of the 2026 F1 season is the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, which is set for the weekend from March 27–29 with practices on Friday and Saturday, qualifying on Saturday and the full Grand Prix circuit race the following day.
If you’re looking for a full schedule of all 22 F1 Grand Prix races in 2026, those are available from Heavy on Formula 1 here.
Best of the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Podium Winners, Driver of the Day, Fastest Lap & More