Andrea Kimi Antonelli Earns Shanghai F1 Driver of the Day Despite Racing with Heavy Car Damage

Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes delivered a remarkable performance at the Shanghai Grand Prix, securing eighth place despite significant car damage.

His car’s floor was badly damaged by debris after a collision involving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the opening lap. Mercedes withheld the information until the race ended.

“There was a massive hole in the floor and the titanium plates were gone. He finished eighth without complaining — it shows his maturity,” said Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal.

Tactical Battles on the Track

Antonelli briefly lost his position to Yuki Tsunoda during the first pit stop and was overtaken by Esteban Ocon. He later regained a spot when Tsunoda pitted for a new front wing.

“Something felt wrong from lap one. Yesterday it was the front left, but today the rear felt weird,” Antonelli commented.

The rookie’s final result improved further as both Ferraris were disqualified — Leclerc for underweight car issues and Hamilton for illegal floor plank wear.