Fans predict who will be the next new Formula 1 race winner after Kimi Antonelli’s maiden victory

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Kimi Antonelli became the latest Formula 1 driver to win a Grand Prix in Shanghai, and fans are now predicting who will be next.

The Italian clinched victory from pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix, missing out on a clean sweep after he lost the lead on the opening lap to Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli regained his advantage and pulled away for the win as George Russell and the Ferraris battled.

Antonelli silenced his critics with the victory, with the 19-year-old now the second-youngest race winner in history behind Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver is the 13th driver on the 2026 grid to have grabbed a win.

Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai makes him the second youngest Grand Prix winner in F1 history. Will Max Verstappen’s record ever be broken?!

Let us know in the comments below!

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It has left many wondering who will be the next to add their name to the history books as a Grand Prix winner. Alex Albon, Nico Hulkenberg and Lance Stroll are among the most experienced drivers on the grid, yet have never won a race.

The other six drivers joined the sport in the last few years, four of whom in 2025. It is one of these fresher faces that fans are backing for glory.

F1 fans are backing Ollie Bearman to be the next Grand Prix winner after Kimi Antonelli’s China win

Oliver Bearman has enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2026 season, currently sitting fifth in the standings. He finished P5 behind the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers in Shanghai and is ahead of defending champion Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in the championship.

Haas boss Ayao Komatsu praised Bearman’s race pace against Verstappen in China, with the VF-26 looking like a strong and competitive package. The Brit is establishing himself as a top talent, with Ferrari said to be monitoring him for the future.

After Kimi Antonelli’s win in Shanghai, which F2 graduate will be the next to win their first Grand Prix?

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With this in mind, many fans on Reddit think he will be the next F1 driver to taste victory: “Bearman is pipped for Ferrari, so… a very good chance. Hadjar, Bortoleto. Maybe Arvid at some point?” said one user, while another wrote: “Bearman should be the next.”

Some even believe that the Haas driver could win a race in 2026: “Bearman will get there this year, mark my words.” Another replied to the comment: “If not this year then next year with his next team. Lad’s rapid.”

One user wrote: “Ah man imagine he wins in this Haas wow I will pay for it to happen.” Another was a bit more sceptical: “He will get Haas their first podium I don’t doubt that. A win would be incredible though.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Oliver Bearman from F1 stats to net worth

Is Ollie Bearman’s move to Ferrari now in doubt?

With his immense talent, Bearman is being backed for a move to a top team in the near future. It has been rumoured that he could be set to join Ferrari in 2027 if Lewis Hamilton decides to retire.

However, the start of the 2026 season may have thrown that into disarray. Hamilton is loving the new Ferrari and regulations, having scored his first podium for the team in China.

The seven-time champion is rejuvenated, which, consequently, has ‘changed the whole picture’ of Bearman’s future. There will be no room for him at Ferrari if Hamilton and Charles Leclerc decide to stay.

Bearman denied any move to Ferrari, but credited his ‘strong connection’ to the team. For now, his future lies with Haas, but he will be keeping an eye on any movement in Maranello.