Jolyon Palmer explains why Carlos Sainz was Chinese GP driver of the day over Kimi Antonelli

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Jolyon Palmer opted against Kimi Antonelli and instead picked Carlos Sainz as his driver of the day.

The Chinese Grand Prix was a dramatic weekend, as it was the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season, which saw Kimi Antonelli secure his first Grand Prix victory.

Antonelli qualified in pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix, after his teammate George Russell suffered mechanical issues during the Qualifying session on Saturday afternoon.

Even though the Italian driver failed to feature on the Sprint Race podium on Saturday morning, Antonelli bounced back the following day with a dominant display at the Shanghai International Circuit.

However, despite the teenager securing his first Grand Prix victory, many figures in the paddock opted to pick other drivers as their ‘Driver of the Day’.

The plaudits go to Kimi Antonelli, but who else in the top 10 impressed you at the Chinese Grand Prix?

Let us know in the comments below!

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Carlos Sainz was named driver of the day by Jolyon Palmer

During the F1 Nation Podcast, former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer revealed that he believes Carlos Sainz was the driver of the day for the Chinese Grand Prix.

After Sainz fought through the field at the Shanghai Circuit, Palmer suggested that he was able to give Williams ‘something to smile about’ with his ninth-place finish in the second race of the season.

Palmer said, “You have sold it to me, I am going Carlos Sainz, for keeping Franco behind right at the end as well and taking that ninth place, in what was definitely a slower car.

“I don’t think he left anything on the table this weekend, and he’s been able to give Williams something to smile about.”

Some sensational performances in Shanghai 🔥 Who is your pick for Driver of the Day at the Chinese Grand Prix?

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Carlos Sainz has had a ‘frustrating’ start to the 2026 season

During the 2025 Formula 1 season, Williams were vocal that they would sacrifice the performance of their 2025 car for the development of the 2026 season.

However, the start to 2026 has not been as expected for the Grove-based team, as only one of their drivers has scored points in the two Grands Prix.

Sainz has been the sole Williams driver to score points for the team in 2026, as he finished in ninth place at the Chinese Grand Prix, after fighting through the order after his Q1 elimination.

The Spaniard had a successful 2025 season as he featured on the podium on two occasions, but Sainz has been left frustrated by the performance of the Williams in 2026.