6 moments you missed at the Chinese Grand Prix

The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix offered more than just high-stakes racing, featuring a vibrant array of off-track activities. Franco Colapinto explored Shanghai's Bund, while Lewis Hamilton connected with local culture and fans. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz enjoyed the city's culinary scene. Notably, Hamilton's mother, Carmen Larbalestier, celebrated her son's first podium with Ferrari in a heartwarming display of family support. On the track, Kimi Antonelli made history as the youngest polesitter and race winner. The podium ceremony was particularly poignant, featuring Antonelli, George Russell, and Hamilton—a symbolic passing of the torch. The moment was made even more emotional by the presence of race engineer Pete 'Bono' Bonnington, who shared the joy with his current and former drivers, highlighting the enduring legacy and the start of a new chapter at Mercedes. Personal and fan interactions also defined the weekend. Colapinto gained a new lucky charm in a monkey plushie, while local hero Zhou Guanyu hosted a photography exhibition titled 'Time Without Speed'. Additionally, the circuit injected humor into sustainability efforts with water stations referencing Charles Leclerc's famous team radio, and George Russell debuted a striking, Shanghai-inspired porcelain helmet design.