F1 2026 Chinese Grand Prix starting grid as four cars hit trouble

Kimi Antonelli is starting on pole position for a Formula 1 grand prix for the very first time in China.

Four drivers encountered trouble before the race had even begun. Alex Albon (originally set to start from the pitlane) hit terminal trouble, as did Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto.

Both McLaren drivers had dramas too and couldn’t start the race.

Below you’ll find the current starting grid for Sunday’s race in Shanghai.

2026 Chinese GP starting grid

1 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2 George Russell (Mercedes)
3 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
4 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
McLaren drivers DNS
7 Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
8 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
9 Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
10 Ollie Bearman (Haas)
11 Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
12 Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
13 Esteban Ocon (Haas)
14 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
15 Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) DNS
17 Carlos Sainz (Williams)
18 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
19 Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
20 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
21 Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
Alex Albon (Williams) DNS