Kimi Antonelli takes his first F1 win with victory in China to extend Mercedes' dominant start

SHANGHAI (AP) — He’s been defined by being Lewis Hamilton’s successor and George Russell’s teammate. Now Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 race-winner in his own right, and the second-youngest in history.

The 19-year-old Italian pulled clear of an entertaining battle between Russell and the two Ferraris to take a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and share the podium with his teammate and Hamilton, the seven-time champion he replaced last year.

It's a vindication of the gamble Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took in picking the youngster, who'd joined Mercedes' junior program aged just 11, to replace an all-time great when Hamilton moved to Ferrari for 2025. There were plenty of doubters when Antonelli crashed 10 minutes into his practice debut in 2024.

“Many said it was just too early last year, and obviously we asked ourselves that question, whether it was too much to throw him into this pressure cooker," Wolff told Sky Sport Germany.

"One year with ups and downs and he’s young. We have to forgive him these mistakes, and now he’s in the second Grand Prix (of 2026) and brings it home ruthlessly. It’s good.”

The 19-year-old Italian was the youngest pole-position starter and briefly lost the lead to Hamilton at the start but retook it soon after and was in control the rest of the way.

“We did it! We did it!” Antonelli shouted to his team over the radio amid laughs and whoops, and he was holding back tears amid celebrations and a TV interview soon after.

It was another 1-2 finish for Mercedes to start the season as Russell came through a battle with both Ferraris to finish second. Hamilton was third for his long-awaited first Grand Prix podium finish for Ferrari.

The only driver younger than Antonelli to win a Grand Prix was Max Verstappen, who was 18 when he took his first victory in 2016. He's the first Italian to win since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.

Russell bests Ferraris in thriller

The new regulations again produced a dramatic fight for position between Mercedes and the fast-starting Ferraris as Russell fought his way past Charles Leclerc and Hamilton in a multi-lap battle with numerous changes of position. That allowed Antonelli to build his lead at the front.

Even after Russell had pulled away to secure second place, teammates Leclerc and Hamilton kept up their own fight for third. “This is quite a fun battle," Leclerc exclaimed over the radio.

Leclerc was fourth with Oliver Bearman fifth for Haas, Pierre Gasly sixth for Alpine and Liam Lawson seventh for Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar recovered from an early spin to place eighth for Red Bull, ahead of Carlos Sainz, Jr. in ninth for Williams, while Franco Colapinto was 10th for Alpine to score his first point since 2024.

Max Verstappen was running sixth when his car lost power and he had to limp back to the pits in another blow for the four-time champion, who has been a leading critic of F1’s new cars.

Double disaster for McLaren

Formula 1 champion Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were both unable to start after encountering technical problems minutes before the race began.

Piastri was due to start fifth and Norris sixth for Sunday's race. Norris was in his car in the pits but didn't leave for the grid, before Piastri was then withdrawn from the grid.

McLaren said it found “two different electrical problems on the power unit side” after an investigation. It's the second time Piastri has failed to start in 2026 after he crashed before the start of last week's race in Australia. Only 18 of 22 cars took the start, with Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams' Alex Albon also unable to make it, before both Aston Martin cars and Verstappen hit trouble in the race too.

F1 is racing hours after it announced next month's races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not go ahead because of the war in the Middle East.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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Bengals News (3/15): Keeping the door open for Joe Flacco

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) stands on the sideline in the second quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bengals News

Bengals keep the door open for Joe Flacco despite signing another familiar face to be Joe Burrow’s backup quarterback

Josh Johnson is the new No. 2 quarterback in Cincinnati.

Jake Browning breaks silence on what went wrong with Bengals

Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning has a new home in NFL free agency. 

Jonathan Allen Loves The Fit With Bengals: ‘I Really Think This Team Is Going Somewhere’

Jonathan Allen, one of the NFL’s most accomplished interior pass rushers of the decade, joined the Bengals Friday with 17-month-old daughter Eleanor holding a striped tiger as he signed his two-year deal.

Why Jonathan Allen fits what the Bengals need on Defense

After 48 hours of silence, the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen on March 12.

Bengals budget shopping for historic journeyman QB is actually a good thing

An interesting choice to back up Joe Burrow…

NFL News

Giants signing WR Darnell Mooney to one-year deal worth up to $10 million

Veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney is taking his talents to New York.

Panthers re-sign starting safety Nick Scott to 1-year deal

The Carolina Panthers announced Saturday they re-signed starting safety Nick Scott to a one-year deal.

NFLPA nearing vote on new executive director from three finalists as union faces pivotal moment

David White, JC Tretter and Tim Pernetti are under consideration by the 32-member board

The Nine Biggest Takeaways From the First Wave of NFL Free Agency

The Rams and Ravens are loading up, Tua Tagovailoa has found a safe landing spot, the Cowboys have a clear vision, and more

Jim Irsay’s memorabilia collection nets over $93M at auction

Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay’s memorabilia collection brought in $93,656,609 during live auctions from Thursday to Saturday with Christie’s, with online auctions ongoing.

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Nets’ Josh Minott hoping career night can be first building block for future

The dog days of this season are an extended audition.

The Nets will sift through the tail end of their roster hoping to find somebody — anybody — worth keeping.

Josh Minott? Why not?

In Minott’s longest stint with Brooklyn since being acquired as a trade deadline flier, the springy young forward stated his case eloquently Thursday in Atlanta.

Minott turned in a career night, and flashed the kind of athleticism and force from the wing position that Brooklyn has so sorely lacked — and that fans have called for.

He had 24 points, shot 4-of-7 from deep and 8-of-10 from the foul line. And predictably, he was even better on the other end of the floor, with three blocks and three steals. The points, 3s, free throws and steals all set or tied career bests.

It was a statement for Minott, who has played sparingly since being acquired from Boston on Feb. 5.

“I’ve been waiting on it,” Minott, 23, said of a breakout night. “But at the end of the day, I’m not going to call it pointless — but it’s one goal. So overall, I don’t want to say satisfied, but I’m pretty happy with my performance. But at the end of the day, it’s about getting numbers in the right column.”

Wins will be few and far between for tanking Brooklyn. But they’ll use the stretch run to mine the back end of their roster. There are two-ways to evaluate. Ten-day contracts like newcomer Malachi Smith to assess. And team options to decide on.

Such as Minott.

Josh Minott shoots a free throw during his 24-point night in the Nets’ loss to the Hawks on March 12, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

His six stocks — combined blocks and steals — on Thursday tied Nic Claxton’s Dec. 29 effort as the most by a Net this season. Minott’s near 7-foot wingspan lets him disrupt passing lanes and his athleticism allows him to attack the rim.

“Yeah, he had (a dunk) against the Celtics that was very impressive, and he had one the other day (vs. Detroit). Obviously I didn’t teach him to do that,” joked Jordi Fernández. “What you see is how quick he gets there and you’re like, ‘Oh wow, he’s going to do it.’ And he does it. And everybody’s reaction is pretty cool.

“So, (I’m) excited for him. … The thing that stood out is we’re asking him to pressure the ball, to pick up full court, and he did an amazing job. He’s trying to do everything we ask him to. You see the size. He’s going to let it fly. Those things are positive. So I’m excited to watch him play.”

Josh Minott shoots a jumper during the Nets’ loss to the Hawks. NBAE via Getty Images

Minott began the season in the Celtics’ rotation only to see an ankle injury cost him five weeks and momentum in Boston.

After the Nets got him for cash at the trade deadline — $110,000, sources told the Post — and he spent time settling in, now injuries could open the door for Minott in Brooklyn. Day’Ron Sharpe is out for the season, Ziaire Williams has been sick, and there are minutes to be had. Minott made the most of his against the Hawks.

“(It was) just teammates finding me on my cuts when I was open. I owe basically everything to them. I didn’t really do anything that didn’t involve them finding me. So I’d say that’s kind of just what happened,” said Minott.

“Just trying to keep the same rhythm. I understand that they had a rhythm before me, and just not trying to ruin that. I’m just trying to come in, just find a way I can affect the game and just trying to uphold the team and lift the team and its values.”

Fernáandez added “Yeah, it was great. He was aggressive. … He is (a rebounder), he provides size, so good job.”

Grant Nelson, who saw his 10-day expire, returns to Long Island. But sources told The Post he’ll miss the rest of the G-League season with patellar tendinitis. It likely explains why he didn’t get another 10-day after acquitting himself well.

Brooklyn agreed to a 10-day with Smith, per Hoopshype. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds with Long Island, shooting 42 percent from 3.

Claxton (rest) and Drake Powell (left knee injury management) are out for the Nets Saturday, while Sharpe and Egor Dëmin are out for the season. Michael Porter Jr. is doubtful vs. the 76ers with a sprained right ankle and Ochai Agbaji (sore left ankle) is probable.

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Denver Broncos free agency: Updated position needs

Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos general manager George Paton before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

I’ve decided to steer clear of the debate over whether the Denver Broncos are approaching the right strategy in free agency and, instead, will focus on what free agent position needs are still out there. We must take into account the moves they’ve already made and it is unlikely they will address specific positions again in free agency that we’ll see as targets in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With those signings, I think running back, tight end, linebacker, wide receiver, and safety could all end up draft targets. I’d definitely include offensive tackle too, since both starting tackle positions are beginning to age. So what could Denver still be looking at on the open free agent market?

ESPN dropped the ‘best available’ free agents last night and looking over that list isn’t really exciting me much. Nearly everyone in the Top 20 are north of 30 years old, but of the group, I wouldn’t hate it if the Broncos looked at these guys:

• WR Jauan Jennings
• TE David Njoku
• RB Brian Robinson Jr.

The problem with all three, though, is that the Broncos already filled out their roster at each of those positions — especially if their plan is to target some rookie contracts at these positions in April. No one else on that list was even remotely interesting to me. The free agent class really was kind of ho-hum this year.

Where do you think the Broncos might surprise us with their first outside free agent addition of the year? Is it even worth it at this point?

Horse Tracks

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Wilt Chamberlain’s consecutive 20-point game record

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched himself into the history books Thursday night.

After surpassing the 20-point mark during the Thunder’s 104-102 win over the Celtics, Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Hall of Fame big man Wilt Chamberlain for most consecutive games (127) with at least 20 points scored.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with a team-high 35 points, broke the record with a 3-point shot to start the third quarter after hitting two free throws on the Thunder’s previous possession.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to celebrate with a teammate during a timeout shortly after he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 20-point streak record during the second half of the Thunders’ 104-102 win over the Celtics on March 12, 2026, in Oklahoma City. AP

The four-time All-Star’s streak dates back to the beginning of the 2024-25 NBA season, when Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in a 137-114 win over the Trail Blazers on Nov. 1, 2024.

Chamberlain held the record with 126 straight games since 1963, with the 13-time All-Star holding the next highest streak at 92 that started the following year. Legendary point guard Oscar Robertson went for 79 straight games in 1963-64.

In the modern era, Kevin Durant had 72 straight games hitting the 20-point mark in 2015-16.

Before breaking Chamberlain’s record, Gilgeous-Alexander referred to the four-time MVP as a “mythical creature,” but admitted he did not know much about him.

Wilt Chamberlain of the San Francisco Warriors grabs the rebound against the Boston Celtics circa 1963 at the
Boston Garden in Boston. NBAE via Getty Images

“Not much besides he was pretty insanely dominant,” Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN. “Based on the stats, did whatever he wanted and was like … honestly, it feels almost like a mythical creature.

“It’s not real.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is having another MVP-caliber season for Oklahoma City, averaging 31.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists while shooting 55 percent from the field through 54 games played this season, helping lead the Thunder to an NBA-best 51-15 record headed into Thursday’s game.

A fan holds a sign after Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 20-point streak record, during the second half of the Thunders’ win over the Celtics on March 12, 2026, in Oklahoma City. AP

Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault recently told reporters how Gilgeous-Alexander thrives under pressure, saying that he can always mentally stay in the game.

“He never presses,” Daigneault told reporters, according to ClutchPoints. “He’s just got unbelievable awareness of the circumstance, awareness of the length of the game; I think that’s one of his superpowers. He understands how long the game is. So, he can make the right play, knowing that he’ll get his cracks. If he misses shots early, he knows that there’s more game left.

“He always stays in it mentally. I think that’s part of the reason why he’s consistent as he is.”

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Daily Dawg Chow 3/13; Browns officially move on from notable veterans

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 26: David Njoku #85 of the Cleveland Browns warms up with his shirt off prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field At Mile High on November 26, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• Browns make moves with Jack Conklin, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller (Barry Shuck) 3 mainstays on the Cleveland Browns roster, David Njoku, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin, had their contracts terminated
• Browns roster: Tracking list of free agent additions, subtractions so far (Jared Mueller) Keeping track of Cleveland Browns free agent additions, subtractions from the roster as the NFL offseason starts
• Browns free agency: Punter news made official by team (Jared Mueller) Cleveland Browns free agency continues with punter news, potentially, coming from Corey Bojorquez
• Meet Up! Get to know new Browns C/OG Elgton Jenkins, Jr. (Barry Shuck) Transformation of the Cleveland Browns OLine in free agency continued with Elgton Jenkins. His profile is interesting

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Browns’ 2026 draft picks officially set (clevelandbrowns.com) “Take a look at each spot where the Browns are set to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.”
• Cleveland Browns 2026 Age & RAS Guardrails Draft Board – March (OBR) “Here is the March update of the Cleveland Browns’ Age & Athletic Guardrails Draft Board for the 2026 NFL Draft. This allows you to see who the most likely…”
• The Hidden Risk Created by the Cleveland Browns Signing Zion Johnson (Sports Illustrated) “Signing the former Bolt’s guard helps the talent pool up front, but also likely leaves a Cleveland legend on the outside looking in.”
• Browns QB target wants to play in Cleveland with WR Carnell Tate (Browns Wire) “NFL Draft QB Ty Simpson thinks he could make a great duo with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate with the Browns.”
• Browns re-sign veteran defensive back for 2026 NFL season (Yahoo Sports) “The Cleveland Browns are reportedly bringing back a veteran cornerback for the upcoming NFL season.”
• Browns releasing starting OT Jack Conklin, source says (ESPN) “The Browns are releasing Jack Conklin, a starting offensive tackle whose six seasons in Cleveland were marred by injury, a source told ESPN.”
• Ty Simpson and Carnell Tate visit the Browns | ‘The Insiders’ (NFL.com) “University of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and Ohio State University wide receiver Carnell tate visited the Cleveland Browns today.”
• Browns’ Dillon Gabriel wins a battle against Shedeur Sanders off the football field (Marca) “As a fifth round rookie, Shedeur Sanders was never supposed to see the gridiron in his first season. The Cleveland Browns had three quarterbacks ahead of…”
• Are the Browns done with Free Agency (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reacts to the latest

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6 winners and losers from Patriots’ free agency signings on Wednesday

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Jaylinn Hawkins #21 of the New England Patriots and Craig Woodson #31 of the New England Patriots celebrate after breaking up a pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New England Patriots had an active first day of the NFL’s new league as they agreed to contract terms with four external free agents while also seeing several defenders depart from last year’s squad.

With the dust settled, here’s who was impacted the most, both positively and negatively, by their moves on Wednesday.

Winners

S Craig Woodson: Last year’s fourth-round pick ended his rookie season playing some of the best football among anyone on the Patriots roster. Entering year two, he will lose running mate and former University of Cal teammate Jaylinn Hawkins, but will now get to work alongside three-time first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard. The 32-year old, who Mike Vrabel has described as having a “very calm, confident demeanor” while be a key mentor for Woodson early in his career. Byard’s work in the deep part of the field may also free Woodson up to play closer to the line of scrimmage at times next season.

ED Elijah Ponder & ED Bradyn Swinson: New England released Anfernee Jennings on Wednesday and saw K’Lavon Chaisson then sign with the Washington Commanders. Even after adding Dre’Mont Jones on the first day of the legal tampering period, the Patriots have much work to do along the edge. Where the group stands now, however, thrusts second year players Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson into elevated roles on the depth chart. Ponder, a favorite of outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, could especially be in the team’s plans as a rotational rusher next season.

Losers

S Dell Pettus& LB Marte Mapu: Beyond the addition of Byard, the Patriots also signed safety Mike Brown after the start of the league new year. Brown was with Mike Vrabel and special teams coach Tom Quinn for over a year in Tennessee where he served as a key special teamer — which included spending most of the 2023 season as the team’s personnel protector on punt coverage. In New England, that role was held by Marte Mapu last season and Dell Pettus the year prior, while Brown will also challenge Pettus on the safety depth chart.

Newly signed safety Mike Brown (No. 44) was the Titans personal protector when healthy in his first full season under Mike Vrabel and special teams coordinator Tom Quinn. pic.twitter.com/zTtM5Ebhdk

— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) March 12, 2026

TE C.J. Dippre: A 2025 UDFA, Dippre started his rookie year on the practice squad before earning a spot on the 53-man roster — where he was active for just two games. Entering the offseason, Dippre slotted in as the top tight end under contract behind Hunter Henry. That was until Wednesday when the Patriots made a three-year commitment (pending guarantees) to Julian Hill, who’s primary strengths overlap with Dippre as a blocking tight end. The Patriots are now also expected to target the position in the draft.

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