Kimi Antonelli continued his remarkable rise in Formula One, winning the Japanese Grand Prix to secure his second straight victory and move to the top of the 2026 drivers’ standings. At just 19, the Mercedes driver became the youngest championship leader in F1 history, taking his tally to 72 points after three races.
Starting from pole position, Antonelli endured a difficult opening lap, dropping down to sixth after being overtaken into Turn 1. However, the Italian steadily rebuilt his race, climbing back through the field with consistent lap pace and smart tyre management. He eventually took control of the race after a perfectly timed pit stop under the safety car and crossed the finish line 13.7 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri.
Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari, while Antonelli’s teammate George Russell came home fourth to maintain Mercedes’ strong start to the season. Lando Norris finished fifth, followed by Lewis Hamilton in sixth as Ferrari showed improved competitiveness compared to last season.
The turning point came on lap 22 when Oliver Bearman crashed heavily after running onto the grass while chasing Franco Colapinto, triggering a safety car. With several frontrunners, including Russell, having already pitted, Antonelli was able to stop under the safety car and retain track position, effectively sealing control of the race.
“I was lucky with the safety car but the pace was unbelievable in the end,” Antonelli said over team radio after the race, highlighting both the strategic break and his strong closing stint.
The win also marked a historic milestone, as Antonelli became the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win back-to-back Formula One races. It followed his maiden victory in China, where he had also started from pole, making him one of the youngest race winners in the sport’s history.
HOW MERCEDES EXTENDED DOMINANCE
Mercedes have made a flawless start to the 2026 season, winning all three races so far and establishing early control in both championships.
Antonelli now leads the standings with 72 points, holding a nine-point advantage over Russell, who has been consistently finishing in the top four. Between them, the Mercedes duo have combined for two wins, a second-place finish, and multiple strong point hauls, giving the team a clear edge over rivals.
The team’s success has been built on their rapid adaptation to the new 2026 regulations, which feature a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power. Their car has shown superior balance, tyre management, and straight-line efficiency compared to competitors.
Antonelli’s recovery drive at Suzuka further underlined the car’s strength. Despite dropping to sixth on the opening lap, he was able to regain positions through pace alone before benefiting from strategy, ultimately dominating the final stint of the race.
SAFETY CAR SWINGS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
While Antonelli capitalised on the timing of the safety car, several drivers were left ruing lost opportunities.
Russell’s early pit stop proved costly, dropping him out of contention for victory despite strong pace throughout the race. Norris, who also gained track position under the safety car, was unable to convert it into a podium finish.
The race was briefly neutralised following Bearman’s crash, which resulted in a right knee contusion but no fractures, according to team updates. The incident highlighted the fine margins at Suzuka, where high-speed sections punish even the smallest errors.
Further down the order, Max Verstappen could only manage eighth place for Red Bull, while Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon rounded out the points.
Despite the interruptions and shifting strategies, Antonelli remained composed out front, managing the restart cleanly and pulling away in the closing laps. His second consecutive win not only strengthens his championship bid but also signals a potential changing of the guard in Formula One.
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