Kimi Antonelli continued his exceptional rise in Components One, profitable the Japanese Grand Prix to safe his second straight victory and transfer to the highest of the 2026 drivers’ standings. At simply 19, the Mercedes driver turned the youngest championship chief in F1 historical past, taking his tally to 72 factors after three races.
Ranging from pole place, Antonelli endured a tough opening lap, dropping right down to sixth after being overtaken into Flip 1. Nonetheless, the Italian steadily rebuilt his race, climbing again by means of the sphere with constant lap tempo and good tire administration. He ultimately took management of the race after a wonderfully timed pit cease below the protection automotive and crossed the end line 13.7 seconds forward of Oscar Piastri.
Charles Leclerc completed third for Ferrari, whereas Antonelli’s teammate George Russell got here dwelling fourth to take care of Mercedes’ sturdy begin to the season. Lando Norris completed fifth, adopted by Lewis Hamilton in sixth as Ferrari confirmed improved competitiveness in comparison with final season.
The turning level got here on lap 22 when Oliver Bearman crashed closely after operating onto the grass whereas chasing Franco Colapinto, triggering a security automotive. With a number of frontrunners, together with Russell, having already pitted, Antonelli was capable of cease below the protection automotive and retain observe place, successfully sealing management of the race.
“I used to be fortunate with the protection automotive however the tempo was unbelievable ultimately,” Antonelli mentioned over staff radio after the race, highlighting each the strategic break and his sturdy closing stint.
The win additionally marked a historic milestone, as Antonelli turned the primary Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win back-to-back Components One races. It adopted his maiden victory in China, the place he had additionally began from pole, making him one of many youngest race winners within the sport’s historical past.
HOW Mercedes prolonged dominance
Mercedes have made a flawless begin to the 2026 season, profitable all three races up to now and establishing early management in each championships.
Antonelli now leads the standings with 72 factors, holding a nine-point benefit over Russell, who has been persistently ending within the high 4. Between them, the Mercedes duo have mixed for 2 wins, a second-place end, and a number of sturdy level hauls, giving the staff a transparent edge over rivals.
The staff’s success has been constructed on their fast adaptation to the brand new 2026 rules, which function a 50-50 break up between inside combustion and electrical energy. Their automotive has proven superior steadiness, tire administration, and straight-line effectivity in comparison with rivals.
Antonelli’s restoration drive at Suzuka additional underlined the automotive’s power. Regardless of dropping to sixth on the opening lap, he was capable of regain positions by means of tempo alone earlier than benefiting from technique, in the end dominating the ultimate stint of the race.
SAFETY CAR SWINGS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Whereas Antonelli capitalized on the timing of the protection automotive, a number of drivers have been left ruining misplaced alternatives.
Russell’s early pit cease proved expensive, dropping him out of competition for victory regardless of sturdy tempo all through the race. Norris, who additionally gained observe place below the protection automotive, was unable to transform it right into a podium end.
The race was briefly neutralized following Bearman’s crash, which resulted in a proper knee contusion however no fractures, in line with staff updates. The incident highlighted the fantastic margins at Suzuka, the place high-speed sections punish even the smallest errors.
Additional down the order, Max Verstappen may solely handle eighth place for Pink Bull, whereas Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson and Esteban Ocon rounded out the factors.
Regardless of the interruptions and shifting methods, Antonelli remained composed out entrance, managing the restart cleanly and pulling away within the closing laps. His second consecutive win not solely strengthens his championship bid but additionally indicators a possible altering of the guard in Components One.
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