SUZUKA, Japan (AP) – Kimi Antonelli, a 19-year-old Italian driver for Mercedes, secured his second consecutive victory in the Formula 1 season by winning the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
He finished ahead of Oscar Piastri from McLaren, marking a significant achievement in his early racing career.
In the race results, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari placed third, while George Russell of Mercedes took fourth. McLaren’s Lando Norris finished fifth, and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari came in sixth at the Suzuka circuit, which enjoyed clear skies and a sunny spring afternoon.
Antonelli’s Rising Star
Antonelli’s victory follows his first career win in China two weeks prior, making him the second-youngest winner in Formula 1 history. Max Verstappen holds the record as the youngest winner, achieving that feat in 2016 at the age of 18. Additionally, Antonelli made history as the youngest driver to start from pole position in China.
Mercedes Dominance
With Antonelli’s recent success, Mercedes has now won all three races of the 2026 season, with Antonelli claiming two victories. He started the race from pole position alongside Russell, but both drivers struggled at the start, allowing Piastri to take the lead early on.
Championship Standings
As a result of his performance, Antonelli now leads the championship standings with a total of 72 points. The Formula 1 season will take a five-week break, with upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The next scheduled race is set for May 3 in Miami.
Technical Changes in F1
This season’s car configuration features a balanced blend of internal combustion and electrical battery power, alongside significant design changes that have resulted in lighter, narrower, and shorter cars. Many drivers have voiced concerns regarding these radical adjustments, which mark the most significant changes in a decade.
Race Highlights
Piastri’s strong start placed him in the lead, while Antonelli fell to sixth position after the first lap but managed to recover. He regained the lead on the 22nd lap, just before a safety car was deployed following an incident involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman, who lost control and crashed into a tire barrier. Bearman was later reported to be in good condition by medical personnel.
Hamilton’s Performance
Lewis Hamilton, who did not achieve a podium finish last season while driving for Ferrari, secured third place in China and showed signs of competitiveness in Japan, further indicating that Ferrari has improved from last season.