Antonelli Wins Japanese GP, Claims Second Straight Victory

Kimi Antonelli continued his remarkable rise in Formula 1, securing his second consecutive win with a dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The 19-year-old Italian driver for Mercedes crossed the finish line 13.7 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium, followed by Mercedes teammate George Russell in fourth. Lando Norris finished fifth, while Lewis Hamilton took sixth at Suzuka on a clear spring afternoon.

Antonelli’s win follows his maiden victory in China just two weeks ago, where he also started from pole. At 19, he is already one of the youngest winners in F1 history, second only to Max Verstappen.

Mercedes in Control

With Russell winning the season opener in Australia and finishing second in China, Mercedes has now taken victory in all three races of the 2026 season.

Although Antonelli started from pole in Japan, both Mercedes drivers struggled off the line, allowing Piastri to take the early lead. However, Antonelli quickly recovered, showcasing Mercedes’ strong adaptation to the new 2026 regulations.

This year’s cars feature major changes, including a 50-50 split between combustion and electric power, as well as lighter and more compact designs, adjustments that many drivers have found challenging.

Break in the Season

Formula 1 will now pause for five weeks, as races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been canceled due to the war in Iran. The next race is scheduled for May 3 in Miami.

Antonelli now leads the drivers’ standings with 72 points, becoming the youngest driver ever to top the championship.

“It’s too early to think about the title, but we’re on the right path,” Antonelli said. “My start wasn’t good, that’s something I need to improve because it can decide races.”