Summary of this article
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix 2026, his second consecutive victory
Oscar Piastri finished second for McLaren, while Charles Leclerc secured third for Ferrari
George Russell, Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completed the top six
Kimi Antonelli continued his dominant start to the new Formula 1 season with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix 2026 at Suzuka on Sunday. This marked his second consecutive win of the season, moving the young Italian clear to the top of the drivers’ standings with 72 points. Mercedes continued their perfect record with wins in all three races so far.
The 19-year-old Mercedes driver finished ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completing the podium. Antonelli’s teammate George Russell took fourth, followed by Lando Norris in fifth and Lewis Hamilton in sixth.
Antonelli’s win at Suzuka followed his breakthrough win in China two weeks ago, where he became the second-youngest race winner in F1 history. He also took pole in that race – the youngest ever to do so.
Antonelli Recovers After Poor Start
Despite starting from pole, Antonelli lost ground early and dropped to sixth after the opening lap, with Piastri surging past both Mercedes drivers into Turn 1.
The rookie responded with a recovery drive, regaining track position steadily before taking the lead on lap 22. He was aided in this pursuit by a safety car triggered when Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed into the barriers. Bearman was later confirmed to be in good condition.
Mercedes Dominance, Ferrari Improvement
Mercedes’ strong start to the 2026 campaign has continued as they reap the rewards of the new regulations. Russell won the season opener in Australia and finished second in China, and Antonelli has now delivered two wins.
The new cars this season feature a 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, alongside lighter, narrower and shorter designs.
Ferrari have also been more competitive. Hamilton, who failed to secure a podium last season, finished third in China and came close again in Japan, while Leclerc secured third place at Suzuka.
Formula 1 now enters a five-week break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The next race is set for May 3 in Miami.
