RACE REPORT | F1 Japan 2026

Kimi Antonelli claimed a controlled victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, making the most of a perfectly timed Safety Car to move nine points clear of George Russell in the championship, with his team-mate finishing just outside the podium.

The Mercedes driver once again showed strong race management at Suzuka, turning a challenging start into another impressive win. Despite lining up on pole, Antonelli did not launch well and slipped down to sixth, while Oscar Piastri took the early lead.

After five laps, the order stood as follows: Piastri, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Antonelli, Hamilton, Gasly, Lindblad, Verstappen and Ocon.

As the race unfolded, pit stop timing became decisive. While drivers like Piastri and Russell chose to stop earlier, others – including Antonelli – stayed out longer, extending their opening stints to try and gain track position.

The key moment arrived on lap 22, when Oliver Bearman crashed at Spoon Corner, bringing out the Safety Car. The neutralisation allowed several drivers to pit with minimal time loss, significantly shaking up the order.

Antonelli capitalised on the situation brilliantly. After his stop, he emerged with the effective lead and managed the restart cleanly, keeping Piastri behind.

Soon after the restart, Hamilton overtook Russell for third, and Leclerc also found a way past the Mercedes driver shortly after. However, Hamilton was unable to hold position and later dropped behind both Leclerc and Russell.

At the front, Antonelli steadily increased his advantage, while the fight for third intensified. Leclerc and Russell battled closely for the final podium spot, with the Ferrari driver ultimately holding off repeated pressure.

Further down the order, Norris delivered a standout move in the closing laps, passing Hamilton at the final chicane to take fifth place. Antonelli crossed the finish line ahead of Piastri and Leclerc, with Russell in fourth. Norris, Hamilton, Gasly, Verstappen, Lawson and Esteban Ocon completed the top ten.

The result puts Antonelli at the top of the championship standings with a nine-point margin over Russell, confirming both his excellent form and Mercedes’ strong start to the season.

2026 Japanese Grand Prix results:

1st – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2nd – Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +13.722
3rd – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +15.270
4th – George Russell (Mercedes) – +15.754
5th – Lando Norris (McLaren) – +23.479
6th – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +25.037
7th – Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +32.340
8th – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – +32.677
9th – Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +50.180
10th – Esteban Ocon (Haas) – +51.216
11th – Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – +52.280
12th – Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing) – +56.154
13th – Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – +59.078
14th – Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – +59.848
15th – Carlos Sainz (Williams) – +1:05.008
16th – Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – +1:05.773
17th – Sergio Perez (Cadillac) – +1:32.453
18th – Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +1 lap
19th – Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – +1 lap
20th – Alexander Albon (Williams) – +2 laps

DNF – Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
DNF – Oliver Bearman (Haas)