2026 Japanese Grand Prix Review: Antonelli Makes History at Suzuka

Kimi Antonelli delivered a masterclass at Suzuka on 29 March 2026, winning the Japanese Grand Prix to become the youngest driver in Formula 1 history to lead the Drivers' Championship. The 19-year-old Italian overcame a dreadful start to claim a dominant second consecutive victory for Mercedes.

A Rocky Start Turned Triumph

Antonelli started from pole but immediately found himself in trouble at the opening corner, dropping to sixth place in the opening moments. His George Russell also lost ground at the start, leaving both Mercedes drivers with work to do.

The Italian, however, was in blistering form. He scythed his way back through the field on raw pace alone, and by the midpoint of the race he was right back in the mix.

Bearman's 50G Crash Changes Everything

On Lap 22, Oliver Bearman suffered a horrifying 50G crash at the Spoon Curve. The Haas driver had taken to the grass to avoid a closing-speed situation with Franco Colapinto's Alpine in front, and the resulting impact was enormous.

Bearman was fortunately able to walk away with only a right knee contusion and no fractures, but the Safety Car that followed proved decisive for the race outcome. The FIA later confirmed it would review closing speed concerns around the 2026 power unit regulations.

The Pit Stop That Won the Race

Mercedes reacted perfectly to the Safety Car, bringing Antonelli in for a fresh set of tyres. He rejoined in the lead and never looked back.

From the restart, Antonelli was untouchable. He crossed the line 13 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri in second, with Charles Leclerc holding off Russell to claim third. It was a stunning display of composure from someone still in his teens.

Piastri and McLaren Finally on the Board

Piastri's P2 was welcome relief for McLaren, marking the team's first podium of the 2026 campaign. Lando Norris added more points with fifth place, giving the Woking outfit a solid double points finish.

Lewis Hamilton crossed the line sixth for Ferrari after a measured drive, while Pierre Gasly delivered another strong result in seventh for Alpine.

Verstappen Struggles Continue

Max Verstappen took eighth for Red Bull, but the defending champion continues to look out of sorts with the RB22. He finds himself ninth in the championship, behind both Bearman and Gasly, with Red Bull well adrift of the front-runners.

Liam Lawson picked up two points in ninth for Racing Bulls, and Esteban Ocon rescued the final point in tenth for Haas despite his team-mate's earlier retirement.

Championship Standings After Round 3

Drivers' Championship

  1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 72 pts
  2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 63 pts
  3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 49 pts
  4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 41 pts
  5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 25 pts
  6. Oliver Bearman (Haas) - 17 pts
  7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 15 pts
  8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 18 pts
  9. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 12 pts
  10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 10 pts

Constructors' Championship

  1. Mercedes - 135 pts
  2. Ferrari - 90 pts
  3. McLaren - 56 pts
  4. Haas - 17 pts
  5. Red Bull - 16 pts

Looking Ahead: The Miami Grand Prix

Formula 1 heads to the Hard Rock Stadium circuit in Miami on 1-3 May for Round 4. With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races having been cancelled earlier in the year, Miami offers the next chance to see whether Antonelli can extend his championship lead or if Russell and the Ferrari drivers can close the gap.

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