The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix confirmed what the first two races had suggested: Andrea Kimi Antonelli is indeed the absolute revelation of this new era of Formula 1. In Suzuka, the Mercedes driver claimed his second consecutive victory, taking the lead in the World Championship at just 19 years old.

Starting from pole position, Antonelli had a disastrous start, dropping to 6th place in the first few corners. But the race turned on lap 22 with the deployment of the safety car, triggered by Oliver Bearman’s major crash at Spoon Curve. Mercedes perfectly seized the opportunity: Antonelli pitted at the right moment, re-emerged in the lead, and then maintained an untouchable pace until the finish. He won in 1h28’03″403, more than 13 seconds ahead, despite some caution orders near the end of the race. He thus becomes the youngest championship leader in F1 history.

Second, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) secured his first podium of the season after leading the race at the start. For McLaren, this result is a relief after very challenging weekends in Australia and China.

Charles Leclerc completes the podium for Ferrari after a solid and defensive race, notably against George Russell, whom he brilliantly fended off in the final laps. Lewis Hamilton finished 6th, lagging behind on this very demanding track.

The safety car completely changed the race scenario by favoring Antonelli and those who had not yet pitted.

Bearman’s accident (Haas) was severe, but the driver fortunately emerged unharmed after medical examinations.

Pierre Gasly (Alpine) had an excellent race and finished 7th, defending until the end against Max Verstappen, who only finished 8th after starting outside the top 10.

Esteban Ocon scored his first point of the season with 10th place.