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Antonelli Proves It Was No Fluke with Victory in Japan
Antonelli capitalized on a safety car after Bearman's crash to claim his second consecutive victory and lead the championship by nine points, the youngest ever to do so.
- On Sunday, Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix, securing his second consecutive victory and becoming the first teenager to lead the Formula 1 world championship at 19 years old.
- A lap 22 safety car period following Ollie Bearman's crash at the Spoon Curve proved decisive; Antonelli utilized the neutralisation for a free pit-stop, allowing him to leapfrog rivals and assume the lead.
- Teammate George Russell dropped to fourth after the restart, ultimately finishing behind Charles Leclerc. Russell yelled "Unbelievable" over the radio after the safety car cost him track position.
- McLaren's Oscar Piastri crossed the line 13.7 seconds behind Antonelli to secure second place. The victory creates a 13-point championship swing in favor of Antonelli over Russell.
- Mercedes has now claimed three victories in the first three races of 2026, establishing early dominance. Max Verstappen struggled to eighth place as the team's drivers controlled the front row.
61 Articles
61 Articles
After his second GP victory in a row, Kimi Antonelli is showered with praise hymns.
Already winner of the previous race, in China, the young Italian rider of the Mercedes team won the race on Sunday on the Suzuka circuit, becoming the youngest leader of the world drivers' championship, at the age of 19.
The nineteen-year-old Italian won the Japanese Grand Prix after China, and the decisive moment of the race was brought by the safety car after Oliver Bearman's accident.
Mercedes shooting star Kimi Antonelli continues to make a sensation. The 19-year-old also benefits from the safety car in Suzuka. Oliver Bearman's serious accident calls the critics of the new regulations on the plan.
Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli Wins Again To Extend F1 Championship Lead
Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli claimed his second straight victory at Suzuka to lead the drivers’ standings, with Mercedes extending their perfect start and Ferrari showing progress
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