Formula 1 sensation
At 19, Antonelli replaces a legend
Updated March 29, 2026 – 10:27 amReading time: 2 minutes
In Japan, Kimi Antonelli wins despite a very weak start and also benefits from an accident. With his victory, the Italian also sets a record.
Young Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli has won the Japanese Grand Prix. The Italian triumphed ahead of Oscar Piastri in the McLaren and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. The previous World Championship leader George Russell in the second Mercedes only came fourth.
Antonelli, who had secured pole position in qualifying on Saturday, got off to a very weak start and fell from first place to sixth place. Later in the race, however, he benefited from a safety car at the right time, which had to come after Haas driver Oliver Bearman had a serious accident, allowing Antonelli to make a pit stop without losing much time and thus putting him back in the lead. Teammate Russell, however, had recently changed his tires and fell back.
With his victory, Antonelli also jumps to the top of the overall World Cup standings. At just 19 years and 216 days, the Italian is the youngest World Championship leader in Formula 1 history and replaces Lewis Hamilton, who first conquered the top of the overall standings in 2007 at the age of 22 years and 126 days.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen, who had won in Japan for the past four years, had to settle for eighth place in the Red Bull. Audi driver Nico Hülkenberg crossed the finish line in eleventh place.
Formula 1 is now taking an involuntary long break. Because of the war in the Middle East, the guest appearances in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia planned for April were canceled. The race in Miami will not continue until May 3rd.
