Historic triumph at Suzuka. Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest leader in Formula 1 history

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix will forever be etched in motorsport history as the moment a new generation took the helm.

Details: 19-year-old Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed his second career victory, turning the race at Suzuka into a showcase for the Mercedes team. This success not only put the junior driver at the top of the overall standings, but also shattered a longstanding record by making him the youngest leader of the Formula 1 World Championship in history.

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Antonelli’s road to victory was nothing short of dramatic. Starting from pole, the Italian and his teammate George Russell both stumbled at the start, allowing rivals from McLaren and Ferrari to surge ahead. It looked like the initiative had slipped away, but the turning point came on lap 22. A crash involving Oliver Bearman and the ensuing safety car deployment gave Mercedes strategists the perfect window for a pit stop. Returning to the track in the lead, Antonelli unleashed phenomenal pace, building a commanding 10-second gap to second-placed Oscar Piastri by the finish.

Completing the podium was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who fended off a determined challenge from George Russell in a tense late-race battle.

Reminder: A serious crash occurred at the Japanese Grand Prix. Oliver Bearman crashed out, triggering the safety car.