Antonelli overcomes awful start to win F1 Japanese Grand Prix
Italian Formula 1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of team Mercedes drives during the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Grand Prix Circuit. George Hitchens/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli overcame an awful start and the loss of five positions to win the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The Italian started from pole position but couldn't react quickly once the lights went out and dropped down to sixth, with Oscar Piastri of McLaren taking the lead.
He then began a recovery race, reaching fourth by lap 11 and before the first and only round of pit stops. The leading pack, including team-mate George Russell, had already pitted for new tyres when the safety car was deployed on lap 22 after Oliver Bearman crashed his Haas into the wall. Antonelli, who was leading the race at this point, was benefited by the situation, as his pit stop didn't cost his him position.
Once the safety car was called back in, the Italian had a great restart to open a comfortable gap, cruise to a second consecutive win and take the lead in the drivers' championship standings. "I was lucky with the safety car, but it was unbelievable in the end," he said over the radio after crossing the finish line. Piastri finished second, a refreshing result after he failed to even start the first two races in Australia and China.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari completed the podium in third. Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri of team McLaren drives during the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Grand Prix Circuit. George Hitchens/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa