Kimi Antonelli underlined his remarkable start to the 2026 Formula 1 season with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.
In the process, he became the youngest driver to lead the world championship.
The 19-year-old Mercedes man secured his second consecutive win after a dramatic race at Suzuka, but it was far from straightforward.
Starting from pole, Antonelli had a poor start, dropping down the order as Oscar Piastri surged into the lead at Turn 1, with Charles Leclerc also moving ahead in the early stages.
Antonelli eventually regrouped and the race settled into a strategic battle at the front.
Piastri controlled the opening stint as George Russell applied pressure behind, while Antonelli worked his way back into contention.
Safety car gives momentum to Mercedes
The turning point came when a heavy crash for Oliver Bearman brought out the safety car.
That timing proved decisive as Antonelli was able to pit and emerge in a strong position, effectively gaining track advantage over his rivals.
On the restart, the Italian was in control – he pulled clear of Piastri and managed the race calmly to the chequered flag, showing composure beyond his years.
Piastri finished second to claim his first podium of the season, while Leclerc held off a late challenge from Russell to secure third.
Russell ultimately had to settle for fourth after an ill-timed stop before the safety car cost him a chance to fight for victory.
Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completed the top six.
READ MORE: Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham by mutual consent after just seven games in charge
Antonelli reflects on a historic victory
Antonelli’s win not only extended his early-season momentum, but also made history.
At just 19, he became the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, underlining both his talent and Mercedes’ strong start to the new campaign.
Two wins from the opening three races have announced his arrival as a genuine title contender.
“It feels pretty good! Of course, it’s too early to think about the championship, but we are on a good way,” Antonelli said post-race.
“I had a terrible start. I need to check what happened. Then I was lucky with the safety car to be in the lead, but then the pace was incredible.
“It was really nice. The second stint I felt very good with the car. I’m very pleased with that.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Ben White goes from saint to sinner as England draw with Uruguay
Bearman crash raises fresh safety concerns
Beyond the result, the race raised wider concerns.
Bearman’s high-speed crash prompted fresh debate over the current regulations and closing speeds between cars, with drivers calling for urgent review ahead of the next round.
The Haas driver went onto the grass and spun at over 190mph while trying to avoid Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, who was slowing on the flat-out run towards Spoon Curve.
Bearman then slammed into the barriers in a heavy 50G impact, underlining the severity of the incident.
The FIA has since confirmed they will reassess the 2026 regulations, with meetings scheduled for April to analyse the incident and wider data, particularly around energy deployment and speed differentials.
READ NEXT: White House to host UFC fight card
SportJustSport writers