Mercedes starlet Kimi Antonelli makes F1 history with Japanese Grand Prix triumph

Kimi Antonelli is the new leader of the world drivers’ championship after winning the Japanese Grand Prix, making it three out of three for the Brackley-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.

In doing so, the 19-year-old becomes the youngest-ever leader of the drivers’ standings and the first under the age of 20.

SUZUKA, JAPAN - MARCH 29: Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team lifts his trophy on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 29, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

placeholder image — SUZUKA, JAPAN - MARCH 29: Race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team lifts his trophy on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 29, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)

Antonelli converted Saturday’s pole position to take the flag first in Suzuka for maximum points, though it wasn’t a straightforward race.

As was the case in Australia, Antonelli lost a whole host of positions on the opening lap, struggling with the complicated new start procedure. Antonelli dropped from first to sixth.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri led into the first corner after overtaking both Antonelli and George Russell, and the Australian managed to maintain his place in P1 for a decent stint on the medium tyre.

But a heavy crash for Haas driver Oliver Bearman on lap 21, immediately after Piastri and Russell had pitted, arrived at the perfect time for Antonelli to regain the lead.

Antonelli, losing 10 fewer seconds during his stop, came back out of the pits in P1, ahead of Piastri and Russell. The teenager then sailed off into the Japanese sunset, crossing the line with a comfortable 13-second margin.

“I’m so proud of the team for such a strong weekend in a special place like Suzuka,” Antonelli posted to Instagram.

“Lucky with how things played out with the safety car, but the pace was mega. We made a good recovery after the bad start.

“With a long break now, there’s plenty of time to work on my starts and come back stronger.”

Of course, Antonelli’s successful start to the 2026 campaign - as well as the 63 points claimed by teammate Russell - would not be possible without the terrific work from those at the Mercedes factories.

Brackley acts as the technical hub for the design, development, and manufacture of the chassis, whereas those in Brixworth are responsible for the power unit.

“Thank you so much to all the people that are making this season special, both in Brackley and Brixworth, the fans at home and my family. Grazie,” Antonelli added.

F1 now heads into an unforeseen five-week break, owing to the postponements of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.