F1 Japanese Gp Apr 2026

Defending champion Max Verstappen endured a "midfield battle," failing to reach Q3 and finishing a distant eighth behind Alpine's Pierre Gasly. 2026 Japanese Grand Prix Final Classification Time/Retired Kimi Antonelli 1:28:03.403 Oscar Piastri Charles Leclerc George Russell Lando Norris Lewis Hamilton Pierre Gasly Max Verstappen Liam Lawson Racing Bulls Esteban Ocon

On Lap 22, Haas' Oliver Bearman suffered a 50G impact at Turn 13 after a high-speed speed differential incident with Franco Colapinto. The resulting Safety Car gifted Antonelli a "cheap" pit stop, allowing him to leapfrog leaders who had already pitted under green-flag conditions. F1 Japanese GP

Watch the official highlights of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix to see Antonelli's strategic recovery and the race-defining Safety Car period: Watch the official highlights of the 2026 Japanese

The at Suzuka Circuit was won by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli , who made history as the youngest driver to ever lead the Formula 1 World Drivers' Championship. Antonelli secured his second consecutive victory of the season despite a poor start that initially saw him drop from pole position to sixth. Race Summary and Key Moments With this win

The race featured dramatic shifts in momentum, primarily driven by a high-impact crash and strategic tire calls.

With this win, 19-year-old Antonelli became the youngest-ever championship leader, surpassing previous records and leading teammate George Russell by nine points.