Kimi Antonelli Wins Japanese Grand Prix to Lead F1 Championship
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on March 29, 2026, marking his second consecutive win. The Italian teenager overcame a poor start and benefited from a safety car period triggered by Oliver Bearman's crash. Antonelli now leads the drivers' championship, becoming the youngest leader in Formula 1 history. The race saw Oscar Piastri finish second for McLaren and Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari. The next event is scheduled for Miami in early May following the cancellation of races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Key facts
- Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix on March 29, 2026
- Antonelli now leads the F1 drivers' championship as the youngest leader ever
- The safety car period due to Oliver Bearman's crash influenced the race outcome
- Oscar Piastri finished second and Charles Leclerc third
- The next race is in Miami after a five-week break due to cancelled Middle East events
Entities
Institutions
- Mercedes
- McLaren
- Ferrari
- Haas
- Alpine
- Red Bull
- Racing Bulls
- Aston Martin
- Cadillac
- Williams
- Audi
Locations
- Suzuka
- Japan
- Miami
- Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia