Key moments
Kimi Antonelli has made headlines by winning the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, solidifying his status in Formula One. The race took place on March 29, 2026, and Antonelli’s victory marks his second consecutive win in the sport.
At just 19 years and 216 days old, Antonelli became the youngest driver to lead the Formula One world championship, breaking a record previously held by Lewis Hamilton since 2007. With this win, Antonelli now leads the drivers’ championship with 72 points, ahead of George Russell with 63 points and Charles Leclerc with 49 points.
The race was not without its drama, as Oliver Bearman suffered a significant crash, experiencing a 50G impact against the barriers. Fortunately, he emerged largely uninjured and was taken to the medical center for evaluation. The FIA has acknowledged the seriousness of Bearman’s incident and plans to review regulations in light of the crash.
Oscar Piastri finished in second place, while Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium in third. George Russell, despite expressing frustration over his recent luck, managed to secure a fourth-place finish.
“Wow. Fuck, our luck in these last two races,” Russell commented, reflecting on the challenges faced by his team. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s victory was seen as a fortunate turn of events for him, especially given Bearman’s crash.
The FIA has stated that meetings will be held to review new regulations before the next race in Miami in five weeks. This incident has raised concerns about driver safety and the need for potential changes in race protocols.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Antonelli as he aims to maintain his lead in the championship. With the pressure mounting, the upcoming races promise to be thrilling as drivers vie for the top spot.
Antonelli’s rise in the ranks of Formula One is a story to watch, and his performance in Japan has set the stage for an exciting championship battle ahead.
