Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli took his second straight win in Formula 1 after recovering from a slow start in Suzuka.
Having found himself as low as sixth after a slow start, the 19-year-old made up ground before a safety car played into his hands.
It came after Oliver Bearman spun out and crashed his Haas the barriers at the Spoon hairpin.
Oscar Piastri in the McLaren finished second while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded up the podium.
Here’s how it happened.
Recent history in this grand prix belongs squarely to Max Verstappen, who won the last four from 2022-2025, but a fifth consecutive win on Sunday would have needed something quite extraordinary after Red Bull’s early struggles this season.
Mercedes fancied their chances of taking their third win out three this year with their drivers on the front row. In 2025, Antonelli broke two records in Japan, as the then-18-year-old became the youngest driver in history to set a fastest lap and lead a race.
An 18-turn course, Suzuka Circuit remains a fan favourite, known for its a unique ‘figure-of-eight’ layout — the only one of its kind on the calendar.
It’s a relentless test for drivers, especially through the “Esses” — Turns 3 through 6 — and the famous corners Spoon and 130R.
