Antonelli moves into F1 lead after Japanese GP win

• Photo courtesy of F1

Kimi Antonelli moved to the top of the Formula One drivers’ standings after securing victory at the Japanese Grand Prix 2026.

The 19-year-old Mercedes driver completed the race in 1:28:03.403, finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.

The result pushed Antonelli into the early championship lead, placing him among the youngest drivers to top the standings in Formula One.

Despite the milestone, Antonelli downplayed its significance, noting that the season remains in its early stages and that consistency will be key as more races unfold.

George Russell finished fourth, followed by Lando Norris in fifth and Lewis Hamilton in sixth. Max Verstappen placed eighth.

With only a handful of races completed, the standings remain fluid, with several drivers still within range as the season progresses.