Kimi Antonelli became the youngest Formula 1 championship leader after dominating the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, taking the points lead at just 19 years old. The Italian scored 20 points to overtake his Mercedes teammate George Russell, 28, who finished fourth, leaving Antonelli with 72 points to Russell’s 63 after only three of 22 races in the 2026 season.
Antonelli’s podium celebration was unusual, as he could not partake in the customary Champagne due to Japan’s legal drinking age of 20 and instead received an unlabeled bottle believed to be sparkling water. Despite the victory, Antonelli emphasized staying focused. Oscar Piastri of McLaren and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the podium, while reigning champion Lando Norris finished fifth.
The race saw Antonelli recover from a poor start that dropped him from pole to sixth, eventually benefiting from a safety car that allowed a strategic pit stop to seize the lead. Russell, who had initially challenged for first, was hindered by the timing of the safety car and a normal pit stop. Mercedes has dominated early in the season, but Antonelli’s performance signals a rising challenge.
McLaren found hope as Piastri, who missed the first two races of 2026, ran near the front before the safety car intervention. He ultimately finished second, noting he could have kept Russell behind without the interruption.
A major crash on Lap 22 involved Haas driver Ollie Bearman and Alpine’s Franco Colapinto. Bearman lost control and hit the barriers but sustained only a minor knee contusion, while Colapinto was cleared of fault. Drivers criticized 2026’s new regulations for increasing accident risks, particularly due to changes in electrical energy deployment and harvesting.
The FIA said a structured review of the new rules is planned before the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, stressing safety remains a top priority. Two April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to the Middle East conflict, leaving a five-week gap before the next event.
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