Antonelli Wins Japanese GP 2026: Mercedes Dominates at Suzuka

Kimi Antonelli took his second consecutive victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. The young Italian Mercedes driver finished 13 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). Max Verstappen had a weekend to forget, finishing P8. Antonelli leads the championship with 72 points.

🏎️ Antonelli Unstoppable at Suzuka

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka Circuit confirmed what has been building: Kimi Antonelli is Formula 1's newest star. The 19-year-old Italian, in his first full season with Mercedes, won for the second consecutive race after his victory in China two weeks ago.

📊 Full Results

Antonelli crossed the line with a 13.7-second lead over Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who earned a deserved P2. Charles Leclerc completed the podium for Ferrari, with George Russell — Antonelli's teammate — in P4.

The big surprise was Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion, who dominated F1 in previous years, could only manage P8 in his Red Bull, over 32 seconds behind the winner. Red Bull Racing is struggling with the new 2026 technical regulations and Verstappen sits a worrying ninth in the championship with just 12 points.

🏆 Championship Standings (after 3 races)

• 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — 72 pts
• 2. George Russell (Mercedes) — 63 pts
• 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — 49 pts
• 4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — 41 pts
• 5. Lando Norris (McLaren) — 25 pts
• 6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — 21 pts
• 7. Oliver Bearman (Haas) — 17 pts
• 8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) — 15 pts
• 9. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 12 pts

Mercedes: The Team to Beat in 2026

With 135 combined points, Mercedes comfortably leads the constructors' championship. Antonelli has won 2 of 3 races and Russell won the opener in Australia. Ferrari is second with Leclerc and Hamilton fighting hard, but Mercedes appears to have the most complete package.

🚛 What Does F1 Have to Do With Trucking?

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Sources: Formula1.com, FIA, Motorsport.com