2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Recap

By Ryan Wu

Clearly not satisfied with ‘just’ being one of the youngest drivers to win an F1 Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli can now add ‘The first teenager to win back-to-back races’ and the youngest ever Championship leader to his resume. Not bad for a driver who won’t even be legally allowed to drink at the location of the next race in Miami. Oscar Piastri rebounded beautifully with a second-placed finish (and completed his first Grand Prix lap of the season to boot) while Charles Leclerc rounded out the podium positions.

Race Recap

Starting from third, Oscar Piastri caught the Mercedes duo of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell off guard as he stormed off the line to take the lead before the first corner.

The speed of the Mercedes was again on display as Antonelli quickly clawed back positions, overtaking Lewis Hamilton on lap 2 to fight his way up to fifth.

Up ahead, George Russell took the lead on lap 8 as he sliced through the leaders. However, the importance of battery conservation was on full display, and Piastri quickly retook the lead as the “pass and repass” pattern of this generation of F1 cars showed itself throughout the race.

Mercedes opted to pit Russell ahead of Antonelli, but a safety car on lap 22, triggered by an Oliver Bearman crash while attempting to pass Franco Colapinto, favored the young Italian and drew visible ire from Russell over the radio as Antonelli was able to get a “free stop.”

Russell struggled after the safety car period as he was noticeably down on power, resulting in him losing position to Charles Leclerc and dropping to fifth.

A great duel once again unfolded between the two Ferraris, with Lewis Hamilton and Leclerc battling for third throughout the latter stages of the race.

Hamilton ultimately lost positions to both Lando Norris and George Russell, finishing sixth.

Max Verstappen Openly Questions Future in Formula 1

Despite the team bringing upgrades to the Suzuka Circuit, Max Verstappen was unable to compete once again. The Dutchman qualified in 11th and ultimately finished the race in eighth place. He has been the loudest critic among drivers against the new engine regulations, going as far as to say “This is not racing.”

Verstappen is well known for his interests across other motorsport disciplines, from pulling all-nighters doing virtual racing, to recently winning (and then being disqualified) the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Following the race in Japan, he said that while he remains fully committed to the sport, he may not be going about it in the healthiest way given the challenging period for the team. His current contract runs through 2028, but he would not be the first, nor the last high-profile athlete to walk away early.

Racing Refresh Driver of the Day

Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Final Points Finishing Positions

1st:  Kimi Antonelli

2nd: Oscar Piastri

3rd: Charles Leclerc

4th: George Russell

5th: Lando Norris

6th: Lewis Hamilton

7th: Pierre Gasly

8th: Max Verstappen

9th: Liam Lawson

10th: Esteban Ocon

Next on the F1 Schedule:

Miami Grand Prix: May 1st-3rd